The final determination on a proposal to allow gas production and storage facilities to connect to distribution networks in the Victorian Declared Wholesale Gas Market (DWGM) will now be published on 8 September 2022.
The extension of time responds to the complexity of the issues and the importance of this reform for managing the ongoing decarbonisation of the energy sector. The project remains an important priority to the AEMC, providing the foundation for technological innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
The rule change seeks to open up the Victorian Declared Wholesale Gas Market (DWGM) to include distribution connected facilities that can supply natural gas, low-level hydrogen blended gas, biomethane and other renewable gases.
Currently, the Victorian DWGM only recognises transmission-connected facilities and does not allow market participation from entities connected to distribution pipelines.
The AEMC continues to work with AEMO, retailers, and Victorian distribution companies to investigate what changes are required in order to efficiently incorporate blending facilities into the DWGM market framework.
The extension of time will also allow this work to coincide with the final report for our Review into extending the regulatory frameworks to hydrogen and renewable gases.
Although no formal consultation will occur during this extension period, we will continue to undertake informal consultation to progress this rule change, including:
- welcoming discussions with any interested stakeholders on any aspect of the rule change
- holding stakeholder workshops on specific changes from the draft rule.
Visit the project page for more information and contact details.
Media inquiries: Jessica Rich, media@aemc.gov.au