The Australian Energy Market Commission has started consultation on a rule change request from the COAG Energy Council to extend the operation of the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) from its current expiry of 30 June 2016 to 30 June 2019.

The RERT allows the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to contract for reserves up to nine months ahead of a period where reserves are projected to be insufficient to meet the reliability standard. AEMO is also able to dispatch these additional reserves, if required, to maintain power system reliability and security.

The consultation paper has been prepared to facilitate public consultation on the rule change proposal and to seek stakeholder submissions.

 Stakeholders are invited to make submissions on this rule change proposal by 11 February 2016.

Media: Prudence Anderson, Communications Manager, 02 8296 7800.