On 9 July 2026, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published a single consultation paper on two rule change requests proposing changes to the National electricity rules (NER) to better manage Minimum System Load (MSL). MSL relates to the management conditions where the demand for electricity from the main grid is low, and the aggregate contribution of rooftop solar generation offsets underlying consumer demand, reducing demand for electricity from grid-scale generation.

These two rule change requests are summarised below: 

• ERC0439 - Minimum System Load framework and floor price proposal: 
  The Reliability Panel proposed to introduce an MSL governance framework alongside a requirement to set the regional spot price at the market floor price (MFP) (currently -$1,000/MWh) when system demand is expected to be insufficient to maintain secure power system operation. 
• ERC0417 - Minimum System Load reserve service: 
  The Clean Energy Council (CEC) proposed the introduction of a new MSL market ancillary service through which any responsive load (including utility Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), pumped hydro and behind-the-meter resources) could bid to provide dispatchable reserves for use by AEMO to increase demand as required during forecast MSL periods. 

The Commission is now seeking stakeholder feedback on these rule change requests. Submissions are due by 20 August 2026.

Following receipt of stakeholder submissions, the Commission plans to make a draft determination for these rule change requests by 3 December 2026. 

This timing includes an extension under s107 of the NEL, reflecting the complexity of the issues raised in the rule change requests.

The assessment of these rule changes is part of a broader reform program 

The Commission’s assessment of the MSL rule change requests take place in the context of a range of other regulatory and operational reforms underway to integrate and accommodate the projected increase in Consumer Energy Resources (CER), including from rooftop solar generation, home battery and electric vehicles. 

This broader reform work program is described by the National Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap (the CER Roadmap) which sets out a plan for reforms to ensure Australians are able to harness the full potential of CER. 

Helpful links:

• AEMC – Retail Pricing review
• Australian Government – National CER Roadmap
• AEMO – Market visibility framework
• AEMO - Managing Minimum System Load