The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has started consultation on developing two sets of guidelines that relate to final rules made by the Commission on 19 September 2017. AEMO is consulting on guidelines for:
- applying obligations for new connecting generators, introduced as part of the Managing power system fault levels final rule.
- AEMO’s power system model, which require updating following the Generating system model guidelines final rule.
AEMO is inviting stakeholder submissions on the development of these guidelines.
Submissions are due on 12 April 2018.
The final set of the guidelines will become effective from 1 July 2018.
Information on AEMO’s consultation can be found here.
About the new rules
Managing power system fault levels
The Managing power system fault levels final rule places an obligation on transmission network service providers to maintain a minimum level of system strength and introduces a requirement on new connecting generators to ‘do no harm’ in relation to any adverse impact on the ability to maintain system stability. The final rule requires AEMO to develop and consult on a set of guidelines to assist network service providers and new connecting generators when assessing the impact of that new generator connection on system strength.
The obligation to ‘do no harm’ commenced on 17 November 2017 alongside a set of interim guidelines published by AEMO. By 1 July 2018, AEMO is required to publish a version of the guidelines that have followed the Rules consultation procedure.
Generating system model guidelines
The Generating system model guidelines final rule expanded the application of the existing model data provision frameworks in the NER, to include additional participant types such as network service providers, market network service providers, ancillary service providers and customers. The final rule also expanded this framework to apply to a broader set of equipment, such as protection systems and network equipment. Importantly, the final rule made a number of changes designed to support AEMO and network service providers in meeting various system strength obligations.
AEMO is required to follow the Rules consultation procedure when updating the power system model guidelines. The updated power system model guidelines will be effective from 1 July 2018.
About the Commission’s system security work program
The AEMC’s system security work program is focused on developing market frameworks which allow continued take-up of new generating technologies while keeping the lights on. The Commission is currently undertaking a review of frequency control in the NEM and considering a rule change request to update the technical performance standards for connecting generators.
You can see the Commission’s system security work program here.
AEMO's consultation page for guidelines