University of Melbourne Events Calendar

The price of power: Electricity Pricing for a Cleaner and Fairer Energy Future

Presented by Professor Meredith Fowlie

The clean energy transition is doing more than reducing emissions, it is also reshaping how electricity is produced, priced, and consumed. Electricity prices are one of the most powerful, and underappreciated, levers we have to steer this transition, and it influences energy consumption patterns, technology adoption, and how transition costs will be shared across households.

Drawing on evidence from electricity markets across the US, Europe, and beyond, Professor Fowlie will explore how current pricing structures can both hinder and help progress in the clean energy transition. She will also highlight emerging rate reforms and innovations designed to make electricity prices more fit for purpose, aligning everyday energy decisions with a faster, fairer, and more resilient energy transition.

Background: Downing Lecture Series

Distinguished visiting economists are invited to present at the Downing Lecture for the purpose of promoting analysis and discussion of economic and social research policy. The lectures series have been made possible by a generous fellowship that was established by friends and colleagues of the late Professor Richard Downing (BA (Hons) 1936), in memory of his life and work.

Richard Ivan Downing was Ritchie Professor of Research and Economics in the University from 1952 until his death in 1975. Not only did Professor Downing make significant contributions to economic research in this position, he also put much effort into guiding and fostering the research interests of students and staff. For twenty years he edited The Economic Record. He also played a prominent part in founding the now Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.

Learn more about previous lectures

It is generally true that the more hypothesis tests you perform, the greater the probability that one of those tests is statistically significant by chance, the so-called multiple testing problem. At the Statistical Consulting Centre, we regularly receive enquiries regarding this issue. Reviewers often ask for adjustment for multiple comparisons. But how important is it? What can you do about it?

Dr Sandy Clarke-Errey wrote her PhD on the performance of multiple hypothesis testing procedures in the presence of dependence in the high dimensional setting. She has an ongoing theoretical interest in the methods used, but a much stronger practical interest in helping people understand the issues surrounding their use and interpretation.

This seminar will outline some principles to consider, along with practical advice.