The Reliability Panel has started a review of the template for generator compliance programs in accordance with terms of reference issued by the AEMC. The template for generator compliance programs helps generators comply with technical requirements by providing clarity on what constitutes good electricity industry practice when developing and designing their compliance programs.
The review will focus on adjusting the template to incorporate changes made by the AEMC in its 2018 Generator technical performance standards rule change, as well as to reflect changes in technology, cost, stakeholder experiences, and any other factors relevant to compliance of generators with their technical requirements.
In the first stage of the review, the AEMC has engaged GHD to conduct a survey to inform the Panel on stakeholder experiences with the existing template.
A draft report is due to be published in June 2019 for consultation.
Media: Prudence Anderson, Communication Director, 0404 821 935 or DL (02) 8296 7817.
Background
Generators play an important role in helping the Australian Energy Market Operator and network businesses keep the lights on. This can include having the technical capability to control their voltage and frequency, and the ability to stay connected even when there is a major disturbance to the power system.
A large number of new generators like wind and solar farms are set to connect to the grid in coming years. In 2018 the AEMC made new rules to provide a flexible approach to setting the required technical standards so these new generators can join the power system at the lowest possible cost while maintaining system security.
Under the new rules, a connecting generator’s technical requirements are matched to local power system needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This is key to keeping costs down for consumers.
This targeted approach will enable the standards to be negotiated for each connection – tailored to local circumstances. For example, if provision of voltage control is not an issue in a particular area because there are plenty of generators already providing this capability, then new generators connecting to that part of the system will not have to pay for unnecessary voltage control capability.
The new rules also tighten some standards where needed and set clearer roles and responsibilities so all parties – generators, networks and AEMO – know what they have to do when negotiating the required standards for a particular region.