EnergyCo has committed to collaborative change in partnership with the Energy Charter.
Energy powers every aspect of modern life. At EnergyCo, we aim to drive an affordable, reliable, sustainable energy future through innovative projects, trusted partnerships, and dedicated people. We enable NSW’s energy transition by delivering renewable energy zones (REZs) and priority network projects.
As CEO, I am deeply committed to ensuring this transition benefits consumers and the communities that host this critical infrastructure. With a career spanning energy, utilities, and carbon reduction in the UK and Australia, I am passionate about fostering collaboration and driving meaningful outcomes that leave a lasting legacy.
The Central-West Orana REZ is a prime example of the transformative potential of this work. This REZ is expected to deliver $3 billion in net benefits for energy consumers, while more than $20 billion in private investment will support the development of networks, generation and storage.
These projects will create 5,000 jobs during peak construction and reduce consumer bill impacts by more than $200 million, supported by $490 million in Clean Energy Finance Corporation investment. We aim to ensure these benefits extend to the local communities, creating a positive and enduring legacy.
EnergyCo has developed a Community and Employment Benefit Program for the Central-West Orana REZ to achieve this. Community groups, councils and First Nations organisations within the Central-West Orana region will be able to apply for $70 million in grants before construction starts and $128 million in the first four years. EnergyCo worked with regional communities to ensure the program reflects local priorities.
New South Wales has also introduced a Strategic Benefit Payments Scheme to directly support landowners hosting high-voltage infrastructure. Under this scheme, landowners will receive annual payments, reinforcing our commitment to sharing the benefits of the energy transition.
EnergyCo is proud to have joined the Energy Charter, which unites organisations across the energy sector under a shared vision: to create an energy system that works for everyone.
The Energy Charter’s principles guide our work, fostering transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on community outcomes.
Collaborating for a shared vision
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of these successes; for example, EnergyCo’s Waratah Super Battery exemplifies how government, private investors and network operators can come together to enhance grid reliability in innovative ways, enabled by advancements in battery technology and regulatory frameworks. Equally vital has been the engagement with local communities to ensure this project delivers value for consumers and the people in the region.
The Energy Charter’s members collaborate through groups like a CEO Council to drive measurable outcomes that benefit communities. This cooperation highlights the community’s recognition of the REZ’s importance for regional and environmental benefits.
EnergyCo has engaged with individual landholders more than 3600 times through face-to-face meetings, community information sessions and regular updates. In Central-West Orana, EnergyCo has reached an agreement with more than 97 per cent of private landowners to host critical transmission infrastructure for the REZ. We are committed to a thorough, respectful, and transparent process that ensures landholders feel heard, informed and supported.
This collaborative approach will also ensure we can more effectively respond to our communities’ evolving needs as the transition unfolds.
Fostering transparency and accountability are high priorities for EnergyCo. The Energy Charter’s Maturity Model provides strong principles to enhance our approach. It reinforces our commitment to high community engagement and environmental stewardship standards, ensuring we remain responsive to our communities.
Driving innovation
The #BetterTogether program is also a cornerstone of the Energy Charter. It enables organisations across the sector to work on shared challenges. We leverage #BetterTogether to address our state’s unique challenges. From delivering new energy supplies to creating pathways for community involvement, this program facilitates partnerships that help shape an energy transition for all.
Part of EnergyCo’s mandate is to foster support for the energy transition. We do this by ensuring benefits are not just secured but shared. Our Community and Employment Benefit Programs empower Aboriginal organisations, create local job opportunities, and enhance community infrastructure, ensuring the benefits of renewable energy development are shared equitably.
Joining the Energy Charter is a key milestone for EnergyCo. By delivering projects that benefit consumers, partnering with communities, government and industry, and putting people at the heart of the transition, we can help create an affordable, reliable, sustainable energy future for everyone in New South Wales.
About the Author
Hannah McCaughey is the CEO of EnergyCo. With a distinguished career in energy, utilities and carbon reduction in the UK and Australia, she is committed to fostering collaboration and ensuring the energy transition benefits communities, consumers and the environment.
