Energy Economics for Non-Energy Economists - Canberra 2026

Do you know the difference between allocative and productive efficiency? Why do economists always talk about market-based mechanisms as the best means for reducing emissions? Associate Professor Tim Nelson and Associate Professor Dr Joel Gilmore invite you and your colleagues to a unique training opportunity. Over the course of a day, they will provide five 60-minute modules of content aimed at providing people without formal economics training an opportunity to understand energy economics as it applies to the Australian electricity industry. The course has been designed to focus on economic concepts as they apply to the energy industry for participants with very little formal knowledge of economics. Meet the Organiser Mr Gavin Dufty Gavin has worked in the social services community welfare sector for over 30 years. His current role is in Policy and Research for St Vincent de Paul Society, National Council of Australia. Gavin's area of expertise is in advocacy with a specific focus on essential gas, water and electricity services. Meet the Speakers Associate Prof. Tim Nelson Tim is an Associate Professor at Griffith University and is widely published in Australian and international peer-reviewed journals. He has presented at conferences in Australia and throughout Asia and Europe. He holds a PhD in economics for which he earned a Chancellors Doctoral Research Medal and a first-class honours degree in economics. Tim is also a fellow of the Governance Institute (FGIA FCG CS CGP) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He is currently researching electricity tariff design in a high penetration renewables environment, management theory in relation to climate change responses by companies and modelling climate change mitigation scenarios in the energy sector. Associate Prof. Dr Joel Gilmore Associate Professor Joel Gilmore is passionate about providing critical analysis that helps industry and government transition our energy sector to a low emissions future. He is particularly interested in the integration of renewable generation into our grids, and how electricity markets could (or should) evolve over time to provide the right signals for investors. He draws on a broad background of physics, engineering, market modelling, policy work and economics to deliver a big picture view - while still undertaking detailed, quantitative analysis to make sure recommendations are backed up by hard data.