The AEMC today published a consultation paper on proposed changes to the technical performance standards for generators seeking to connect to the national electricity market, and the process for negotiating those standards.

Generators must have certain technical capabilities to help AEMO maintain the power system in a secure and safe operating state, even when there are disruptions. The minimum technical capabilities which generators must meet before they can connect, such as voltage and power control and disturbance ride through, are set out in the National Electricity Rules.

The rule change proponent, AEMO, considers that tighter generator technical standards are needed to help keep the system secure in the future as the changing generation mix makes the system weaker in some locations.

AEMO also proposes changes to the negotiating framework in the rules. The framework sets out the process for generators to negotiate with network businesses (and AEMO if required) on required performance standards, where the generator proposes to meet the minimum standard but would fall below the standard for automatic access to connect.

This rule change relates to a recommendation made in the Finkel review for the AEMC to review and update connection standards in the National Electricity Rules. It forms part of the AEMC’s broader package of system security work which includes a range of measures to help AEMO and networks manage a transforming power system with reduced inertia and system strength.

The Commission will hold stakeholder workshops on this rule change. Further information on these workshops will be provided as the rule change progresses.

Stakeholders are invited to provide written submissions on the consultation paper by 31 October 2017.

Media: Prudence Anderson  Communications Director, 0404 821 935 or DL (02) 8296 7817