For Jennifer Tarr, the energy industry isn’t just about megawatts and market dynamics. It’s about people: her team, her customers, and the outcomes that matter to them.

With nearly 20 years of experience in wholesale and retail electricity markets, Jennifer has built a career on solving complex problems and putting customers first. Now, as General Manager of Stanwell Energy – the commercial and industrial retail arm of Stanwell Corporation – she leads a team focused on keeping prices competitive, supporting customers and navigating the challenges of an evolving energy landscape.

Jennifer’s journey into the energy industry began with an elective subject at UNSW on electricity market design. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Chartered Financial Analyst qualification, she was drawn to the intersection of technical systems and financial strategy.

“In my final year at university, I took a course on electricity industry planning, pricing, and economics,” she recalls. “That’s when I first learned about the wholesale market – how generators bid and dispatch electricity. It combined physical engineering with markets, finance and trading. I knew immediately that was what I wanted to do.”

She started her career as an electricity trading analyst in Sydney before an opportunity arose at Stanwell to become a forward trader.

“I wanted to take the next step, and I was ready for an adventure,” she laughs. “I was young, didn’t have kids yet, and I was looking for something new, so I moved to Brisbane.”

At Stanwell, Jennifer’s role evolved from trading to regulatory advocacy and now retail, where she oversees sales, product development, billing and analytics.

“Each new role has been a natural progression,” she says. “Each role has built on what I learned before, expanding my knowledge and allowing me to contribute in new ways.”

Leading by example

During her decade and a half at Stanwell, Jennifer has seen the percentage of women in leadership roles gradually increase. In 2023/24, Stanwell exceeded its target of 28.5 per cent, with 30.6 per cent of leadership roles now held by women.

“We’ve certainly become a lot more inclusive and diverse, which is great,” she says. “There are many more women working here and in leadership roles. I think it’s really important that we have that diversity – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it helps avoid groupthink and ultimately leads to better, more creative ideas.”

She believes leadership from the top sets the tone. “We’re careful to select leaders who demonstrate our values, and that example flows through the business.”

For Jennifer, Stanwell’s investment in training has been key to her growth as a leader. “Take our Leading for the Future program, for instance,” she says. “That was so valuable to me because it created an environment where we could have deep and meaningful leadership conversations in a trusted space.

“That’s where I realised what was really important to me: developing people and seeing them reach their potential. That’s what I enjoy most about leadership – helping people perform better, achieve their goals and grow.”

Jennifer says she continues to apply those lessons daily. “In my day-to-day leadership, I think a lot about what I learned in that program – the value of hearing from others and knowing yourself.”

Meeting the moment

Jennifer acknowledges that the energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and while the road ahead will be challenging, she sees that as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle.

“The most exciting challenges are the difficult ones,” she says. “That’s where strong leadership matters – we need to set clear priorities and make deliberate choices. We can’t do everything, so we have to be strategic.”

She points to market design, technological advancements and cost pressures as key areas requiring careful navigation. “Change isn’t always easy, but we lean in and embrace it,” she says.

And while the industry continues to transform, she says it’s important to remember that some things remain constant – particularly customers’ expectations.

“Being in retail, it’s crucial that we keep prices low to support industry,” she says. “Energy prices are a key input into industry, and industry growth means jobs and prosperity for Australians.

“Many of our customers operate globally or have the option to move offshore, so we have to ensure our prices remain competitive. We can’t afford to make the energy transition unaffordable for them.”

At the end of the day, Jennifer says customers want one thing above all else: reliable energy at a fair price.

“They appreciate renewables and have their own sustainability goals, just as we do, but they also want a good price,” she says.

Jennifer and her team are focused on delivering that certainty, ensuring Stanwell remains a trusted partner to businesses as the market evolves.

Bright sparks wanted

Jennifer believes the energy industry offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, especially as the industry evolves – and she encourages more women to jump in.

“I’d absolutely recommend a career in energy, because it’s an industry where you’re always learning,” she says. “You’ll never be bored. There’s always something new to unravel, a challenge to tackle or a problem to solve.

“So go for it! And when you do, stay curious – ask questions, take on different challenges, and get as much variety as possible. Every experience adds to your skillset and helps you grow.”

Looking back on her career so far, Jennifer is proud of the journey she’s taken – but she’s just as proud of the people she’s worked alongside.

“I feel like everything’s been a stepping stone to something else,” she says. “I’ve been proud of a lot of things, but it’s been a team effort.

“And my colleagues here have been great to work with. Coming in every day and working with them… that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”