On 17 February 2026 AEMO submitted a rule change request to amend the National Electricity Rules (NER). The AEMC is initiating an expedited process for this rule change as a non-controversial rule. Objections to the expedited process are due by 2 April 2026.

AEMO’s rule change request seeks to make small changes to the Integrating Price-responsive Resources (IPRR) rule, completed in December of 2024. These changes seek to improve the operation of the rule and provide participants with improved clarity. 

The five proposed changes are to:

• make VSR Incentive Mechanism payments and cost recovery monthly
• delay transitional rules to consider VSR eligibility for Frequency Performance Payments
• include VSRs in the definition of minimum ramp rate requirements
• align VSR non-conformance requirements with other scheduled resources
• clarify the treatment of deactivated and hibernated VSRs for ancillary services

We are seeking stakeholder feedback by 16 April 2026.