Rule changes: Open

On 13 November 2009, the AEMC received a Rule change request from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The Rule change request proposes a new rule to require AEMO to calculate and publish a Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂-e) Intensity Index for the National Electricity Market (NEM).

In summary, the proposed Rule would require AEMO to:

• establish, maintain, update and publish a Intensity Index for the NEM;
• develop, in consultation with stakeholders, procedures that would determine the methodology for calculating the Intensity Index: how suitable input data would be identified and the mechanism for estimating some inputs if necessary;
• publish the detailed procedures for the calculation and publication of the CO₂-e Intensity Index, and also any other supplementary indicators;
• maintain and publish a list of all generating units that have been included in the CO₂-e Intensity Index, the emission factors used in respect of each generation units; and
• place the timing obligations related to the CO₂-e Intensity Index in the spot market operations timetable.

On 23 December 2009, the Commission gave notice under section 95 of the National Electricity Law to commence consultation on the Rule change proposal. The Commission will consider the proposed Rule under the Rule making process and not through the expedited process under section 96 of the NEL.

A Consultation Paper is also published to provide guidance to stakeholders in commenting on the Rule change proposal.

Submissions closed on 11 February 2010.

All enquiries in relation to this project should be addressed to Lisa Nardi  (02) 8296 7800.