Committees

SGA operates three Committees with board members leading them. They are:
– Policy and Vision – Consumer – Technical
There are various work groups operating under this structure and these are established on the basis of the issues of the day, some are short term groups others are longer term. The workgroups included:
– Standards and Interoperability – Research and developments
Repositioning our mission recognises that our industry is on a path for considerable change, the likes of which have never been seen before.
This focus includes SGA and our members understanding and helping the industry to shape an eco-system of energy transformation as it affects stakeholders, including how this transformation will impact end users including consumers, as well as energy companies, and other players in the industry . In other words, while SGA continues to focus on all aspects of the smart network eco system, the key focus will be on the impacts of smart grid technologies beyond the networks, where ENA and the utilities are better suited to focus on technical network issues. In this role SGA will identify aspects that should be addressed by network businesses to achieve the most effective implementation of smart grids.
Key SGA Committees:
Policy and Vision	This key working group will actively promote and advocate smart network activities for all stakeholders. It has responsibility for strategic direction as well as policy discussions and positions.
Consumer	This workgroup focuses on identifying consumer benefits and how they may be achieved by developing appropriate means of consumer engagement to ensure that they are fully cognisant of the potential of smart networks and approaches that they may take to have a positive engagement.
Technical
In addition to our key Committees we also have some other work groups and involvement with other associations and functions. These include:
Research and Development	The function of this group is to provide a reporting mechanism on key research activities and to ensure that membership is fully appraised of the R and D activities that are being carried out in Australia and internationally. Ultimately this group will provide the mechanism by which Australian activities are reported to the GSGF.
More detail on each of these workgroups and their scope follows:
Committee	Policy and Vision
Background	The policy focus of this workgroup was reworked to help SGA develop a smartgrid vision to drive policy discussions
Role	Create and lead the vision of new future opportunities and the role of smart grids in achieving a sustainable future across policy, decision makers and key influencers. Encourage policy development to promote the development of smart networks in Australia to modernise electricity networks Develop a collaborative approach for addressing the various issues facing the electricity sector, including clean and affordable energy future which sustains economic growth. Advocate for collaboration between Governments, vendors, developers, utilities and the community to enable modernised technologically sophisticated networks to deliver the most best outcome for society as a whole.
Objectives	To encourage policy measures that removes barriers and creates incentives for smart grid investment. To raise the profile of smart grids so that they are recognised by government leaders and policy-makers as part of the solution for reducing carbon emissions and rising energy prices.
Leader	TBA
Membership	Members welcome
Operation	Leverages the expertise on the SGA Board to guide and support the development of SGA positions on policy and strategic issues. Utilises SGA arrangements for linking with members to seek input on issues.
Deliverables	Develop a strategic approach to influencing government policy, including Identify major policy barriers (1-2 years) Develop strategic policy to address removal of barriers and a positive agenda for the delivery of smart grid technologies to modernise energy networks Draft submissions where relevant to SGA members in response to government calls for information. Engage in group discussions with government representatives and stakeholders to educate about smart grids, the vision of the electricity network of the future and ways to deliver it.
Outcomes	Policy decisions that encourage investments and plans for developing and building smart grid across electricity networks. Government leaders making educated comments on the future of energy management and the role of smart grids in delivering a sustainable energy future. Smart grids move from being a ‘side project’ to a ‘must do’ in electricity networks and are included in all network plans. The benefits from incentives in smart grid investments (eg SGSC) are realised and actively inform continued investment
Committee	Consumer
Role	Inform and educate consumers on smart networks and the benefits that they can provide Develop approaches that will allow all stakeholders to understand and address all smart network initiatives from a consumer perspective Focus on translating consumer issues around future energy management into clear “English” for general public and government communication Develop communications that will allow these matters to be promoted in the media
Objectives	To inform and encourage investment in tangible customer engagement in energy management Be proactive in promoting the benefits of smart networks and manage any negative misinformation in the marketplace. To facilitate the debate about future consumer needs and the changing nature of consumer requirements in the future (across differing market segments), and the impact consumer choice has on the provision of services.
Leader	Ann Burns
Membership	Approx. 5 – 10
Operation	Development of scenarios for discussion at teleconferences by participating members Monthly teleconferences to develop and review report progress Collation of information into a concise report for public distribution
Deliverables	An SGA Industry report focused on the consumer audience: ‘Chapter 2’ on Consumer Engagement providing customer segment examples of smart grid impacts. (Delivery by Feb/Mar 2012 Conference) Defining the value proposition of smart grids for four main consumer segments Developing a vision of 2030 consumer engagement with smart grids Developing case studies of success stories on smart meters, here and abroad
Work Group	Research and Development
Objectives	To communicate developments in the research community to the SGA membership to enable increased awareness and opportunities for collaboration. To promote new investigative work that is identified through the membership but it is not intended that this group would be responsible for developing this work.
Leader	Professor Joe Dong
Membership	Leader
Operation	Retain as a single point of contact to provide information on any new developments in the research community which relates to smart grid developments.
Deliverables	Provide brief research update to be incorporated in the weekly newsfeed.