On 26 February 2026, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published a joint consultation paper to explore three rule change requests submitted by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). These rule change requests all relate to improving metering and metrology arrangements in the National Electricity Rules (NER).  

These are:
ERC0414, Flexible communication requirements for SAPS generation connection points
ERC0413, Refining the eligibility requirements for Secondary Settlement Points
ERC0409, Consultation requirements for the Metrology Procedures

We propose to progress these rules through an expedited process.  

Objections to the expedited process are due by 12 March 2026.

Submissions to the consultation paper are due on 26 March 2026.  

ERC0414
This rule change request seeks to allow the use of type 4A (manual-read) meters for Standalone power systems (SAPS) generation points with a single generator connection.

AEMO says that the mandated use of type 1-4 remote-read metering installations presents significant challenges for SAPS deployments in rural and remote areas where traditional communications networks (3G, 4G, and 5G) are limited or entirely unavailable.  

ERC0413
This rule change request primarily seeks to address a limitation encountered with the current drafting of the rules, where premises with Victorian Advanced Metering Infrastructure (VIC AMI) installations may be restricted from establishing SSPs.

AEMO proposes to replace the list of eligible connection point metering types with a general requirement for remote acquisition capability and trading interval data, maintaining the rule’s intent while accommodating Victoria’s regulatory framework and bespoke meter types.

This would allow all customers across the NEM, including Victoria, to benefit from SSPs, as envisioned in the Unlocking CER benefits through flexible trading rule change.

ERC0409
This rule change request seeks to remove the mandatory three-month period between the publication and commencement of any amendments under the Metrology Procedures, unless they have been made using the minor rules consultation procedure.  

AEMO says that this delays the implementation of essential changes, and reduces AEMO’s flexibility and responsiveness to changes in the electricity market, creating inconsistencies with other AEMO procedures that do not have these mandatory commencement lead times.  

Use of the expedited process

We consider that the proposed rule changes are non-controversial and therefore can be progressed through an expedited process. The proposed rule changes are unlikely to have a significant impact on the broader national electricity market (NEM), as they seek to streamline existing processes and metering requirements in the Rules and replace them with more fit-for-purpose requirements.

The proposals appear unlikely to impose a significant cost on participants or the market generally, don't appear affect the integrity of the market settlement process, and have limited impacts on consumers.