CME’s Infrastructure Group convened in late February to identify the priority issues for the group to progress in 2022 and where CME advocacy support is needed. The most highly ranked issue was “difficulty getting a new energy project update and running”.
During discussion, members clarified issues being experienced primarily relate to the project approvals process (greenfield and brownfield) as well as the need for certainty to support investment in new generation. The issue of energy transition is complex and CME advocacy is also guided by our Natural Resources and Sustainability portfolio.
Within that portfolio, energy from a climate policy and approval perspective will continue to be covered through the CME Approvals Working Group and Climate and Energy Reference Group. Further to the workshop, the Economics and Productivity Committee Workplan has also been updated to include consideration of the energy transition from an economic perspective. Interested members are invited to nominate to these groups.
Expressions of interest sought for supply chain interest group
At the recent Infrastructure Reference Group Workshop, members also identified road and rail freight and access to land and seaside port infrastructure as priority issues and noted the opportunity for CME to advocate to address identified bottlenecks and propose efficiency enhancements through representation on the Freight and Logistics Council.
Subsequently, the State Government has also announced the establishment of a Shipping and Supply Chain Taskforce. The Taskforce will examine a range of matters including opportunities to develop multi-modal responsiveness towards disruptions in vital WA freight supply chains and opportunities to improve supply chain co-ordination and service quality at WA ports.
CME is calling for expressions of interest for a Supply Chain interest group to inform CME’s advocacy at these and other forums. The interest group will meet only as needed and will be CME’s primary mechanism for seeking member input on relevant issues and submissions. CME will also maintain an Aviation Interest Group for continued engagement with our airline members on relevant matters.
If your organisation has an interest in these areas, please send nominations for the Supply Chain Interest Group to Adrienne LaBombard, Manager – Industry Competitiveness, a.labombard@cmewa.com.
Western Power access arrangement review – expression of interest
CME is in the process of preparing a submission to the proposed revisions to access arrangements for the Western Power Network from the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA). The access arrangement document sets out the terms and conditions for Western Power’s direct customers for the 2022-23 to 2026-27 financial years, including prices.
Key changes identified in the ERA issues paper have primarily been brought about by significant shifts within the energy market, which in turn, may require changes to operational and capital investment to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the network. These include supporting substantive investments in network assets, the introduction of time of use tariffs, changes to the variable charge component, the potential for variation within the access arrangement due to some planning uncertainty, and improving connection application processes for large customers.
To express your interest in providing feedback for the Western Power Access Arrangement submission, please reach out to Liz Crompton, Policy Adviser – Industry Competitiveness (l.crompton@cmewa.com).
