The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has consolidated two requests to change the national electricity rules (NER), from the Commonwealth Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Energy Networks Australia (ENA).

Both of these rule change requests relate to the financeability of actionable Integrated System Plan (ISP) projects and these will now be addressed in the same rule change process.

The AEMC is currently investigating options to improve financing arrangements for the delivery of new transmission projects needed for the transformation of the energy system and a cleaner energy future. 

As traditional thermal generation sources such as coal and gas exit the system, transmission projects will be a critical enabler for the transition to net zero. 

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) 2022 ISP identifies the need to deliver approximately 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines.

The transition will require an unprecedented level of investment in, and build of, transmission to deliver power from newer renewable generation and energy storage services to consumers.

The AEMC has also extended the timeframe for stakeholder submissions on the consultation paper. This will provide stakeholders with further time to consider the problems identified and solutions proposed.

Submissions on the consolidated rule change request are due by 3 August 2023. Visit the project page to provide feedback. 

Through a separate rule change process, the Commission is also considering a rule change request from the Commonwealth Minister on Concessional finance for Transmission Network Service Providers. Read more here.

Media: Nicole Stokes, 0401 826 522, media@aemc.gov.au.