Nominal GDP Targeting Required Now
Frontier Economics argues the case for a change in fiscal policy to target nominal GDP rather than inflation.
New Bulletin | Sunny With a Chance of Wind: An Analysis of Supply Diversity in the NEM
A new bulletin from Frontier Economics looks at wind and solar electricity generation in the NEM and analyses the implications for supply diversity.
Sunny With a Chance of Wind
Wind and solar generation in the National Electricity Market is examined in this bulletin, with focus on the implications for supply diversity.
New Briefing | Energy for Planet Earth – 30 years on
This briefing from Frontier Economics reviews the forecasts made by Scientific American in a 1990 special edition, Energy for Planet Earth and looks at primary energy demand.
Energy for Planet Earth – 30 years on (Part One)
This is the first of three notes by Frontier Economics which review the predictions and forecasts made by Scientific American in 1990 in the issue Energy for Planet Earth.
New Briefing – Global coal fired generator emissions – 1904 to 2050
This briefing from Frontier Economics examines global coal fired generator emissions during the period 1904 to 2050 from an annual and cumulative perspective.
Global Coal Fired Generator Emissions – 1904 to 2050
This briefing from Frontier Economics examines global coal fired generator emissions over the period 1904 to 2050.
Frontier Economics Singapore is moving
Frontier Economics has moved into new offices in Singapore. This is effective from 6 January 2020.
Rebuilding faith in institutions, markets and competition: what is the way forward?
The Regulatory Policy Institute ANZ inaugural seminar, "Rebuilding faith in institutions, markets and competition: what is the way forward?", is on this evening and is a full house. George [...]
Event – “Rebuilding faith in institutions, markets and competition: what is the way forward?”
George Houpis, director at Frontier Economics (Europe) will be presenting in a panel for the inaugural seminar of the Regulatory Policy Institute ANZ, "Rebuilding faith in institutions, markets [...]
“Brexit & Australia”, Singapore
'Brexit & Australia' took place in Singapore on 25 September 2019, with Frontier Economics (Europe) Chair, Lord Gus O'Donnell, and Andrew Robb AO, former Australian Minister for Trade presenting.
Brexit & Australia – AustCham and BritCham presents in Singapore
BritCham and AustCham in Singapore are co-presenting an event, Brexit & Australia, on Wednesday 25 September 2019. Speakers are Frontier Economics (Europe) Chair, Lord Gus O'Donnell, and Andrew [...]
New Briefing: Lacking Vision: Australian Emissions
This bulletin from Frontier Economics discusses Australia's Paris 2030 emissions reduction commitments and suggests we are on track to meet them easily and we should be pursuing harder targets.
Lacking Vision – Australian Emissions
This briefing from Frontier Economics examines Australia's commitment to our Paris 2030 emissions targets. Our analysis suggests that despite official projections, Australia is well on track for [...]
New Bulletin: Market Power Misdiagnosed
This bulletin from Frontier Economics examines the claims of market gouging by generators in the National Electricity Market following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.
Market Power Misdiagnosed
This bulletin from Frontier Economics examines the claims of market gouging by generators in the National Electricity Market following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.
Biggus stickus: implications of the Federal Government’s ‘Big Stick’ Legislation
Frontier Economics examined the implications of the government's "Big Stick" legislation for the Australian Energy Council.
Impact of new technologies and policy changes on the National Electricity Market
The Australian Energy Council published a report prepared by Frontier Economics consultant, Rajat Sood, on the impact of various changes on the structure and competitiveness of the NEM.
New briefing – Price impacts of deeper emissions cuts
This briefing looks at the price impacts of Federal Labor's proposed deeper emissions cuts.
Public Seminar | Changing Behaviour in the Public and Private Sectors
Frontier Economics is co-hosting a seminar given by Gus O'Donnell on Changing Behaviour in the Public and Private Sector on Wednesday 7 November 2018.
AEMO’s integrated system plan: forecasting and modelling questions and implications
This short note from Frontier Economics examines some of the modelling and forecasting assumptions in AEMO's integrated system plan and discusses the implications.
Black(out) to the Future
Danny Price has written an article called Black(out) to the Future, looking at particular aspects of current energy policy in Australia and the potential for future blackouts to occur.
Energy Networks Australia explores regulatory changes to benefit consumers and businesses
Energy Networks Australia has published a discussion by Frontier Economics that discusses TOTEX and how this regulatory approach might benefit consumers and businesses.
Frontier Economics Singapore – new address
Frontier Economics has moved into new offices in Singapore. This is effective from 1 July 2018.
ACCC grants authorisation to jointly market NT gas
The ACCC announced today that it had granted authorisation to Central Petroleum and Macquarie Mereenie to jointly market gas from the Mereenie field.
ACCC grants interim authorisation to jointly market NT gas
The ACCC announced today that it had granted an interim authorisation to Central Petroleum and Macquarie Mereenie to begin negotiations for a joint supply arrangement for gas from the Mereenie field.
Danny Price presents at AARES Symposium
Danny Price, managing director of Frontier Economics, presented at the AARES Symposium, The Future of Australian Energy, in Adelaide today.
AEMC publishes Frontier Economics report on total expenditure regulatory frameworks
The Australian Energy Market Commission has published a report by Frontier Economics that surveys the use of total expenditure regulatory frameworks in a number of jurisdictions, including the [...]
South Australian Government announces virtual power plant
The South Australian government has announced a plan to create the world’s largest Virtual Power Plant.
BHP and Esso to separately market Gippsland Basin Gas
The ACCC accepted court enforceable undertakings from BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd (BHP) and Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd (Esso) to separately market their share of gas [...]
New Bulletin: Quantitative analysis – quality assured?
This bulletin from Frontier Economics looks at econometrics and discusses some examples of when econometric modelling goes awry.
Quantitative analysis – quality assured?
This bulletin from Frontier Economics looks at econometrics and discusses some examples of when econometric modelling goes awry.
Vertical integration in the National Electricity Market
For the ACCC inquiry into electricity supply and prices, Frontier Economics reported on the impact of vertical integration on the bidding behavior of generators in the National Electricity Market.
Frontier Economics submits to senate committee that Parliament should reject Bill to abolish limited merits reviews of decisions by AER
Frontier Economics’ Managing Director, Danny Price, explains in this submission to the senate committee examining the Bill why abolition of LMR rights would harm, rather than promote, the [...]
Frontier Economics M.D. Danny Price speaks at ABCC lunch on Finkel
Frontier Economics managing director Danny Price was a panellist at an Australian British Chamber of Commerce lunch discussing the Finkel Review.
Frontier Economics Singapore has a new address
Frontier Economics has moved into new, larger offices in Singapore following rapid growth in the past twelve months. This is effective from 31 July 2017.
New Frontier bulletin: Easy Target
The latest bulletin from Frontier Economics (Asia-Pacific), Easy Target, looks at the contribution of renewable energy in achieving Australia’s emissions target.
Easy Target
We project that Australia will comfortably meet its 2030 28% emissions target for the electricity sector due to existing and announced policies supporting energy efficiency, renewables and [...]
Ministers decide to retain and reform limited merits review regime
The COAG Energy Council has decided to retain but reform the limited merits review regime that applies to decisions of the Australian Energy Regulator.
Options for enhancing the Australian Limited Merits Review regime
Frontier Economics and leading law firm Herbert Smith Freehills were engaged by Energy Networks Australia to prepare a policy paper, "Options for enhancing the Australian Limited Merits Review [...]
Emissions intensity schemes – an interview with Danny Price
David Leitch from Reneweconomy interviews Danny Price on emissions intensity schemes for Radio ITK, a weekly podcast.
AEMC report on integration of energy and emissions reduction policy
The AEMC has provided advice to the COAG Energy Council that analyses the impacts and characteristics of mechanisms to reduce emissions in the electricity sector in line with Australia’s Paris [...]
Secondary Gas Trading Market Design in Singapore
Frontier Economics (leading a consortium including Norton Rose) has been retained by the Singapore Energy Market Authority to design a secondary gas trading market for Singapore.
Review of vesting contract regime in Singapore completed
The Singapore Energy Market Authority has completed a review of the vesting contract regime in Singapore and released the final report.
Ministers announce new inquiry into limited merits review regime for regulated energy networks
On 19 August the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council decided that its Senior Committee of Officials would conduct a fresh review of the limited merits review (LMR) regime that [...]
Nominal GDP Targeting
Has the time come to replace the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) mandate to keep inflation between two and three percent per annum with a ‘nominal GDP’ growth target of five and a half [...]
Sudden Impact
Scrutinising the wholesale price impact of assisted closure of brown coal power stations.
Once Bitten Twice Shy
A recent judgment by the Australian Competition Tribunal leaves it open to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to consider whether it would be in the long-term interests of consumers of [...]
Sudden impact – New Frontier Economics report
Frontier (Australia) has published a new report scrutinising the wholesale price impact of assisted closure of brown coal power stations in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
New Frontier report – Outcome of merits review of AER reset decisions for NSW and ACT networks
On 26 February 2016, the Australian Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) issued its judgment in relation to merits reviews, sought by consumer groups and several regulated energy networks, of recent [...]
Outcome of merits review of Australian Energy Regulator (AER) reset decisions for NSW and ACT networks
On 26 February 2016, the Australian Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) issued its judgment in relation to merits reviews, sought by consumer groups and several regulated energy networks, of recent [...]
Unappealing Prospects | New Frontier Economics Bulletin
This bulletin from Frontier (Australia) explains why a merits review regime is essential to a well-functioning regulatory system.
Australian Competition Tribunal releases judgments on appeals against Australian Energy Regulator’s determinations
Today the Australian Competition Tribunal published its judgments on several merits reviews of revenue reset decisions made by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
Frontier looks at incentives and innovations in regulatory mechanisms
Last week, Frontier (Australia) hosted a series of seminars aimed at stimulating policy debate on the future of energy network regulation in Australia.
Direct Action Safeguards: Tapas, Not The Main Course?
In August 2015, the Australian Government proposed a CO2 emissions target of a 26%-28% reduction on 2005 emissions levels by 2030. More recently, the Government released draft details around the [...]
Frontier report on Australia’s Direct Action Safeguards
Frontier looks at Australia's Direct Action Safeguards in a short report for clients.
36% by 2030: Australia’s carbon emissions targets
The Government has proposed a target of a 26%-28% reduction on 2005 emissions levels by 2030. In our view, a 25% reduction on 2005 emissions levels by 2025 (36% by 2030) would not only be [...]
Australia targets emissions: 36% by 2030?
The Australian Government has today proposed a target of a 26%-28% reduction on 2005 emissions levels by 2030. Frontier (Australia) examines the context for comparing emissions targets and tasks.
Frontier report on Optional Firm Access published by AEMC
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has been examining the merits of its Optional Firm Access (OFA) proposal over the past fifteen months. Frontier's response to the draft report has [...]
Networks NSW to appeal AER determinations
Networks NSW has announced that it intends to appeal some aspects of the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) determinations, made on 30 April 2015, on the revenues that these networks will be [...]
Frontier economist awarded university medal
Frontier (Australia) economist Alyssa Buchardt graduated from her degree of Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at Monash University on Monday 11 May 2015.
Frontier (Australia) addresses misleading electricity price comparisons
Frontier Economics (Australia) managing director Mr. Danny Price addresses misleading electricity price comparisons made during a recent NSW election debate.
Frontier releases report examining AEMC’s Optional Firm Access Proposal
Frontier (Australia) today published a report prepared for a broad coalition of National Electricity Market participants on the Optional Firm Access proposal from the Australian Energy Market [...]
AEMC publishes its 2014 price trends report
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released its 2014 Residential Electricity Price Trends report.
Frontier Economics welcomes SFG Consulting and new executive directors
Specialist financial economists Professor Stephen Gray and Dr Jason Hall from SFG Consulting Pty Ltd, along with Andrew Harpham from our energy team have joined Frontier (Australia) as executive [...]
Economic Analysis Of The RSPT
Economic Analysis Of The RSPT With A Postscript On The Negotiated Outcome. This note was originally prepared to support a presentation made by Brian Parmenter of Frontier (Australia) at Norton [...]
AER releases draft decisions on revenues for NSW and ACT energy businesses
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its draft decisions on the revenue proposals submitted by ACT and NSW distribution and transmission businesses, for the period commencing on 1 [...]
NZCC amends WACC percentile for price-quality regulation for electricity lines services and gas pipeline services
The New Zealand Commerce Commission has released its final determination on one aspect of its approach to estimating the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for regulated electricity lines [...]
Can Australia still meet its emissions target with changes in the RET?
The recently released Renewable Energy Target (RET) Review Expert Panel Report recommends two options for reducing the role of renewable energy in meeting Australia’s emissions reduction target.
AGL given green light on proposed acquisition of Macquarie Generation
The Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT) today granted approval for AGL to pursue its proposed $1.5bn acquisition of Macquarie Generation, the largest generation portfolio in New South Wales.
Time For Solar To Pay Its Way
Consumers in Australia have experienced sharply rising retail electricity tariffs in recent years. This has been largely driven by the need to fund major investments in network infrastructure. [...]
Time for solar to pay its way
An article by Rajat Sood from Frontier (Australia) looks at the issue of tariffs in regard to solar-voltaic panels.
Australian Energy Market Operator publishes Electricity Action Plan for 2014
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the 2014 National Electricity Forecasting Report (NEFR) Action Plan.
Australian Energy Regulator releases Draft Rate of Return Guidelines
On 30 August the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its Draft Rate of Return Guidelines. The AER is responsible for setting the regulated tariffs charged by gas and electricity networks [...]
Overpowering
Why The Carbon Price Will Have A Limited Impact In Reducing Electricity Emissions. The Australian Government’s recently announced carbon pricing scheme – based on a cap and trade system – has [...]
The efficacy of the Australian carbon pricing scheme
This paper from Frontier (Australia) examines some facts around the likely effectiveness of the Australian Government’s carbon pricing scheme, in terms of its contribution towards reducing [...]
Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
On 8 May 2013 the then Minister for Climate Change, the Hon Greg Combet declared that “…. the carbon price mechanism that the Government has implemented is working. It is doing what it was [...]
Did a carbon price cause reductions in emissions in Australia?
This client briefing from Frontier (Australia) investigates the Government's claim that a 7.7% drop in CO2 emissions is evidence that their carbon price scheme, implemented in mid-2012, is working.
IPART publishes draft decision on regulated retail electricity prices
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales (IPART) has published its draft decision on regulated retail electricity prices for 2013-14 to 2015-16.
FIT for purpose?
WTO Ruling Against The Use Of Local Content Rules In Feed-In Tariffs. Frontier’s latest client briefing considers a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling against the use of local content [...]
Regulator commences retail electricity prices review in New South Wales
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales (IPART) has today commenced its review and determination of regulated retail electricity prices for 2013-14 to 2015-16.
Frontier reviews costs and benefits of smart metering
The implementation of smart metering in Australia is currently the focus of considerable attention.
Australia’s Public Infrastructure Assets Under Scrutiny
Infrastructure Australia, the Government’s advisory body on infrastructure, today published a report “Australia's Public Infrastructure - Part of the Answer to Removing Infrastructure Deficit”.
Wholesale electricity cost allowances changing in South Australia
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia today released for public consultation a draft determination to change the wholesale electricity cost allowance.
AEMC releases Power of Choice Review Draft Report
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) today called for comment on a draft report proposing new ways for consumers to control their use of electricity and manage their bills.
Carbon Pricing In The NEM: Day One
The long debate surrounding carbon pricing in Australia entered a new phase on Sunday, 1 July with the commencement of Australia’s carbon pricing scheme at a $23/tonne CO2-e starting price.
Australia’s carbon pricing scheme commences
The long debate surrounding carbon pricing in Australia entered a new phase on Sunday, 1 July 2012 with the commencement of Australia’s carbon pricing scheme at a $23/tonne CO2-e starting price. [...]
NSW electricity retail prices increase following introduction of carbon price
Regulated electricity tariffs in New South Wales increased today, following a decision by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) as part of its annual review of electricity prices.
NCC favours ‘no coverage’ application of Australia Pacific LNG pipeline
The Australian National Competition Council (NCC) today published a draft recommendation in favour of granting the ‘no coverage’ application made by the proponents of the proposed Australia [...]
AEMC rejects call for intrusive bidding rules
The Australian Energy Market Commission today published a draft determination rejecting a rule change request by Major Energy Users Inc (MEU) that sought to restrict generator bidding behaviour [...]
ACCC clears AGL acquisition of Loy Yang A power station
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today announced that it would not oppose the proposed acquisition by AGL Energy Ltd of Great Energy Alliance Corporation Pty Limited, which owns [...]
Utility re-merger would be step backwards for energy sector in Western Australia
The Western Australia (WA) Independent Power Association today released a report examining a proposal to re-aggregate the state-owned energy retailer, Synergy, and the state-owned generator, [...]
Frontier reports on ‘fair and reasonable’ solar feed-in tariffs
Until recently, customers in New South Wales (NSW) who install solar photovoltaic units (PV units) received very generous feed-in tariffs through the NSW Government’s Solar Bonus Scheme.
Government releases National Energy Security Assessment
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) today released the National Energy Security Assessment, alongside the Commonwealth Government’s Energy White Paper.
Frontier submission to Senate Select Committee on carbon tax pricing mechanisms
The Australian Senate Select Committee on Scrutiny of New Taxes has been inquiring into a range of carbon tax pricing mechanisms.
Federal Court of Australia dismisses claims against Stanwell Corporation Ltd
Today, the Federal Court of Australia dismissed claims by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) that Stanwell Corporation Limited, a Queensland generator, had breached the ‘good faith’ provisions [...]
Green is good, but at what cost?
On Monday 28 February 2011, the Climate Institute, an Australian interest group, released a study that claims that a 25% reduction on 2000 level greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 would be positive [...]
Australian regulator determines Victorian electricity prices
The Australia Energy Regulator (AER) has handed down its final determination in the Victorian electricity distribution price review for 2011-15.
What’s The Cost Of Carbon Uncertainty?
Some studies and commentary have recently raised the issue of carbon certainty for the electricity sector. The uncertainty regarding whether a carbon price will be introduced in Australia means [...]
Draft determination on electricity prices for NSW
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its draft determination on electricity prices for New South Wales.
Evaluation of the revised Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
On 18 October, the Coalition (Australia) put forward a set of amendments to the Australian Commonwealth Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). In response, on 24 [...]
The Economic Impact Of The CPRS
The Economic Impact Of The CPRS. Frontier (Australia) has released a report that provides independent modelling of the Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), and which [...]
The Economic Impact of the CPRS and Modifications to the CPRS
Frontier Economics has released a report that provides independent modelling of the Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
Impacts of climate change policies on electricity retailers
For its Review of Energy Market Frameworks in Light of Climate Change Policies, the Australian Energy Market Commission has released a report prepared by Frontier Economics on the impact of [...]
The AEMC releases interim report on the impact of climate change policies
Frontier Economics has submitted two reports to the AEMC's review on how the Australian Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and expanded Renewable Energy Target scheme may affect [...]
Improving Water Management In Northern Victoria
A Report Prepared For The Victorian Department Of Sustainability And Environment. To assist with the development of the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy in Victoria, this paper assesses [...]
The AEMC releases Congestion Management Review findings
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released the final report of its Congestion Management Review.
Frontier to advise NSW government on electricity asset sale
On 28 December 2007 the New South Wales (NSW) Treasurer announced that Frontier (Australia) will be one of the companies advising the New South Wales government on the A$15 billion-plus partial [...]
IPART retail electricity tariff review
Frontier (Australia) has been engaged by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) to recommend allowances for energy purchase costs and for retail costs and margins for [...]
Options For Moving To A Lower Emission Future
A Report By AGL, Frontier Economics And WWF-Australia On The Economic Costs Of Different Emission Reduction Pathways In The Australian Electricity Sector.
Australia has options to reduce CO2 emissions at affordable cost
Australians could pay as little as $250 each to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the country's electricity generation industry by 2030, a new study has found.
IAEE conference – Globalization of Energy: Markets, Technology and Sustainability
Frontier Economics presented at the 28th Annual IAEE International Conference, held from 3rd June to 6th June 2005 in Taipei.