The AEMC has made a rule, which is a more preferable rule, that requires transmission network service providers (TNSPs) to establish, publish and maintain a register of large generator connections to their network. TNSPs will also be required to undertake impact assessments for new large generator connections to consider the impact of the connection upon the transmission network.

The Commission has determined to make a more preferable rule since it considers it will contribute to the National Electricity Objective (NEO) better than the proposed rule. This is because it considers the final rule is likely to promote efficient investment in electricity services with respect to price by increasing the level of transparency relating to the effect of transmission connections in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The rule change request arises from a recommendation made in the Optional Firm Access, Design and Testing (OFA) review. The OFA review concluded in June 2015, and, amongst other things, recommended increasing the level of transparency relating to the effect of transmission connection sin the NEM on the network.

 The rule commences on 1 July 2017.