New Consultative Group appointments announced
Enhancing customer representation is the focus of SA Power Networks' new consultative group structure. Following a review, the new group structure was finalised with all new members now confirmed, including the selection of Chairs to lead each group.
Strong interest resulted in a considerable number of nominations. Achieving a balanced mix of returning and new members, while ensuring a diversity of representation and providing opportunities for customers who have not previously participated, guided the selection process.
SA Power Networks thanks everyone who expressed interest in being a member of the groups. There will be additional future opportunities to engage, particularly as we begin consultation on our 2030–35 Regulatory Proposal in 2027.
In the area of connections, following the Expression of Interest process, it was decided to implement a more tailored approach to our engagement that will deliver improved engagement outcomes given the diversity and breadth of our connection services and stakeholders. A range of different engagement approaches will ensure ongoing and effective engagement with all stakeholders, including:
- Annual Forums eg. Public Lighting, Developer Forum, Local Government
- Targeted workshops with key stakeholders on specific topics
- Bilateral engagement and other engagement is required.
Congratulations to all members - SA Power Networks looks forward to working collaboratively to deliver good customer outcomes.
Meet our Chairs
Sandy Verschoor - Chair, Community Advisory Forum
Former Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor has been appointed Chair of SA Power Networks' Community Advisory Forum.
She brings to the role extensive professional experience in executive leadership across business, government, arts and culture.
As South Australia’s electricity distributor, delivering energy to more than 950,000 homes and businesses across the state, SA Power Networks is committed to ensuring that the needs and views of electricity users are considered in ongoing business decision-making.
The Community Advisory Forum shapes decisions on pricing, network investment, equity and the energy transition which will touch the lives of every South Australian electricity user.
As Chair, Sandy is tasked with holding the consumer interest at the centre of every conversation, taking into consideration the views of diverse stakeholders and ensuring the Forum maintains independence and credibility.
Read more about Sandy's appointment, including the appointment of the other consultative group Chairs and members, on our Talking Power website.
Kim Syrus - Chair Vegetation Management Working Group
Kim brings a strong combination of leadership, industry knowledge, practical insight and collaborative capability. Kim has a deep knowledge of the many touch points within the vegetation management sphere at SA Power Networks and understands that vegetation management is not a narrow technical issue, but one that sits at the intersection of safety, compliance, network reliability, environmental stewardship, urban amenity and community expectation.
As the previous Chair of the Vegetation Management Advisory Group, Kim brings continuity and experience, understanding the strategic intent of the group, in addition to previous history, context and relationships that will support its effectiveness.
Dean Lombard – Chair, Reset Advisory Group
Dean has extensive experience representing small consumers' interests in energy industry and regulatory processes.
He has worked with energy distribution businesses in most Australian jurisdictions and has a particular interest in Distributed Energy Resource integration and tariffs.
Dean is looking forward to bringing his extensive experience to his role as Chair and working closely with SA Power Networks and other members over the next few months to design the engagement program for the 2030-35 Regulatory Proposal.
Ed Chan – Chair, Innovation Advisory Group
Ed is a senior leader with broad experience in public, private and non-for-profit organisations at board and executive level. He is a well-respected adviser with a track record in designing and implementing sector-wide reform programs in support of energy sector transformation.
Ed works with stakeholders to champion cross -industry collaboration to achieve better consumer, policy and business outcomes.
Ed will leverage the relationship with SA Power Networks staff and be the bridge between the business and other stakeholders and advocates.
Jake Bugden – Chair, Network Performance Advisory Group
Jake is an energy specialist and empathic leader who builds strong relationships based on transparency and integrity. Over the last twenty-five years Jake has worked in the federal government, and has founded and led three successful energy consultancies as part of his long-term mission to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Jake has extensive experience in the energy transition and sustainability, ranging from strategy development, project conception and delivery through to specific expertise in electrification, energy efficiency, solar power and electric vehicles.
Jake is looking forward to the role and ensuring the needs of regional and worst served customers are considered in how we manage and invest in the network.
Dr Bryn Williams - Chair Future Energy Advisory Group
Bryn is a versatile and highly respected energy professional with over 14 years of experience in the energy sector. He has a strong client and stakeholder focus, backed by deep expertise and experience in energy policy, strategy and technology.
He is an expert in the integration of renewables, electric vehicles and flexible loads with the grid and the evolving role of the electricity Distribution System Operator (DSO). Bryn is passionate about the transition to renewable energy and the opportunities it brings.
Bryn will bring this expertise to the group to inform SA Power Networks' long-term thinking on the energy transition, including Consumer Energy Resources, demand flexibility, and evolving DSO functions.