Nino Ficca elected Chair of Energy Networks Australia

One of Australia’s most experienced energy leaders, Nino Ficca, has been elected as the new Chair of Energy Networks Australia.

Mr Ficca, Managing Director of AusNet Services, has over 30 years’ experience in the energy industry. Nino leads a diverse business with electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution services. He succeeds Paul Adams after three years as Chair.

“Customers are at the centre of Australia’s energy revolution and they will be at the centre of my priorities as the Chair of Energy Networks Australia,” Mr Ficca said.

“I am pleased to become Chair at such an exciting time for Australian energy consumers. I am determined to ensure the integrated grid enables their choices, and helps to achieve the reliable, and affordable transition to a cleaner energy system that they expect.

“I look forward to working with energy network businesses across Australia as we commit ourselves to delivering new and better service,” Mr Ficca said.

Mr Ficca thanked Paul Adams for his service to Energy Networks Australia.

“Under Paul’s leadership, energy networks have established new science-led partnerships with the CSIRO, two successful conferences and a renewed focus on how energy networks serve our customers,” Mr Ficca said.

“I look forward to the CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia releasing key outcomes of the Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap in coming weeks.”

Mr Ficca has served on the Energy Networks Australia Board since 2010 and is Chairman of CIGRE Australia. He has been Managing Director of AusNet Services since 2003.

On Wednesday 9 November, at the Energy Networks Australia Annual dinner, a number of industry leaders were recognised for their service.

The Energy Networks Australia Industry Contribution Award for 2016 was awarded to Charles Popple for his long history in innovation, and the contribution he has made to the forthcoming Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap.

Former Energex Chief Executive Officer, Terry Effeney, was awarded Life Membership of Energy Networks Australia. Mr Effeney has served on the Energy Networks Australia Board since March 2007 and also as a Chairman o f the Board and the Asset Management Committee.

“Terry Effeney has contributed a lifetime to the Australian energy industry, bringing engineering and economics expertise and extensive operational management experience to our sector,” Mr Ficca said.

“His expertise was recently recognised in his appointment to the NEM Security Review being chaired by Professor Alan Finkel. He is held in high esteem throughout industry and government.”

Outgoing Energy Networks Australia Directors, Peter McIntyre and Paul Italiano were also acknowledged for their contribution to Energy Networks Australia.