The inclusion of an emissions objective would require a shift in how statutory entities exercise their respective functions under the National Electricity Law, as well as consideration of how an emissions benefit should be quantified to allow comparison against other priorities.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) publishes its Quarterly Energy Dynamics report to provide the market with information regarding trends, outcomes and developments in the NEM, the WEM, and gas markets across the east and west coasts over the prior quarter

Regulators are only now grasping the full extent of the challenges and opportunities brought by the proliferation of DER, including the need for remote, dynamic device communication. Flowing on from this is the need for interoperability standards and a good governance model.

On 17 March 2022, the AEMC made its final determination on the Governance of Distributed Energy Resources Technical Standards. The Commission has decided not to make a rule, and instead rely on its existing powers and workplan to progress DER technical standards for the NEM.

The review addressed a commitment to ban embedded networks in new apartment buildings, and enable customers living in existing embedded networks to have the same protections and opportunities as other consumers.

Released in December 2021, the consultation paper sets out, and seeks feedback on, key design aspects of the NSW Government’s work to coordinate and encourage investment in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) under its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

The AER is developing new guidance for DNSPs following the AEMC’s final determination on access, pricing and incentive arrangements for DER. The guidelines are intended to guide efficient levels of DER export investment and appropriate two-way price signals

The AEMC recently extended its time to make draft determinations on operating reserves and ramping services until June 2023. These will now be published after the ESB’s final advice to Energy Ministers on a resource adequacy mechanism

On 2 December 2021, the AEMC published its Final Rule Determination on Integrating Energy Storage Systems into the NEM, creating a new Integrated Resource Provider participant category

On 19 August 2021, the AEMC published a Consultation Paper for the Transmission Planning and Investment Review.

What is the Ring-Fencing Guideline change and how does it affect you?