Name
Melanie Graetz
Job title
A/Executive General Manager Remote Communities
Organisation
Horizon Power
Speaker biography
Melanie Graetz is a senior energy executive with 15 years of experience at Horizon Power, a vertically integrated utility. As Acting Executive General Manager Remote Communities, she leads the delivery and transformation of electricity services across over 100 remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
She has led significant reform in regional energy delivery, transferring management responsibility for power services to Horizon Power and establishing clear accountability for a portfolio of high risk, ageing energy assets. This has enabled multi year capital uplift programs focused on safety, reliability, and long term sustainability, supported by enduring engagement across communities, government, and industry.
Melanie has overseen commercial and joint venture delivery models, major deployment programs for Standalone Power Systems, and the integration of renewable solutions in highly constrained environments.
She brings deep operational judgement, shaped by regional living and a career spanning strategy, technology, and operations. Melanie holds a Business and Technology qualification from AGSM @ UNSW Business School.
She has led significant reform in regional energy delivery, transferring management responsibility for power services to Horizon Power and establishing clear accountability for a portfolio of high risk, ageing energy assets. This has enabled multi year capital uplift programs focused on safety, reliability, and long term sustainability, supported by enduring engagement across communities, government, and industry.
Melanie has overseen commercial and joint venture delivery models, major deployment programs for Standalone Power Systems, and the integration of renewable solutions in highly constrained environments.
She brings deep operational judgement, shaped by regional living and a career spanning strategy, technology, and operations. Melanie holds a Business and Technology qualification from AGSM @ UNSW Business School.
Speaking At
Presentation title
Delivering equitable access to the energy transition for remote communities
Presentation summary
The Kimberley Communities Solar Saver (KCSS) program is delivering equitable access to the energy transition for remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Addressing challenges of reducing energy costs and reliance on diesel, KCSS enables entire communities to benefit from rooftop solar, regardless of whether individual households have panels installed. Energy savings from solar systems installed on select rooftops are shared across all community households, ensuring collective benefit. Launched in 2024 and underpinned by principles of equity and community engagement, KCSS has delivered significant outcomes: reduced energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and increased renewable energy penetration. In Warmun, 41 solar systems provide energy credits to 78 properties. In Bidyadanga, installed solar across 33 properties has generated energy credits for 133 households. The program is expanding to Ardyaloon, with 21 new installations set to benefit around 85 properties. With approximately 300 rooftop systems of two megawatts combined capacity and more than 430 households set to benefit in total, the program delivers about $450 in annual savings per household. Co-funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, KCSS exemplifies how shared renewable assets can deliver cleaner, cheaper energy and a fairer energy future for remote communities.
