17 June 2009
ACMA to present at Ergon Energy Smart Grid Conference
The Chairman of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Chris Chapman today welcomed Ergon Energy’s timely initiative to host a two day conference on ‘smart grids’ later this year.
The conference, to be held in Cairns, should give delegates from the power industry the opportunity to discuss spectrum access for smart grid technologies.
‘As Australia’s planner of the radiofrequency spectrum, ACMA has agreed to play a prominent role in the conference,’ Mr Chapman said.
‘ACMA will present on relevant topics and engage in discussion with electricity industry representatives on their spectrum needs, particularly for smart grids. A key issue for the Authority is whether to identify harmonised spectrum to build integrated national communications networks.
‘We are working together with a number of utilities around Australia to develop consistent approaches to smart grids to ensure maximum benefit and efficiencies for the industry and consumers.
‘Spectrum access will play an important part in delivering the benefits of smart grids and our expectation is to have a close and effective working relationship with the electricity industry Australia-wide as it works to define its spectrum requirements.’
The Ergon Smart Grid Conference will be held on 26-27 August 2009 at the Pacific International Hotel, Cairns.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
Backgrounder
In 2008, ACMA announced three initiatives as part of its longer-term intention to promote increased consultation, transparency and accountability in its planning and management of spectrum in Australia. ACMA’s participation in the Ergon Smart Grid Conference is consistent with this approach.
ACMA recognises the benefits of sharing information and close engagement with its key industry stakeholders. Establishing and maintaining effective information-sharing arrangements with this wider group of stakeholders is challenging and events such as the Ergon Smart Grid Conference are a part of the solution to this challenge.
More information about the Ergon Smart Grid Conference is available from Ergon Corporate Communications Manager Ruth Miles, phone (07) 3023 2513 or
0407 038 490.
