The AEMC today called for public submissions on its draft determination for a new B2B framework to define the language, or format of communication, between parties using advanced meters.

The draft rule provides a new governance framework for business to business (B2B) communications – supporting communications between a wider range of parties providing and using services related to small customer meters.

This draft determination was made in response to two rule change requests received from: the COAG Energy Council; and Red Energy and Lumo Energy.

This consolidated rule change request follows the AEMC’s Shared Market Protocol advice (October 2015) which recommended updating the National Electricity Rules B2B framework in response to the emerging competitive market for services made possible by advanced meters. This work forms part of the market reforms following the Power of Choice review in 2012.

These changes are expected to enhance the benefits from the new competitive metering framework being introduced under the expanding competition in metering and related services final rule.

In the future, communications for advanced metering services may need to be capable of 'near instant' responses so retailers could, for example, obtain meter reads during customer telephone inquiries; or distributors could quickly get meter reads to find the source of power outages.

Having a shared communication method is expected to improve interoperability, reduce barriers to entry for new participants, and reduce the costs of providing existing and new services related to small customer meters.

Stakeholders are invited to make submissions to the draft determination and draft rule by 19 May 2016.