AGL provides stakeholders with an opportunity to influence company decisions that will affect their livelihoods. This includes all communities directly affected by the activities of the company.
AGL has a range of formal and informal stakeholder relationships that enable the company to identify and assess stakeholder needs and concerns. These include the following.
State and Federal authorities for sustainable energy
AGL has ongoing relationships with Federal, NSW, Victorian and South Australian State Authorities for Sustainable Development in relation to compliance matters, as well as the development and implementation of products and services for AGL customers. AGL works with these groups in relation to its renewable power product and service marketing activities.
State Ombudsman schemes
AGL participates in Ombudsman schemes in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. These schemes provide AGL with opportunities for ongoing review and development of the company's customer service policies and procedures. AGL meets regularly with State Ombudspersons both formally and informally to discuss improving service delivery.
Regulators
AGL consults regularly with Regulators on a range of energy industry issues and is an active participant in policy debate, including greenhouse gas policy and renewable investment strategies.
AGL has made submissions to the Parer Review of the National Energy Market, the Commonwealth's review of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme and recent state-based examinations of greenhouse gas policy. In addition AGL worked closely with the NSW Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability on design and implementation issues associated with the greenhouse benchmark scheme.
Councils and local community
Over the life of the company the relationship between local Councils and the AGL Group of Companies has evolved on a number of different levels ranging from formal to informal. The primary interaction is the notification to councils of impending work and its impact on the local community. In some cases, these notifications are specified by regulation, but the majority are issued as a result of internal company procedures that seek to minimise the impact on the local community.
AGL is also working in partnership with a number of Victorian councils to supply economically priced renewable energy to residential and small business customers under the Community Power program. This program enables the State's councils to join forces and buy renewable electricity more cost-effectively for their constituents. The purpose of the program is to encourage customers to buy green energy and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
AGL undertakes community consultation as part of its environmental assessment programs for all construction and remediation projects. The consultation process may include a variety of methods such as face-to-face public meetings, letter box drops and media coverage. AGL also forms project partnerships with community groups to ensure specific needs and issues are addressed. All projects are assessed for potential impacts on both the community and the environment in relation to air, land, water, noise and cultural heritage.
AGL also has a community notification program. During construction projects, nearby residents are told about the works before construction starts. By providing information about construction activity, its purpose and details, AGL helps reduce the impact on the community.
The Powerline Consultation and Electro-magnetic field (EMF) Measurement Process is an extensive community consultation process that is used when significant new electricity infrastructure is proposed. The process was developed to meet increased community concern about the aesthetics and potential health effects of overhead powerlines. The process has been very useful in addressing issues raised by communities after infrastructure has been installed.
Government
Where appropriate, AGL will consult with and provide submissions to both the State and Federal Government on a range of issues relating to the energy industry.
Associations
AGL is a member of the two peak energy industry bodies: the Energy Supply Association of Australia and the Energy Networks Association. AGL also has membership with a variety of other associations including: executive membership with the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA); Board membership of the Victorian Centre for Energy and Greenhouse Technologies; Australian Energy Association and sponsor member of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.
Non-Government organisations
A variety of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) are represented on AGL's Customer Council. AGL also meets informally with environmental stakeholders to discuss environmental issues and AGL's approach to sustainability.