The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has started consultation on an urgent rule change to the National Gas Rules received from the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action to reduce the risks to system security and public safety and improve the reliability of supply in the Victorian declared wholesale gas market (DWGM) between winter 2023 and 2025. 

The rule change request was one of the priority actions that was agreed to by Energy Ministers on 8 June 2022, as they acknowledged the critical role of gas storage facilities. 

The proposed rule would provide an interim solution to the low levels of contracted capacity at the Dandenong LNG facility observed since 2019 by requiring AEMO to act as a buyer and supplier of last resort to ensure AEMO does not crowd out other participants.   

Submissions are invited from stakeholders on the matters identified in the consultation paper, and any other relevant issue by 29 September 2022. Written objections to the use of the expedited process need to be received by 15 September 2022. A final determination is expected to be published by 24 November 2022. 

More information about the rule change can be found here. 

For media inquiries: media@aemc.gov.au  

Contact: Jessica Rich 0459 918 964