The AEMC has published a discussion paper for the Review of the Integrated System Plan (ISP) framework (the Review). We are seeking stakeholder input on the future purpose of the ISP, along with specific opportunities for reform. Submissions to the discussion paper are due by 3 September 2026.  

The Commission is reviewing the ISP

The Review is a National Electricity Rules (NER) requirement, and presents an opportunity to assess how the ISP framework best contributes to achieving the national electricity objective (NEO). We are required to complete the Review by 1 July 2027.

In submissions to the consultation paper, stakeholders expressed differing views on the purpose of the ISP, both now and into the future.​ We have developed this discussion paper to seek feedback on which future role for the ISP would add most value to the energy system. Clarifying the purpose will then guide the choices that should be made about its planning scope and process, actionability framework and governance settings. The Commission considers this a necessary foundation that will help determine which aspects of the framework should be retained, refined or reformed.

We propose strawpeople to illustrate possible futures for the ISP

To structure stakeholder feedback, we developed five strawpeople that describe possible future purposes for the ISP, and how they could be given effect through choices on the plan and the actionability mechanism. They are not fully specified designs. Within each strawperson, further choices would need to be worked through, including on modelling methodology, sequencing, governance and implementation. 

We welcome stakeholder views on their preferred future for the ISP, and what would be required to implement any of the strawpeople. 

The discussion paper also progresses our work across three workstreams

The Commission is focused on making the national framework as effective as possible. This includes testing reforms that would make the national pathway better across any future role for the ISP, delivering a more efficient and timely route for projects on the ODP, alongside but not in place of jurisdictional pathways.

The issues we have identified do not represent an exhaustive list of issues that we may consider. We will also consider any new issues raised by stakeholders in response to this discussion paper.

We are seeking stakeholder feedback on the discussion paper by 3 September 2026

We published a consultation paper in December last year and received 22 submissions in response. The feedback in these submissions has informed our initial thoughts on the future purpose of the ISP, for which we are seeking stakeholder feedback through the discussion paper.

Next steps for the review are as follows:

• Stakeholder consultation on the discussion paper will close on 3 September 2026.  
• Following consultation, a draft report will be released in December 2026 for consultation. The Commission is aware that related workstreams, both internal and external, may also be seeking stakeholder feedback at that time. We will take that into consideration when determining timeframes for publication and consultation.

We welcome stakeholder engagement throughout the consultation period and as we develop our draft report. If you would like to meet with the team, please contact the project leader via the link on this page.  

We value your feedback and there will be further opportunities to engage throughout the review process.  

Background

The Commission is required to complete the Review under clause 11.126.10 of the NER.

The ISP framework is set out in rules 5.16A, 5.22 and 5.23 of the NER, which include:

• the application of the regulatory investment test for transmission to actionable projects  
• the content, methodology and governance of the ISP and  
• how disputes relating to the ISP are addressed.

AEMO’s ISP has played a central role as a long-term guide to, and network plan for, the efficient development of the electricity system since 2018. It has evolved over time, and the ISP today, and its place within the broader electricity network planning frameworks, reflects a number of reviews and reform processes. These have aimed to ensure the ISP keeps pace with the evolving context of the energy transition.