The AEMC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the consultation frameworks under the National Electricity Rules (NER), National Gas Rules (NGR) and National Energy Retail Rules (NERR).

Good consultation is vital to delivering robust and appropriate instruments for the energy sector.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) submitted this rule change request, supported by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). The request focuses on the most common consultation procedure in the NER, the Rules Consultation Procedures. The aim is to make consultation procedures more adaptable to different circumstances.

AEMO proposes removing some of the procedures, timeframes and meetings currently required in rules consultation procedures to give decision-makers more flexibility to undertake fit for purpose consultation. They also propose one round of consultation as the standard (rather than the current two rounds) with additional consultation options if an issue is complex and requires additional consideration.

Another proposal in the request is to remove the extended consultative procedures under the NGR and replace these with the current standard procedure or matching it to any updated electricity changes.

The Commission is also interested in stakeholder views on the value of having standardised consultation processes for the NER, NGR and NERR, Reliability Panel and other ad hoc matters.

Submissions are due by 3 February 2022.

Visit the project page for further information and contact details.