Dr Stuart William Johnston
Wellington
Summary
Senior energy systems and policy specialist with 25+ years of experience leading strategic, technical, and regulatory initiatives across Australia and New Zealand’s electricity sectors. Proven ability to translate complex engineering and market issues into practical policy and standards solutions. Recognised leader in distributed energy integration, flexibility markets, and network transformation, with deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks, standards, and industry governance. Skilled communicator and advisor to boards, ministers, and regulators. A trusted advisor and collaborator who brings together industry, regulators, and government agencies to develop pragmatic, evidence-based solutions that enable innovation while maintaining reliability and safety. Passionate about shaping the transition to a more flexible, consumer-centred electricity system that supports New Zealand’s long-term energy and climate goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Advisor, Engineering & Technical
Electricity Engineers Association (EEA NZ)
03.2023 - Current
- Effectively manage EEA’s Asset Management Group and its associated work program and budget.
- Provide strategic advice and comprehensive responses to members on complex energy policy and technical issues.
- Lead national technical workstreams on DER connection standards, interoperability, and voltage management supporting the Electricity Authority’s regulatory reforms.
- Manage development of national Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Connection Technical Guidelines, harmonising distributor practices across Aotearoa NZ.
- Provide expert policy advice to EA, EECA, ENA, and Transpower on distributed energy integration, flexibility markets, and enabling common quality outcomes.
- Convened and coordinates cross-industry technical groups (e.g., Resilience Working Group, Network Connections Technical Group, FlexForum).
- Author national submissions and technical guidance informing EA’s policy direction on flexibility, interoperability, and connection reform.
- EEA successfully enables the electricity supply industry to provide New Zealand with sustainable, reliable and safe electricity now and into the future.
Manager, Electricity Networks & Hydrogen Initiatives
Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led cross-jurisdictional policy development to modernise electricity network regulation, ensuring efficient cost recovery, investment planning, and consumer benefit.
- Developed policy options and Cabinet submissions on interconnector cost allocation, transmission reform, and Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) integration.
- Provided strategic advice to Ministers, regulators, and State Governments on network regulation, hydrogen market integration, and bioenergy transition pathways.
- Coordinated multi-agency engagement to align technical, economic, and environmental outcomes within national energy market reforms.
- Drafted policy papers and briefing materials for executive and ministerial decision-making, balancing engineering and economic perspectives.
Distribution Strategy Specialist
Australian Energy Market Operator
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led design of regulatory and operational frameworks for emerging distributed energy markets and Distributed System Operator (DSO) models.
- Directed the Open Energy Networks and DEIP Interoperability programmes, delivering foundational policy and technical recommendations adopted nationally.
- Developed frameworks for data sharing, interoperability, and operational coordination between distribution networks and market operators.
- Collaborated with national and state regulators, distribution businesses, and consumer representatives to enable equitable access to flexibility services.
- Provided expert technical and policy advice on DER integration, dynamic operating envelopes, and future system architecture.
Executive Director, Assets and Network Transformation
Energy Networks Australia
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Provided national leadership on network transformation, DER integration, and regulatory reform, representing all Australian electricity and gas networks.
- Conceived and led delivery of the Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap, a $2.2M CSIRO partnership defining Australia’s 10-year grid transition strategy.
- Directed development of the Open Energy Networks initiative with AEMO, creating the foundational DSO market framework for DER participation.
- Oversaw national standardisation of Distributed Energy Resource Connection Guidelines, now core reference material for network interconnection.
- Represented industry in regulatory and technical forums, influencing energy policy, standards development, and consumer outcomes at national and international levels.
- Managed multiple committees (Asset Management, Transmission, Future Networks) to align technical practice, investment planning, and regulatory positions.
Corporate Environment Manager
Transgrid
2007 - 01.2014
- Responsible for leading TransGrid’s OHSE strategies, direction, coordination and compliance across all of TransGrid’s business units and regions across NSW (including all capital and operational works).
- Provided specialist advice and reporting to the TransGrid executive and board.
- Developed and managed TransGrid’s award winning Environmental Management and Training System
- Led external engagement with government, industry and key stakeholders in regard to environmental and safety compliance and environmental approvals.
- Managed a small team (5-10 staff)
- TransGrid is the high Voltage Transmission Operator for NSW
Lines, Easements and Environment Manager
Transgrid
01.2001 - 2007
- Managed a large team of all lines, easement, and environmental staff for TransGrid’s Southern Region - 60+ staff
- Responsible for all lines inspections and maintenance activities, vegetation and bushfire management activities, easement access track maintenance, environmental assessments and compliance, property and security management, civil and building works within TransGrid’s Southern Region. ($20+ million)
- Responsible for the financial planning and management of the budgets for the team and its work programmes ($30+ million per annum)
- Led TransGrid’s response to the “Southern Clearing Incident” where over 300 km’s of easement were cleared to bare soil through Kosciuszko National Park, Brindabella Nature Reserve and other protected areas in Southern NSW and the ACT. I led the initial investigation, developing a rehabilitation plan, project management of the rehabilitation program (including the growing and planting of over 1 million native tubestock). I also provided technical expertise for TransGrid’s legal response to the NSW Land and Environment Court, and was responsible for establishing new environmental compliance training and certification for all TransGrid field staff to ensure that all their future works practices were environmentally compliant.
- TransGrid is the high Voltage Transmission Operator for NSW
Soil Conservation Officer, Alpine Region
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Planned, designed and managed the construction and/or upgrade of visitor facilities and walking tracks in the Kosciuszko Alpine Area.
- Responsible for updating Kosciuszko alpine Area Management Plan
- Managed the assessment and rehabilitation of former Snowy Hydro Sites and areas damaged by visitor impacts across Kosciuszko National Park.
- Managed 2 teams of field workers - 10 staff
Research Assistant/Tutor grade 6 – A/Lecturer
Australian National University
01.1991 - 01.1996
- Responsible for conducting lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops in School of Resource & Environmental Management
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) -
Australian National University
Canberra, ACT01.2010
Bachelor of Science (Honours) -
Australian National University
Canberra, ACT01.1994
Associate of Applied Science - Applied Science
Canberra TAFE
Canberra, ACT11-1989
Skills
- DER integration and flexibility
- Policy design and regulatory analysis
- Technical standards development
- Strategic programme leadership
- Distributed energy resources
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cross-industry collaboration
- System architecture design
- Written communication
- Network transformation strategy
- Interoperability standards
SELECTED INDUSTRY ROLES
Member - Common Quality Technical Group (Electricity Authority (NZ))
- 2023 - Present
- The Common Quality Technical Group provides the Electricity Authority with independent advice on common quality requirements in Part 8 of the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010.
Observer - Network Connections Technical Group (Electricity Authority (NZ))
- 2024 - Present
- The Network Connections Technical Group provide the Electricity Authority with independent advice on non-price enablers and barriers to large capacity network connections.
Convenor of the “Flexible resource integration and visibility” workstream (Flexforum)
- Support coordinated and collaborative action to make it easier for households, businesses and communities in New Zealand to maximise the value of consumer and distributed energy resources and flexibility to: 1) support affordable and reliable operation of the electricity market and power system; 2) enable accelerated electrification by households and businesses as part of the transition in Aotearoa New Zealand to zero emissions economy.
Interim Chair - DEIP Interoperability Steering Committee - Reported to the Energy Security Board (Aus)
- 2020 - 2021
- The DEIP Interoperability Steering Committee (ISC) supports the development and implementation of industry technical standards with a focus on interoperability capabilities to better enable the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into the Australian energy system. In my role with AEMO, I was responsible for establishing this group for the Energy Security Board, ready for a independent chair to be appointed.
Chairman - ESI Transmission, Distribution & Rail Traction Industry Reference Committee (Aus)
- 2015 - 2019
- This committee made up of leading industry representatives was responsible for the UET12 Transmission Distribution & Rail Sector Training Package. This training package provided the only nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications and comprised of 16 qualifications, 18 Skill Sets, 223 Units of Competency and associated assessment requirements and covered: Overhead lines (distribution), Overhead lines (transmission), Overhead traction wiring systems (rail), cable jointing and equipment installation.
Accomplishments
- EEA NZ 2025, Review of Distributor Connection Technical Standards: Findings and Recommendations
- EEA NZ & EECA 2025, Flextalk Seed Project Final Report
- EEA NZ & EECA 2024, FlexTalk: The Demand Flexibility common communications Protocol Project Final Report
- AEMO and Energy Networks Australia 2019, Open Energy Networks: Interim Report - Required Capabilities and Actions
Report (DSO)
- CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia 2017, Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap: Final Report.
This included being the sole author of Chapters:
- Chapter 9: Power System Security
- Chapter 10: Grid Transformation
- Chapter11: Network Optimisation and Platforms
- Chapter 12: Technical Enablers
- Selected Energy Insider Articles:
Standards to unlock Australia’s distributed electricity future - 2016.
- Blockchain at the Grid Edge - 2017
- A platform for the household energy revolution - 2017
- Controlled Chaos: why the grid of the future will need new standards - 2017
- Strengthening the spine: AEMC proposes new rules and markets for transmission - 2017
- UK taking the next step: from mini grids to open networks - 2018
- Connecting solar and batteries to the grid - 2018
- Too much solar? Smart integration is the answer - 2018
- Is to much solar to blame for voltage issues - 2018
- Big data, big deal - 2019
Published over 35 peer reviewed papers and reports as well as over 15 Industry articles.
Selected Relevant Public Publications include:
Timeline
Lead Advisor, Engineering & Technical
Electricity Engineers Association (EEA NZ)
03.2023 - Current
Manager, Electricity Networks & Hydrogen Initiatives
Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water
01.2021 - 01.2023
Distribution Strategy Specialist
Australian Energy Market Operator
01.2019 - 01.2021
Executive Director, Assets and Network Transformation
Energy Networks Australia
01.2014 - 01.2019
Lines, Easements and Environment Manager
Transgrid
01.2001 - 2007
Soil Conservation Officer, Alpine Region
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
01.1996 - 01.2001
Research Assistant/Tutor grade 6 – A/Lecturer
Australian National University
01.1991 - 01.1996
Corporate Environment Manager
Transgrid
2007 - 01.2014
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) -
Australian National University
Bachelor of Science (Honours) -
Australian National University
Associate of Applied Science - Applied Science
Canberra TAFE