The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has published a draft rule that would formalise the role of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in maintaining the cyber security of our electricity system.
The AEMC sets the rules for the National Electricity Market (NEM) and provides independent expert energy advice to Australia’s State and Federal Governments. It is strongly focused on providing a framework for a reliable, sustainable electricity system in addition to affordable electricity prices.
As our energy system becomes increasingly digitised and interconnected, AEMC Chair Anna Collyer says robust cyber security measures are crucial to ensure the reliability and resilience of electricity supply.
"Cyber security is an important enabler for the energy transition. For it to be successful, the associated risks need to be well managed," Ms Collyer said.
"This draft rule aims to provide AEMO with the necessary tools and resources to further bolster the National Electricity Market's resilience against evolving cyber threats."
The draft rule builds upon existing industry efforts, including the Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF), and AEMO's current emergency powers to respond to cyber incidents.
It proposes four key cyber security preparedness functions for AEMO:
- Coordinating a NEM-wide cyber incident response plan
- Supporting energy businesses in cyber incident preparedness
- Providing expert cyber security advice to government and industry
- Distributing critical cyber security information to market participants
Ms Collyer explained that these functions are designed to formalise AEMO's existing preparatory and preventative efforts, while complementing their powers to respond to actual cyber security incidents.
"AEMO has been proactively working with industry on cyber security preparedness. This draft rule aims to embed and clarify these efforts, creating a more robust framework," Ms Collyer said.
"By formalising these functions, we're strengthening AEMO's role in cyber security preparation and prevention. This will work alongside their existing emergency powers, further enhancing our electricity system's resilience against cyber threats."
The draft rule follows a rule change request from the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and has been well received by AEMO and the energy industry.
The AEMC invites stakeholder feedback on the draft rule by 7 November 2024, with the final determination scheduled for 12 December 2024.
View the project page for more information and contact details.
Media: Jessica Rich, 0459 918 964, media@aemc.gov.au