The AEMC has initiated a fast-track process for a gas Rule change request relating to the Dandenong liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility. AEMO submitted this Rule change request to the AEMC on 10 June 2010.

The AEMC is now preparing its draft Rule determination due to be published by 23 September 2010.

Overview

The Rule change request seeks to partially liberalise the operation of the Dandenong LNG storage facility. This facility is a 12 000 tonnes LNG storage tank providing storage services to participants in the Victorian wholesale gas market and others.

AEMC's fast track process

The AEMC is using a "fast track" process under section 305 of the National Gas Law (NGL) to assess this Rule change request. The AEMC is using a fast track process as AEMO adequately consulted with the public on the nature and content of the Rule change request before submitting it to the AEMC.

The AEMC published a notice on 19 August 2010 under section 303 of the NGL informing of the initiation of a fast track process.

Under the fast track process:

• the AEMC must publish a draft Rule determination no later than 23 September 2010, five weeks after it publishes the section 303 notice;
• the AEMC must invite written submissions and comments on the draft Rule determination for at least six weeks after it publishes the draft Rule determination; and
• the AEMC must publish a final Rule determination no later than six weeks after close of submissions on the draft Rule determination.