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The interim chief executive officer was named as Chris Miller, the former deputy secretary of tourism and events at the Department of Jobs, and an ex-senior executive at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Miller will work with an expert advisory panel led by John Bradley, the secretary of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and including experts in energy investment and commercial risk management, industry, engineering and consumer advocacy, D’Ambrosio said.
Miller said he was humbled to be leading the re-establishment of the commission.
The Stockyard Hill wind farm near Ballarat is part of the government’s plans to transition Victoria to renewable energy sources.Credit:Goldwind Australia
“I feel honoured to be walking in the footsteps of those who created the SEC over 100 years ago and in the footsteps of those many generations of workers who have helped create and shape the SEC into a powerful legacy for Victoria,” Miller said.
The commission would deliver an estimated 25 gigawatts of the additional renewable energy and firming capacity – such as batteries – that would be required to enable Victoria’s transition away from fossil fuels and to meet its renewable targets, he said.
The details of these are yet to be confirmed or made public. Miller said the exact investment mandate for the SEC was an important question the commission would work through “quickly and carefully”.
Interim SEC chief executive Chris Miller.Credit:Wayne Taylor
He said it was beyond the scope and ability of any single government agency or business to achieve the transition alone, and it would need to be done in partnership with superannuation funds and business investors.
D’Ambrosio added there were already private businesses and superannuation entities that had begun conversations with government about possible partnerships.
The government forecasts the SEC will create 59,000 jobs by 2035, and has pledged a $424 million for an energy and training package to help workers upskill, with 6000 positions for apprentices and trainees.
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The commission has received $20 million to establish offices in Morwell and Melbourne.
D’Ambrosio has the new title of minister for the State Electricity Commission, in addition to the portfolios of climate action and energy and resources.
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