The AEMC is holding a workshop on the connection process for connecting embedded generators. Invitations have been sent to stakeholders that have participated in the rule change process to date.
For those stakeholders that did not receive an invitation, but are interested in finding out further information about the workshop, please contact James Eastcott on 02 8296 7800 or james.eastcott@aemc.gov.au. View more
The AEMC is holding a workshop on the connection process for connecting embedded generators. Invitations have been sent to stakeholders that have participated in the rule change process to date.
For those stakeholders that did not receive an invitation, but are interested in finding out further information about the workshop, please contact James Eastcott on 02 8296 7800 or james.eastcott@aemc.gov.au.
Background
On 18 April 2012, ClimateWorks Australia, Seed Advisory and the Property Council of Australia (the proponents) submitted a rule change request to the AEMC in relation to the process for connecting embedded generators to the distribution network under Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules (NER).
The proponents consider that the process under Chapter 5 is insufficiently prescriptive and results in uncertainty for connection applicants. This could lead to significant delays in projects and therefore costs to connection applicants. In addition, the proponents note that a lack of a technical standard under the rules for embedded generators means that technical requirements can vary greatly between distributors. Further, the proponents consider that the current provisions under the NER for determining connection costs and charges are not sufficiently clear and transparent.
To address their concerns, the proponents suggest a number of amendments to the NER to: clarify timeframes and terms and conditions for connection; require the introduction of a technical standard for embedded generators; and clarify that embedded generators should not be required to contribute to shared network augmentation costs.
Some detailed aspects of the rule change request relating to information provided by distributors overlap with issues being considered under the distribution network planning and expansion framework rule change. These issues are discussed in the AEMC consultation paper.
The rule change request includes a proposed rule (however, it does not include a proposed technical standard). The proposed rule as drafted is not restricted to embedded generators and distributors, impacting connection applicants and network service providers in general.
On 14 June 2012, the AEMC initiated the rule change process in conjunction with publication of a consultation paper to facilitate stakeholder feedback on the main issues identified by the proponents. Submissions on the first round of consultation closed on 9 August 2012. A total of 43 submissions were received.
On 18 October 2012, the AEMC extended the period of time under section 107 of the National Electricity Law in which it must make the draft rule determination on the Connecting Embedded Generators rule change request. As a result of this extension the AEMC must make its draft rule determination by 27 June 2013.
The main reason for this extension was the high level of engagement by a broad range of stakeholders during the first round of consultation. Consequently, a number of complex issues relating to clarification of the connection process; the technical standards applicable to connections; and the allocation of costs have arisen. The AEMC considered that significant time would be required to identify and test appropriate policy solutions for these issues.
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