The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) can confirm that Australia’s energy systems and markets are currently operating in a safe and secure state, as the nation responds to the fast moving COVID-19 threat.
AEMO is now enacting its full suite of pandemic responses to provide the maximum possible protection and resilience for its critical operations and people.
AEMO Managing Director and CEO, Audrey Zibelman, said that the market operator has now moved to its fourth and highest level of pandemic response and was applying additional precautions in managing its critical workforce whilst also collaborating with the industry to maintain a reliable and secure energy supply for Australia.
“AEMO has now fully activated its pandemic response and business continuity plans, to keep the workforce safe and play our role in containing the global spread of COVID-19, while establishing additional layers of protection for our critical operations across Australia’s energy systems," Ms Zibelman said.
Having previously suspended travel, reduced face to face meeting and introduced social distancing measures, AEMO had now halted physical interactions across its offices, ceased participation at external events and directed staff performing non-critical roles to work remotely.
AEMO is also working with the energy industry including electricity generators, gas facilities, network businesses and other market participants to support additional pandemic management actions across the sector.
“AEMO is in continual and open dialogue with generators, gas facilities, network businesses and other market participants on their preparedness capability to ensure secure and reliable energy supply is maintained during this challenging period,” Ms Zibelman said.
“In addition to Australian industry discussions, AEMO is in conversation with grid operators across Europe, the Americas and Asia to bring international experiences in the management of the pandemic to benefit the broader Australian power system, as we continue to address the evolving issues in Australia,” she said.
AEMO will continue to support federal and state governments in considering additional measures which may be required to support the security and reliability of the energy system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For all the latest news, insights and analysis from the Australian energy industry subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter and download the Energy Live app on Apple or Android.