AEMC Chief Executive, Steven Graham, today announced that all new Rule change proposals will be released for public consideration together with a consultation paper prepared for stakeholders by Commission staff.

"From now on, every section 95 notice (which starts the statutory process of consultation on Rule change proposals) will be accompanied by a consultation paper containing an overview of the proposal's scope, issues and questions to be addressed," Mr Graham said.

"This new step has been developed in response to stakeholder requests for additional information at the start of the consultation process," Mr Graham said.

"The section 95 consultation papers will contribute to better quality, more focussed first round submissions," Mr Graham said.

"The Draft Reports which follow first round submissions will more accurately reflect stakeholder interests and concerns on a comprehensive range of issues.

"The section 95 consultation papers will enrich the consultation process," he said.

The consultation paper for the Bid and Offer Validation Data Rule change proposal, contains background information, consultation questions, and detailed appendices.

Questions outlined in the paper are for guidance only and stakeholders are encouraged to comment on any aspects of the proposal which are not covered by the paper.

The Bid and Offer Validation Data Rule change proposal was submitted by NEMMCO on 29 April 2009 by NEMMCO. It seeks to address inconsistencies between schedule 3.1 of the National Electricity Rules (Rules) and NEMMCO's current operating practice. NEMMCO contends that these inconsistencies have arisen because schedule 3.1 has not previously been reviewed to reflect changes made to the National Electricity Market's (NEM) dispatch and pricing processes which have evolved since market start.

For information contact
AEMC Chief Executive, Steven Graham (02) 8296 7800
AEMC Communication Manager, Prue Anderson (02) 8296 7800 or 0404 821 935