The Reliability Panel today started its annual review of the reliability, security and safety of the national electricity market for the period July 2017 to June 2018. 

Each year the Reliability Panel undertakes a review of power system performance against standards and guidelines in the National Electricity Rules. The review is designed to help governments, policy makers and market institutions monitor the performance of the power system, and identify improvements to the various measures available for delivering reliability, security and safety. 

The review will draw on information from a number of sources including the Australian Energy Market Operator, the Australian Energy Regulator, jurisdictional regulators and market participants.

Terms of reference for the review, issued by the Australian Energy Market Commission, were also published today.

This year’s report will take a similar format and approach to the 2017 report. While we are not seeking stakeholder submissions, we welcome comments on our approach and issues to be considered by the Panel.

The Panel will publish its final report on the review by 30 June 2019. 

Media: Communication Director, Prudence Anderson, 0404 821 935.

Reliability Panel
The Reliability Panel was established by the AEMC under the National Electricity Law. The Panel is chaired by AEMC Commissioner, Dr Brian Spalding, and is comprised of members who represent a range of participants in the national electricity market, including consumer groups, generators, network businesses, retailers and the Australian Energy Market Operator.  The Panel determines standards and guidelines which help maintain a secure and reliable power system for consumers.

What is reliability?
A power system is reliable when there is enough generation, demand-side and network capacity to supply customers with the energy they demand, with a very high degree of confidence.

What is system security?
A power system is secure when it is able to operate within defined technical limits, even if there is an incident such as the loss of a major transmission line or large generator.

What is safety?
Safety of the power system relates to a wide range of issues, including the safe operation of equipment, and the safety of personnel and the public. There is no national safety regulator and each jurisdiction has specific safety provisions relating to transmission and distribution power systems.