Intium’s Corporate Strategy pillars:

• Connections and electrical services – supporting generation and greenfield load connections
• EV charging infrastructure – installing and maintaining public and private passenger vehicle charging points
• Energy solutions – supporting small-scale and low complexity electrification projects.

During 2023–24, Intium signed a Preliminary Works Agreement (PWA) in relation to the Forest Glen Solar Farm Project, near Dubbo. Commencing in February 2024, Intium is supporting the customer to design, construct, commission, operate and decommission the electricity network infrastructure for the solar farm to connect to the Essential Energy network. This includes a 132/33kV 120MVA power transformer, 33kV switchboard and associated building, civil and secondary systems.

It also includes future proofing the infrastructure for the addition of a Battery Energy Storage Solution in the future. Civil works are expected to commence in November 2024. When completed, the 90MW Forest Glen Solar Farm will generate enough renewable energy for approximately 33,000 homes.

In addition to securing the Forest Glen PWA, during 2023–24 Intium focused on establishment activities to support the delivery of its strategy. These included:

• Recruitment – recruiting team members and securing access to field-based personnel (agreements with Essential Energy and other parties)
• Governance – establishing governance systems, structures and processes to operate safely, efficiently, within regulatory requirements, and independently from Essential Energy
• Relationships – building relationships with prospective clients across the three strategic pillars, and increasing market awareness of Intium’s value proposition
• Partnerships – securing international and national delivery partners to expand capabilities.

As a start-up business, Intium is not yet generating revenue. Some operating and capital costs were incurred during 2023-24. These are incorporated into the ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ (See Annual Report 2023-24 PDF, page 77 ), and provided in the ‘Accompanying Financial Statements to the Essential Energy Annual Report 2024’ document.

The full Intium Board of Directors was formed in September 2023 and the constitution of Intium Pty Ltd was tabled in NSW Parliament in November 2023.

Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and in accordance with Intium Pty Ltd’s Constitution, all decisions relating to the operation of Intium are to be made by or under the authority of its Board.

In turn, the Board may, upon terms and conditions and with any restrictions it sees fit, confer on an Executive Officer any of the powers that the directors can exercise. The Board is accountable for governance and, ultimately, the performance of the company. The Board gives direction and exercises judgement in setting the company’s strategy and objectives and oversees the implementation of these by management.

Intium Board of Directors: John Cleland (Chair), Justin Hillier, Martin English and Charlie Boyes.

John Cleland is also a member of the Essential Energy Board (see ‘Essential Energy Board of Directors’, Annual Report 2023-24 PDF page 65 for details).

John Cleland, Justin Hillier, Martin English and Charlie Boyes are also members of Essential Energy’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) (see ‘Executive Leadership Team’, Annual Report 2023-24 PDF pages 67–68 for responsibilities and qualifications).

The Directors manage any conflicts of interest in accordance with the Constitution of Intium and also by complying with the AER’s Ring-fencing Guideline, by using a defined framework and shared services operating model between Essential Energy and Intium.

Board members do not receive any salary or other paid benefits in addition to their remuneration as Essential Energy ELT members.

Nathan Rhodes commenced as Intium’s first Executive General Manager in November 2023. Nathan Rhodes’ qualifications: MComLaw, BECivil (Hons), BA (Political Science), GAICD.

Recruitment activities are ongoing as the business establishes its core capabilities. As at 30 June 2024, Intium had seven full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, against a forecast of 16 FTE.

Other information relating to Intium is consolidated into relevant sections of this Essential Energy Annual Report.