The Australian Energy Market Commission today commenced consultation on a rule change request received from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) related to the classification and allocation of new capacity instruments in the Victorian Declared Wholesale Gas Market (Victorian DWGM).

Under the rule change request, AEMO is proposing changes to Part 19 of the National Gas Rules which would result in all new capacity instruments created as a result of an extension or expansion of the Victorian pipeline system being classified as AMDQcc.

Further, the proposed changes submitted by AEMO would result in market participants being provided with a minimum of twenty business days’ notice prior to the allocation of new capacity instruments and would require AEMO to offset the proceeds it receives from its allocation process with the operating costs of the Victorian DWGM.

The consultation paper summarises the rule change request and identifies a number of issues to facilitate public consultation and assist stakeholders in providing submissions on the rule change request.

Submissions on the rule change request are due by Thursday 8 October 2015.

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