In Memoriam - Greg Vale Thorpe
1952 - 2026
CIGRE is deeply saddened to share that our esteemed member and colleague Greg Thorpe passed away on 7 January 2026.
Greg was an expert on electricity markets in Australia and overseas. Starting in power systems sector with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, Greg was involved in the liberalisation of the Australian energy market as a manager of Vicpool (the first Australian market), then the joint Victorian/NSW market and finally as a member of the National Electricity Code Administrator at the start of the National Electricity Market in Australia.
“Greg was a legend of the industry, there from the start of the market reforms. Smart, dedicated, kind and generous.”
Following this, in late 2001, Greg moved into consulting, firstly with Charles River Associates and then as co-founder of Oakley Greenwood. In his consulting roles Greg was a major contributor to the designs of the other markets in Australia.
“Such a decent, clever, hardworking and passionate individual, who always had time to support those (like me) further back on the learning curve”
Greg was a member the Australian NEM Dispute Resolution Panel and the Singapore Market’s Dispute Resolution and Compensation Panel, where his clear thinking and depth of knowledge contributed to resolving issues between parties to the NEM.
“Greg was also a wise and patient guide to several generations of lawyers as we tried to come to grips with the technical reality of the NEM”
Greg was a founding member of the Australian Panel C5 and took over as convenor in 2018. Internationally, he was a member of Study Committee C5, a member of its Strategic Advisory Group, a convenor or member of numerous working groups, and the convenor of the Large Disturbance Workshops at CIGRE Paris and at the Cairns Symposium. He was also a key member of the ELECTRA Editorial Board.
Greg was the recipient of CIGRE’s Technical Council Award in 2024.
“Greg was always so passionate about his work and so committed to CIGRE. He was always a gentleman and so well respected amongst his peers. We will sadly miss his presence”
“I have many fond memories of working with Greg over decades as part of CIGRE AP C5 Markets and Regulation, and through his engagement on various consultancy projects. His advice was always well considered and valued”
Greg will be missed by his many friends and colleagues in Australia and around the world. Our thoughts go out to his wife Kaye, his children and his grandchildren for their loss.
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