EnergyCo and ACEREZ have become members of the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON), which has expanded its jurisdiction to take complaints from landholders and community members impacted by renewable energy infrastructure.
EWON will provide a free, independent dispute resolution service for landholders and community members dissatisfied with how their complaints are handled by EnergyCo or ACEREZ, as well as Transgrid who is already a member of EWON.
EnergyCo is leading the design, delivery and coordination of renewable energy zones (REZs) as part of the New South Wales Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, including new network infrastructure required to connect generation projects within each REZ with the electricity grid.
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young, visited the Central-West Orana REZ in November 2024 to better understand the issues key stakeholders and communities are experiencing.
“It’s critical for us to know what is happening on the ground so that we can work with residents and energy companies to reach an agreed complaints outcome,” she said.
The November regional visit was the first of many, with a monthly EWON-led community engagement program being rolled out in the Central-West Orana REZ from February 2025.
“These projects will progress New South Wales Government’s net zero targets for 2030 and 2050,” Ms Young said.
“We can’t stop or delay these projects, but we can help people navigate the maze of different organisations that are involved in getting the transmission and network infrastructure delivered.”
EWON will provide a ‘no wrong door’ referral service for residents, connecting them with the most appropriate channels to address their complaints if they fall outside EWON jurisdiction.
EnergyCo Executive Director, Planning and Communities, Ash Albury, said landowners play a critical role in hosting electricity infrastructure projects that will deliver the energy transition.
“EnergyCo will always try to resolve any concerns through direct discussion, however offering an independent dispute resolution service will enhance our commitment to landowners and community members,” Mr Albury said.
ACEREZ is the preferred network operator to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network infrastructure.
ACEREZ CEO, Trevor Armstrong, said joining EWON was a significant milestone in encouraging transparency with the community.
“EWON’s reputation as a trusted, independent umpire is well established and we welcome the expansion of its services to include the transmission infrastructure in the Central-West Orana REZ,” Mr Armstrong said.
“We look forward to working closely with Ombudsman, Janine Young, and her team to ensure timely and transparent communication with our community members as we deliver the nation’s first REZ.”
Featured image: Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young, and ACEREZ CEO, Trevor Armstrong, review plans for ACEREZ’s workforce accommodation village at Merotherie. Image: EWON.
