Victoria’s energy system is undergoing significant change as unreliable coal-fired power stations close and are replaced with affordable and reliable solar and wind generation, backed by batteries and new transmission infrastructure.

VicGrid has today taken up the role of planning Victoria’s electricity transmission network, with a new independent board to oversee its work.

This is an essential step to allow VicGrid to coordinate the build of these renewable energy and transmission projects to keep the lights on as our coal power stations retire to keep energy electricity costs down for all Victorians.

VicGrid is already changing the way we plan the transmission network and renewable energy zones with the introduction of a new long-term strategic plan, early and meaningful engagement, fairer community benefit arrangements and certainty for investors.

VicGrid has today become a state business corporation and is taking up the responsibility for planning Victoria’s shared transmission network, work which was previously carried out by Australian Energy Market Operator Victoria Planning (AVP). From 1 November, VicGrid will have a new set of obligations under Victorian Government legislation and will report to an independent board.

VicGrid’s board, appointed by the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, will be chaired by respected energy executive Steve Rieniets who has over three decades of experience in the energy sector including senior leadership roles with AGL Energy.

In partnership with his wife, Mr Rieniets also runs a 125 hectare Angus beef cattle farm in the Latrobe Valley in regional Victoria.

The deputy chair will be Sarah Clarke, an experienced sustainability leader who is Group General Manager Sustainability with Mirvac. The other members of the board are experienced energy and finance executive David Stegehuis and former Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton.

A further 3 members of the board will be appointed in the coming months.

VicGrid Chief Executive Alistair Parker said he looked forward to working with the board as VicGrid delivers its new approach to the planning, procurement and delivery of major transmission projects in Victoria.

'We are thrilled to have such a talented and experienced group of people to oversee our work and I know they all share the vision of delivering fairness and certainty for communities and industry,' he said.

Mr Rieniets said he was excited to be joining as board chair as VicGrid entered this new phase and began delivering the recently released 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.

'Victoria’s energy system is going through a significant change and I am excited to be able to play this role in helping VicGrid make sure the critical energy infrastructure the state needs is delivered in a timely way that respects local communities,' he said.

The change means VicGrid now has ultimate responsibility for major projects like the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and the Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West).

AusNet Services remains responsible for the design, approvals, construction and operation of WRL and will continue to manage the project day-to-day. Transmission Company Victoria, which is overseeing the delivery of VNI West, will now transfer from AVP to VicGrid. The responsibility for managing connections to the transmission network has now also transferred to VicGrid from AVP.

'The timely delivery of transmission infrastructure is crucial to make sure all Victorians have reliable and affordable power, but it’s also crucial that this work is well planned and well managed,' Mr Parker said.

'We need to really listen to landholders, local communities and key industries like agriculture so we can make good decisions, minimise impacts and deliver meaningful benefits for regional and rural people.'

'We will be working hard to develop transmission infrastructure and renewable energy zones in a way that leaves a positive legacy for regional and rural communities, while at the same time keeping costs down for all Victorian energy users.'

VicGrid will continue to work closely with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its broader National Energy Market-wide roles. The Victorian Transmission Plan will align with AEMO’s Integrated System Plan.

VicGrid will also work to ensure a smooth transition for energy companies who have already started the connections process and for large power users on the Victorian network.

For media enquiries, please email media@vicgrid.com.au.

Page last updated: 29/10/25