The Australian Energy Market Operator has announced the appointment of the 2028 Integrated System Plan Consumer Panel. This is an independent advisory body that provides a consumer-focused perspective on Australia’s long-term energy planning.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has appointed Michael Swanston (Chair), Dr Jarra Hicks, Dr Edward Langham and Georgina Morris as members of the 2028 Integrated System Plan (ISP) Consumer Panel to engage with AEMO and represent consumers throughout the development of the 2028 ISP.
Dr Hicks will continue on the panel for a second term, while the remaining three members are newly appointed.
AEMO also thanked outgoing panel members Mark Henley, Beverley Hughson and Craig Memery for their contributions to the development of both the 2024 ISP and 2026 ISP over the past four years.
The panel’s primary focus in 2026 has been responding to the Draft 2026 ISP, delivering more than 50 recommendations across 12 key themes in a 90-page report.
ISP Consumer Panel members bring broad experience from across Australia’s energy sector, including transmission, distribution, generation, storage, regulation and consumer energy resources. The panel plays a key role in the ISP’s two-year development cycle by preparing formal reports at major milestones and regularly engaging with AEMO.
“The ISP Consumer Panel has an important role in making sure the perspectives of households, communities and businesses remain central to long-term energy planning,” Swanston said.
“Australians will ultimately fund and rely on the energy system being developed through the ISP process, so it is critical that decisions are practical, transparent and grounded in the long-term interests of consumers.”
The 2026 ISP Consumer Panel will remain in place until the publication of the 2026 ISP in June.
