NEM Reform: Behind the Metre with Malaya Toll and Andrew Steer
Malaya Toll and Andrew Steer, both with 25+ years leading digital transformation and utility systems across Australia and internationally, join Greg and Neil to discuss the national electricity market reform roadmap and delivery challenges. They examine whether NEM reform is on track for 2026 milestones, revealing NEM is slightly behind schedule despite momentum shifts across the industry. Key topics include the surprising success of community batteries in expanding energy access, supply failing to meet surging demand from EVs and data centres, the overwhelming complexity of overlapping regulations, workforce constraints, and the case for distribution system operators (DSOs) to manage low-voltage networks autonomously. They also explore how customer information systems must evolve to support flexible trading arrangements, and why regulatory frameworks need standardisation across geographies.
(02:42) Is the NEM on track or falling behind 2026 milestones
(05:52) Community batteries as a raging success story
(21:32) Reform fatigue shifting to industry momentum
(33:51) Data centre load growth and grid stress challenges
(40:24) Low voltage network visibility and DSO model benefits
The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.
Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.
Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.
Wired For Energy is a production of Network Edge, with episodes produced and edited by Posterboy Media.
To find more information about the energy transition visit - www.networkedge.io
