On 12 December 2024, the Reliability Panel (Panel) published the terms of reference and issues paper to commence its periodical review of the System Restart Standard (the Standard).

• We are seeking stakeholder feedback, to the issues paper in context of the future power system envisaged in the AEMO integrated system plan, on:
  how system restart planning may need to evolve to support a transitioning system
• understanding the technical and commercial challenges for the development of new system restart capability
• improving reporting arrangements that could drive further investment in system restart capability.

The transition introduces challenges in ensuring system restart capability

AEMO has identified several challenges for the provision of System Restart Ancillary Services (SRAS) and system restart planning due to ongoing changes in the power system:

• there is a reducing availability and participation of existing restart units which is impacting the ability to meet the Standard
• high concentrations of distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation at consumer locations can impact the ability to stabilise restart islands
• resiliency and flexibility is required in restart pathways as the power grid becomes inherently more complex.

The Panel will focus its review on the system restart frameworks before shifting focus to the Standard

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has provided the Panel with terms of reference requesting a review of the Standard. The AEMC considers that it is timely for the Panel to consider the Standard and associated frameworks and as such, has requested that the Panel perform a two stage review that:

• Stage one: makes recommendations on the appropriateness of the system restart regulatory framework in the context of the future power system envisaged in the AEMO integrated system plan.
• Stage two: sets the Standard to reflect an up-to-date understanding of the power system, that is informed by stage one and includes consideration of the risks of a major supply disruption and the costs and availability of SRAS.  
  Background

In the event of a major supply disruption, SRAS or restart services may be used to supply sufficient energy to restart power stations in order to begin the process of restoring the power system. Such an event, also known as a black system event, typically involves a substantial loss of generation and supply to customer load.

Under clauses 8.8.1(a)(1A) and 8.8.3(aa) or the National Electricity Rules (NER), the Panel is responsible for determining the Standard. The Standard sets out several key parameters for system restoration, including the speed of restoration, how much supply is to be restored and the level of reliability of SRAS and guides AEMO’s procurement of SRAS.

The Standard is part of the system restart regulatory framework that relates to the requirements and responsibilities for the restoration of the power system following a major supply disruption that leads to the unplanned de-energisation of part of the transmission system.