What's New: Electricity
15 August 2008
Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) Guidelines
On 15 August 2008, the Panel published the draft RERT Guidelines for stakeholder consultation in accordance with clause 8.8.3 of the Rules.
The Panel invites comments from stakeholders on the draft RERT Guidelines outlined in the draft report to be provided to the Panel by Friday, 3 October 2008.
14 August 2008
Queensland Generator Technical Performance Standards Derogations
On 5 August 2008, the Queensland Government lodged a Rule change proposal to omit most of the Queensland generator technical performance standards jurisdictional derogations.
The Commission is currently considering this Rule change proposal under section 94 of the NEL.
AEMC releases report on Demand-Side Participation in the National Electricity Market: the Wholesale Market and Financial Contracting
On 14 August 2008 the Australian Energy Market Commission released a report by CRA International entitled The Wholesale Market and Financial Contracting: AEMC Review of Demand-Side Participation (DSP) in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
This report provides advice to the Commission on aspects of DSP in the NEM with respect to the wholesale market and financial contracting. In particular, the report provides advice on the ways in which the demand-side can participate in the wholesale market, elements of the Rules which may be limiting its participation, and options for changes to any such elements of the Rules.
The report will inform the Commission’s consideration of matters in its Review of DSP in the NEM and its consideration of the Demand Management Rule change proposal by the Total Environment Centre.
Confidentiality Arrangements in Respect of Information Required for Power System Studies – extension
On 12 August 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) extending the period for publication of the draft Rule determination for Confidentiality arrangements in respect of information required for power system studies to 25 September 2008.
Transmission Network Prices Publication Date
On 14 August 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 96(5) of the National Electricity Law (NEL) stating that it would make this Rule in accordance with Division 3 of the NEL (other than section 96) and that the Commission will not expedite the making of this Rule.
Please note that submissions for first round consultation are due by 22 August 2008.
7 August 2008
Minor Change to Technical Requirement for Generators
On 7 August 2008, the Commission gave notice under sections 102 and 103 of the NEL making the National Electricity Amendment (Minor Change to Technical Requirement for Generators) Rule 2008 No.7 and the corresponding Rule determination. This Rule was made under an expedited process.
4 August 2008
Reliability Panel Transmission Reliability Standards Review interim report published
On 5 August 2008, the Reliability Panel published its interim report, “Towards a Nationally Consistent Framework for Transmission Reliability Standards”.
1 August 2008
Review of the Effectiveness of Competition in Electricity and Gas Retail Markets in South Australia – Public Forum Slides and Transcript
At a public forum, held in Adelaide on 17 July 2008, the Australian Energy Market Commission presented a summary of its preliminary finding, and the basis for the finding, that competition in electricity and gas retailing in South Australia is effective. The public forum provided stakeholders and interested parties the opportunity to ask questions of the Commission and discuss any issues of concern. The public forum was also intended to assist stakeholders with preparing written submissions to the First Draft Report, which are due by Wednesday, 13 August 2008.
The slides presented at this public forum and a transcript of the proceedings are now available.
31 July 2008
Publication of draft Rule determination and draft Rule for “Regulatory Test Thresholds and Information Disclosure on Network Replacements”
On 31 July 2008, the Commission gave notice under section 99 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) of the making of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule on a Rule change proposal submitted by ETNOF (who are now known as Grid Australia) relating to the regulatory test thresholds and information disclosure on network replacements. The draft Rule accepts Grid Australia’s proposed Rule change with some key modifications and enhancements.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the draft Rule determination and draft Rule by 15 September 2008.
Publication of draft Rule determination and draft Rule for “Setting VoLL following the Shedding of Interruptible Load”.
On 17 July 2008, the Commission gave notice under section 99 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) of the making of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule on the Australian Energy Regulator’s Rule change proposal relating to setting VoLL following the shedding of interruptible load. The Commission’s draft determination, reflected in the draft Rule, is to make the substantive changes proposed by the AER.
New Consumer Advocacy Panel Executive Director announced
The Chairman of the Consumer Advocacy Panel, Mr Frank Peach, and the Australian Energy Market Commission Chief Executive, Steven Graham, today announced the appointment of Ms Kerry Connors as Executive Director of the Consumer Advocacy Panel.
The Consumer Advocacy Panel is an independent body established to provide funding for advocacy projects on behalf of consumers in the national electricity and natural gas markets. It initiates research into issues of benefit to energy consumers. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the Panel’s functions and for the provision of strategic and operational advice to Panel members.
More on today’s news announcement
More on the Advocacy Panel
Compensation arrangements under administered pricing- Extension of time
On 31 July 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) to extend the publication period of the draft Rule determination for EnergyAustralia’s Compensation arrangements under administered pricing Rule change proposal. The Commission will now publish its draft Rule determination by 9 October 2008.
29 July 2008
Selection process for new Reliability Panel members launched today
Reliability Panel Chairman and AEMC Commissioner, Mr Ian Woodward, today invited registered participants in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and consumer groups to nominate candidates for appointment to the next AEMC Reliability Panel. Many existing members of the current Reliability Panel have terms which conclude on 31 December 2008.
As required by the National Electricity Rules, the AEMC is seeking nominations to appoint at least five, but not more than eight persons as Members of the Panel to commence operations from 1 January 2009 for terms of up to three years. The National Electricity Rules also allow existing members of the Reliability Panel to be reappointed.
More on today’s news announcement
More on the Eligibility Criteria and AEMC Selection Process
24 July 2008
Total Factor Productivity for Distribution Network Regulation
On 24 July 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 95 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) advising of its intention to commence the Rule change process and initial consultation on this Rule proposal.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the Rule change proposal by 22 August 2008. Submissions should be forwarded to submissions@aemc.gov.au.
At the same time, the Commission also published a notice under section 107 of the NEL to extend the publication of the draft Rule determination to 13 January 2009. The Commission considers that this Rule Proposal raises issues of sufficient complexity to warranted additional time for further stakeholder consultation and assessment.
Transmission Network Prices Publication Date
On 24 July 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 95 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) advising of its intention to commence the Rule change process and initial consultation on this Rule change proposal. The Commission intends to expedite the making of the propose rule under section 96 of the NEL on the grounds that the proposed Rule is non-controversial, subject to the receipt of written objections.
Cost Allocation Arrangements for Transmission Services – extension
On 24 July 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) extending the period for publication of the draft Rule determination for Cost Allocation Arrangements for Transmission Services to 28 August 2008.
22 July 2008
Release of Final Report on National Transmission Planning Arrangements Review
On 22 July 2008, the AEMC published its Final Report to the MCE on the National Transmission Planning Arrangements Review. The MCE has requested that the AEMC publicly make available the Final Report. The AEMC provided the Final Report to the MCE on 30 June 2008, as specified in the Review’s terms of reference.
The Final Report provides the AEMC’s recommendations and supporting legal text, for a) establishing a National Transmission Planner as one of the functions of the proposed new Australian Energy Market Operator, b) a revised project assessment and consultation process for transmission investment to replace the current Regulatory Test and c) reforming the economic regulation for transmission network service providers to reflect the new arrangements. A copy of the Final Report can be found here.
17 July 2008
Publication of draft Rule determination and draft Rule for “Reclassification of Contingency Events” Rule change
On 17 July 2008, the Commission gave notice under section 99 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) of the making of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule on the Australian Energy Regulator’s Rule change proposal relating to the reclassification of contingency events.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the draft Rule determination and draft Rule by 28 August 2008.
16 July 2008
Victorian Jurisdictional Derogation (Advanced Metering Infrastructure Roll Out)
The Commission released a report by LECG on “Developments in the New Zealand market for Advanced Metering Infrastructure and related services”. More information can be found here.
10 July 2008
Transmission Reliability Standards Review
On 10 July 2008, the Reliability Panel (Panel) outlined a new process and timetable for this review in order to:
9 July 2008
Public Forum on preliminary assessment of energy retail competition in South Australia
At a public forum on Thursday, 17 July 2008, the Australian Energy Market Commission will present a summary of its preliminary finding, and the basis for the finding, that competition in electricity and gas retailing in South Australia is effective. The public forum will give stakeholders and interested parties the opportunity to ask questions of the Commission and discuss any issues of concern. It is intended that the public forum will assist stakeholders with preparing written submissions to the First Draft Report, which was published on Friday, 4 July 2008. Submissions on the Report are due by Wednesday, 13 August 2008.
You are invited to attend this forum on the South Australia energy retail competition review on Thursday, 17 July 2008 from 12:30pm to 2pm. It will be held at The Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, 125 North Terrace, Adelaide (registration from 12:00pm and a light lunch will be provided). Your RSVP is essential in order to secure your seat at this forum. Please RSVP by completing the registration form and emailing it to the AEMC at registration@aemc.gov.au by close of business on Monday, 14 July 2008.
Additional details are outlined in the invitation from the Commission to the public forum.
7 July 2008
Review of Mainland Frequency Operating Standards during Periods of Supply Scarcity
The Reliability Panel (Panel) received submissions on this review from Powerlink, the ERAA and the NGF. The submissions raised a raised a number of issues and the Panel considers that it should consult on a draft report prior to finalising this review.
The AEMC approved amended terms of reference that allow the Panel to consult on a draft determination for this review, rather than proceeding directly to a final determination, as required by the original terms of reference. This amendment to the terms of reference does not change the requirement on the Panel to complete the review by the end of this year.
The Panel will publish its draft determination in the near future and seek a second round of submissions on this draft. At this time the Panel will announce a timetable for the remainder of this review.
4 July 2008
AEMC starts consultation on the effectiveness of energy retail competition in South Australia
On 4 July 2008, the AEMC published the First Draft Report of its Review of the Effectiveness of Competition in the Electricity and Gas Retail Markets in South Australia. The Draft Report finds that competition in both electricity and natural gas in South Australia is effective. For more on today’s News Announcement.
3 July 2008
Cost Allocation Arrangements for Transmission Services – extension
On 3 July 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) extending the period for publication of the draft Rule determination for Cost Allocation Arrangements for Transmission Services to 31 July 2008.
2 July 2008
AEMC releases report on Demand-Side Bidding in Wholesale Electricity Markets
On 2 July 2008 the Australian Energy Market Commission released a report by The Brattle Group entitled Demand-Side Bidding in Wholesale Electricity Markets.
This report focuses on the international experience of demand-side bidding in wholesale electricity markets. The report will inform the Commission’s consideration of matters relating to the participation of the demand-side in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in its Review of Demand-Side Participation in the NEM and its consideration of the Demand Management Rule Change proposal by the Total Environment Centre.
Establishment of the Consumer Advocacy Panel
On 1 July 2008, the Consumer Advocacy Panel was established by the Australian Energy Market Commission Establishment Act 2004, as amended.
Appointment of new Member to the former Advocacy Panel
Ms Karen Chalmers-Scott was appointed to the former Advocacy Panel on 25 June 2008 to fill the vacancy left by Mr Gordon Renouf’s retirement from the former Advocacy Panel.
1 July 2008
Publication of Version 21 of the National Electricity Rules
The Commission has published Version 21 of the Rules on its website. Version 21 incorporates the National Electricity Amendment (Process for Region Change) Rule 2007 No.11; Schedule 2 of the National Electricity (Economic Regulation of Distribution Services) Amendment Rules 2007; the National Electricity Amendment (Economic Regulation of Transmission Services Undertaken by Distributors) Rule 2008 No. 3; the National Electricity Amendment (WACC, alignment of reviews) Rule 2008 No. 4; the National Electricity Amendment (WACC, technical drafting issues) Rule 2008 No. 5; and the National Electricity Amendment (NEM Reliability Settings: Information, Safety Net and Directions) Rule 2008 No. 6. All these Rules commenced operation on 1 July 2008.
26 June 2008
Economic Regulation of Transmission Services Undertaken by Distributors
On 26 June 2008, the Commission gave notice under sections 102 and 103 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) of the making of the National Electricity Amendment (Economic Regulation of Transmission Services Undertaken by Distributors) Rule 2008 No.3 and corresponding final Rule determination. The Commission has adopted the substance of EnergyAustralia’s proposal with several modifications regarding the operation of the Rule.
The Rule commences on 1 July 2008.
Final Rule determination for WACC, technical drafting issues
On 26 June 2008 the Commission published its final Rule determination and final Rule on the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Rule change proposal relating to certain provisions concerning the weighted average cost of capital parameter reviews. The National Electricity Amendment (WACC, technical drafting issues) Rule 2008 No. 5 will commence on 1 July 2008.
Final Rule determination for WACC, alignment of reviews
On 26 June 2008 the Commission published its final Rule determination and final Rule relating to the Australian Energy Regulator’s Rule change proposal on aligning the timing of parameter reviews for transmission and distribution services. The National Electricity Amendment (WACC, alignment of reviews) Rule 2008 No. 4 will commence on 1 July 2008.
Extension of time for publication of draft Rule determination and draft Rule
On 26 June 2008 the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law to extend, by 8 weeks, the publication of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule for the proposed Victorian Jurisdictional Derogation relating to the roll out of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (or smart meters).
The extension was necessary for the Commission to consider a Statement of Policy Principles and Smart Meter Decision Paper issued by the Ministerial Council on Energy on 13 June 2008.
NEM Reliability Settings: Information, Safety Net and Directions
The Commission gives notice under sections 102 and 103 of the National Electricity Law of the publication of its final Rule determination and the making of the National Electricity Amendment (NEM Reliability Settings: Information, Safety Net and Directions) Rule 2008 No. 6 on 26 June 2008.
This Rule will commence on 1 July 2008.
Performance Standard Compliance of Generators
On 26 June 2008, the Commission gave notice under section 99 of the National Electricity Law of the making of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule on the National Generators Forum’s Rule change proposal relating to the compliance with performance standards by Generators.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the draft Rule determination and draft Rule by 8 August 2008.
Minor Change to Technical Requirement for Generators
NEMMCO’s Rule change proposal seeks to correct minor drafting errors in S5.2.5.3(c)(6) of the Rules.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the Rule change proposal by 24 July 2008. Any objections to the expedited Rule making process must be received by 10 July 2008.
Extension of Time for the Publication of the draft Rule determination for Regulatory Test Thresholds and Information Disclosure on Network Replacements
On 26 June 2008 the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) to extend the publication of the draft Rule determination from 3 July 2008 to 31 July 2008. The Commission considered it necessary to extend the publication of the draft Rule determination in order to sufficiently analyse and address complex issues necessary to finalise the draft Rule determination.
The Commission made this decision to analyse information it has recently received which will assist it in formulating its views in relation to whether or not to increase the Regulatory Test thresholds.
20 June 2008
Resignation of Commissioner Liza Carver
Commissioner Liza Carver has submitted her resignation from the office of Commissioner after a period of 3 years service on the AEMC. Her resignation will have effect from 18 September 2008 following a notice period of 3 months.
Minor Change to Technical Requirement for Generators
On 4 June 2008, the Commission received a proposal from NEMMCO to amend the National Electricity Rules (Rules). NEMMCO’s Rule change proposal seeks to correct minor drafting errors in S5.2.5.3(c)(6) of the Rules.
The Commission is currently considering this Rule change proposal under section 94 of the National Electricity Law.
17 June 2008
Victorian Jurisdictional Derogation (Advanced Metering Infrastructure Roll Out)
The Commission released a report by NERA London on "Smart Metering for Electricity Consumers in Selected Jurisdictions”.
16 June 2008
Congestion Management Review makes final report to MCE
Today the Australian Energy Market Commission published the Final Report of the Congestion Management Review which was presented to the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) on 10 June 2008. As directed by the MCE, this Review has examined Rules for the National Electricity Market which govern how network congestion is managed. It considered how those Rules could be improved in ways that enable market participants to manage the associated risks more efficiently and recommended four specific changes.
The Commission wrote to NEMMCO regarding the interactions between this review and the Commission’s Demand Side Participation Review. This letter can be found here.
More on today’s news announcement.
12 June 2008
Extension of time for the publication of Performance Standard Compliance of Generators draft Rule determination and draft Rule
On 12 June 2008 the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) to extend the publication of the draft Rule determination and draft Rule for the NGF Rule change proposal by two weeks. The Commission considered it necessary to extend the publication of the draft Rule determination in order to seek legal advice on a number of issues that have been raised in stakeholder submissions.
The Commission will now publish the draft Rule determination and draft Rule by 26 June 2008.
Review of Frequency Operating Standards for Tasmania
On 6 June 2008, the Reliability Panel (Panel) held a stakeholder forum in Hobart as part of the consultation on the “Review of Frequency Operating Standards for Tasmania”.
A copy of the presentations from the Forum is now available on the AEMC’s website.
An amended extract of Alinta’s submission dated 21 May 2008; the “Required Frequency Standards for Connecting Alinta” was submitted to the Panel on 5 June 2008.
30 May 2008
Transmission Reliability Standards Review
On 30 April 2008, the Reliability Panel (Panel) held a public forum in Melbourne on its Draft Report, “Towards a Nationally Consistent Framework for Transmission Reliability Standards”.
The transcript of the Panel's public forum is now available on the AEMC’s website.
Stakeholder Forum in Hobart on the Review of Frequency Operating Standards for Tasmania
The Reliability Panel has made the following arrangements for the Stakeholder Forum:
| Venue: | Henry Jones Art Hotel, 25 Hunter St, Hobart, Tasmania. |
| Date: | Friday, 6 June 2008 |
| Commencement time: | 12.30pm (Confirmation of Attendance) and 1pm (Forum) |
| Close of Meeting: | 3.30pm |
Any questions in relation to the Forum should be directed to Rory Campbell or Julian Eggleston on (02) 8296 7800 or panel@aemc.gov.au.
29 May 2008
Transmission Reliability Standards Review
On 29 May 2008, the Reliability Panel (Panel) published a summary report by KEMA entitled ‘International Review of Transmission Reliability Standards’, to assist the Panel in developing a framework for nationally consistent transmission reliability standards for the National Electricity Market. KEMA’s report is now available on the AEMC’s website.
Compensation Arrangements Under Administered Pricing
On 29 May 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) extending to 7 August 2008, the period for publication of the draft Rule determination on EnergyAustralia’s Compensation arrangements under administered pricing Rule change proposal.
To assist it in preparing its draft Rule determination, the Commission has requested technical advice from Intelligent Energy Systems (IES) on the impact of inter-regional flows on the operation of the administered price cap and eligibility for compensation under clause 3.14.6 of the National Electricity Rules. The report by IES, ‘Regional Settlement Prices During Administered Pricing’, is now available on the Commission’s website.
22 May 2008
Publication of section 95 notice for Ramp Rates, Market Ancillary Service Offers, and Dispatch Inflexibility Rule change proposal
On 22 May 2008, the Commission published a notice under section 95 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) advising of its intention to commence the Rule change process and initial consultation on this Rule proposal.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the Rule change proposal by 19 June 2008.
WACC Parameter Values, Equity Beta and Gamma
On 21 April 2008, the Commission received a Rule change proposal from the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA).
The EUAA’s Rule change proposal seeks to amend the prescribed values of certain parameters, equity beta and gamma, used for revenue determinations for the provision of transmission and distribution services.
The Commission invites interested parties to provide submissions on the Rule change proposal by 20 June 2008. Submissions should be forwarded to submissions@aemc.gov.au
21 May 2008
Determination of Schedule for the Administered Price Cap
The Commission has determined the final schedule which specifies the Administered Price Cap (APC).
The APC is $300/MWh for all regions in the National Electricity Market, for all time periods.
16 May 2008
Final Stage 1 Report and Stage 2 Issues Paper for AEMC Review of Demand-Side Participation in the NEM
On 16 May 2008 the Australian Energy Market Commission published two documents in relation to its three-stage Review on Demand-Side Participation in the NEM. These documents are an Issues Paper for Stage 2 and the Final Report for Stage 1 of the Review. The Issues Paper represents the first stage of the consultation process for Stage 2 of the Review being undertaken by the Commission. The Commission welcomes submissions from stakeholders by 20 June 2008 on all aspects of this Issues Paper.
More on today’s news announcement.