The AEMC has commenced consultation on a Rule change request from Major Energy Users Inc. (MEU) in relation to the potential exercise of market power by generators in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The MEU proposes that the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) should assess which generators have market power and declare them to be ‘dominant generators'. New restrictions would apply to the wholesale market dispatch offers that could be submitted by a ‘dominant generator'.

On 14 April 2011, the AEMC published the MEU's Rule change request and an AEMC staff Consultation Paper regarding the request. Submissions close on 26 May 2011.

On 14 April 2011, the AEMC also gave notice under section 107 of the National Electricity Law that it has extended the period of time for making the draft Rule determination until 30 April 2012. The Commission has extended this period because of the complexity of the Rule change request. In addition, the Commission intends to provide increased opportunities for stakeholder consultation, including by publishing additional papers prior to the draft Rule determination.