The Australian Energy Market Commission has approved the fast tracking of a rule change request aimed at better identifying emerging risks to the security of the power system.

The AEMC today initiated the rule change request from federal and state energy ministers.

The request follows a recommendation by the AEMC in its final report into the issues arising from the 28 September 2016 South Australian black system event. 

In the final report on mechanisms to enhance power system resilience, the AEMC recommended changes to implement a holistic general power system risk review process to identify emerging risks from all sources. 

On 26 May 2020, the then COAG Energy Council made a rule change request for changes to the National Electricity Rules (NER) to implement a general power system risk review (GPSRR). 

A GPSRR would build on the existing Power System Frequency Risk Review conducted by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) under s5.20A of the NER and provide a process for transparently assessing and identifying emerging risks to power system security.

The AEMC consulted extensively on its recommendation and its rationale through the process of its review of the South Australian black system event. Consequently, a fast track process will be used for this request. 

The AEMC will publish a draft determination shortly for further stakeholder feedback.  

Media: Kellie Bisset, Media and Content Manager, M: 0438 490 041