On Thursday 5 October 2006 the Reliability Panel (Panel) published its final determination following the review of the System Operating Incidents Guidelines. Appendix 3 of the Determination sets out the final guidelines.

Following the making of the National Electricity Amendment (Timely Information to NEMMCO after Operating Incidents) Rule 2006 No. 3, clause 8.8.1(a)(9) of the National Electricity Rules (Rules) requires the Panel to prepare a set of guidelines for determining which incidents the National Electricity Market Management Company (NEMMCO) should investigate under clause 4.8.15(b).

The Panel formed a technical reference group to assist in the preparation a set of draft guidelines. The guidelines provide clarification in respect of the five criteria in clause 4.8.15(a)(1) for determining if an incident is significant, and hence reviewable, and to determine whether any additional criteria are needed under clause 4.8.15(a)(3). Appendix 3 of the attached Draft Determination sets out the draft guidelines.

The Panel published the draft guidelines for consultation in accordance with clause 8.8.3 of the Rules. Submissions on the guidelines closed on Friday 8 September 2006. The Panel offered to hold a meeting to discuss the draft guidelines on 22 September 2006. This meeting was not held due to a lack of stakeholder responses.