Greg Williams Memorial | Forever In Our Hearts

About
Obituary
Gallery
Tributes

About

Service Date: Wed, 12 August 2026, 4:30 PM

Service Location: Terrace on the Domain Sydney

Obituary

Greg Williams passed away on 23 July in Gosford Hospital, following a heart attack a month earlier. Greg made a huge contribution to the energy policy reform agenda in the NEM, through his work at the AEMC, ARENA and RACE for 2030 over the past 10 years.

He leaves behind three children - Rory, Thom, and Luke, and a wife Helen, who said of him:

"He was the best man I ever knew. Thank you for loving him too"

Staff and alumni from ARENA, RACE, AEMC and Endgame Economics are honored to host an industry memorial event for Greg on the afternoon of Wednesday August 12 at Terrace on the Domain in Sydney. To help with planning for this event, we ask that RSVP by 9am Monday 17th August.

In the words of Greg's mate Hillary:
Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne.
(A great tōtara tree has fallen in the forest.)

Gallery

Tributes

I’ll remember Greg as the economic expert that the experts relied upon. His passion, intellect and kindness left a significant imprint on me. He will be missed.

A small story. The TSAR team did a team building exercise where we painted cubist portraits of each other. Ben Hiron did a portrait of Greg with his head exploding with different ideas, some of the ideas were blocky, some of the ideas were stripy, and some of the ideas were dotty. Whatever they looked like there were lots and lots of ideas. That small story has remained with me as an insight into Greg and what he was all about. Vale Greg.

I remember Greg starting at the AEMC. It was clear he would be a great desk pod buddy – and he was!
There were many conversations and laughs about families, life, and even energy.
I also recall the day Greg proudly wore to work a badge that declared it was a big birthday for him. He was that kind of guy.
And he will be missed.

I took this photo on the first day that I met Greg. It was immediately apparent that he was a good soul, and every conversation we had since crossed confirmed it even more. He was a rare and real kind of person, generous without expectation and brimming with deep care. I'll miss his smile as he'd silently roll his chair over to mine with an arm outstretched holding a packet of pineapple gummy lollies, his laugh over silly YouTube videos, and how he'd light up showing me which album he's been listening to on the train in. How lucky we are to have known him, and may we all be a bit more like Greg in his memory.

Greg Williams Tribute 4 Image by Andy Mullens

We dearly miss Greg. He was one of the most humble, intelligent, caring and unique people I’ve ever met, known for his signature retro yellow walkman, floral shirts and hot chocolates.

He had such an impact on the energy transition, and was always three steps ahead of all of us in his thinking. Not many people can say they’ve been able to change hearts, minds and actual energy market rules. Greg - we will do our best to make you proud through our work.

It was my privilege to have known and worked with Greg. Great thinking, fantastic ability to see others perspectives and engage and learn, all with good humour. He is missed by an industry that has benefited from his input.
Deepest condolences to his family for an unexpected loss way too early.

It was heartbreaking to hear Greg has died, way too soon. I worked with him at the AEMC and was always warmed by his laid-back but enthusiastic manner, his readiness to pitch in with ideas, and the perpetual twinkle in his eyes. My heartfelt condolences to Helen, Rory, Thom and Luke.

Greg was an amazing man to work with and someone I always sought out to have a yarn with at conferences. I always looked forward to a chat with him, and loved how he was always down to attend a briefing - he was curious and passionate about energy and the work we do, but was also just a delight to be around.

I'm sad I don't get to share all the latest goss with him in future; there were anecdotes I was looking forward to laughing about with him. His intelligence, kindness and humour will be missed.

I feel like I was so lucky to have known Greg even if it was only briefly. What a lovely, kind and genuine man. Greg was a true pleasure to work with, always greeting everyone with a wide smile and genuine interest in not just work, but also people. Greg also gave wonderful hugs! My deepest condolences to his family, and ARENA colleagues. I know you must be feeling this loss most keenly and you have the support of the entire energy industry who knew him. Vale Greg.

It is with great sadness to hear of Greg's passing. He and I didnt work closely together, more so at offsites and group activities, but Greg always brought with him an interesting perspective and a warm smile. We will miss his vibrancy in the office. Sending deep condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

I always enjoyed talking to Greg, whenever I visited the ARENA Syd office. I loved hearing him talk about networks and policy, and his enthusiasm about the change that was happening and the impact ARENA was making - the smile and optimism lit up his face.

I didn't get to say good-bye before he left ARENA, and I never thought we'd be saying good-bye like this so soon after.

Greg, I hope you're smiling down on us from heaven and that your presence stays with your family today and always. Sending peace, love and strength to your family and loved ones.

Greg was a true gentleman and it was my absolute privilege to have worked with him over the past three years. He was one of the few people who took my open door policy literally. He'd often walk in and we'd have a long chat about network tariffs, regulation, the consumer experience and everything else. I loved our chats and always appreciated his advice. More than this though, Greg was just a great human being. Never abrupt, always smiling, always there for his colleagues. We miss Greg dearly and wish his family comfort in their grief.

What a wonderful human being you were. We could not have asked for a better work colleague - smart, funny, principled, so likeable and with never a cross word - these were just a few of your qualities. You were also fearless and brave when it came to providing advice about good policy. You were a great friend to so many of us. We will miss you terribly.
I don't have many pictures, but here is one of you giving the ball some air, Daniel Vettori style, at our end of year social event.

Greg Williams Tribute 13 Image by John Mackay

I had the privilege of working with Greg at the AEMC, and I will always remember him as a warm, kind and approachable colleague. He had a genuinely positive presence and always made those around him feel welcome.

Greg was someone who was generous with his time and support, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with Helen, Rory, Thom and Luke, and all those who knew and loved him.

I met Greg during my time working at the AEMC, and the thing that always stood out to me was how passionate, knowledgeable, and kind Greg was.

If you were interested in energy and curious, he would find the time in his schedule to teach and share his knowledge.

I'm so saddened that I will no longer be able to have those conversations, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have met Greg and counted him a friend.

In the field of electricity market design, Greg was a kindred spirit. Although we didn't agree on everything, we did share a thirst - and a love - for new ideas, concepts, initiatives that could make the market work better, for everyone.

Now he's gone, and I still can't quite believe it. But I will keep him alive in spirit. Any new idea I come up with, my first question will be: "what would Greg say?"

A beared face I looked for at every energy meeting, workshop or gathering, one that always looked brightly we meeting up for chat and hot chocolate & coffee will now only exist in my fondest memories.
Greg shared his time, his intellect, and passion for a better energy system without restraint or expectation.
At the Pearly Gates I’m sure St Peter said something like … sorry you’ve had to come here early but we needed the perfect honest, moral, Energy Economist to sort out our system here in Heaven.
Vale Greg

Greg will remember as generous, kind and thoughtful friend. I will miss our chocolate catch ups, that friendly smile, and his willingness to listen to my dumb ideas.
Greg will leave a mark in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.

My heartfelt thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. Greg was such a wonderfully warm and kind person and will be deeply missed.

Greg was one of the finest energy market public policy experts I have had the privelege of working with. But more than that, he was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. I learned so much from being around him. Thank you Greg for being one of the finest people I've known (and an outstanding energy economist!). My deepest condolences to Greg's family.

I am so sad to hear of Greg's passing. I will miss him dearly, and my heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends.

I will remember Greg as a big-brained, big-hearted friend who was always there to listen, offer advice, and chat about anything and everything. His kindness, intelligence, and genuine care for others has left a lasting impression, and I feel fortunate to have known him.

I will remember Greg as an incredibly kind and warm soul. Like so many others, I learnt a great deal from him during my time at ARENA. His knowledge seemed boundless, and he was always generous with his time and insights. I’m deeply saddened by his passing, and my deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones.

I was greatly saddened to hear of the loss of such a thoughtful and friendly character from my industry. Even when paid to argue with him, I always looked forward to doing exactly that, knowing how much I would learn each time.

My deepest sympathies to his family in this untimely loss of such a kind man.

Greg - thank you for bringing your loud shirts, deep expertise, commitment and energy to ARENA. We loved working with you. Helen and family - deep condolences, and gratitude for lending us Greg. His self-chosen tag for our footy tipping comp was 'luckiestmanalive'. I'm glad he felt that way.

I was so shocked to hear of Greg's passing. We met through work and grew to become friends, which was very easy with Greg. He was a very nice person, dedicated to public service and fun to be around. I will miss him.

I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Greg’s sudden passing. I had the privilege of working with Greg at the Electricity Authority of New Zealand, and I will always remember him as a wonderful colleague. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.

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