The AEMC’s Reliability Panel today started its annual review of the reliability, security and safety of the national electricity market for the period July 2018 to June 2019. The review is designed to:
- provide stakeholders with consolidated information and expert commentary about the performance of the power system and market in a single publication
- highlight emerging trends to help inform the policy and investment decisions of governments, policy makers, market institutions and market participants
- identify options to improve the frameworks or mechanisms used to deliver reliability, security and safety.
This year’s report will take a similar format and approach to the 2018 report in assessing the reliability and security performance of the power system against standards and guidelines in the National Electricity Rules as well as commenting on the safety performance of the NEM, specifically the operation of assets and equipment within their technical limits.
The Panel noted in its 2018 review that it would monitor how market body work programs to address challenges to system security and reliability have progressed over the year. The 2019 review will seek to identify any gaps not being actively addressed, and recommend whether further work remains to be done.
As with previous years, 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.
While formal stakeholder submissions are not being sought, the Panel welcome’s comments on its approach and on issues to be considered by the Panel.
The review is conducted under standing Terms of reference issued by the Australian Energy Market Commission. The Panel is required to publish its final report on the review by 30 June 2020 at the latest.
Media: Prudence Anderson, Communication Director, 0404 821 935 or (02) 8296 7817
Reliability Panel
The Reliability Panel was established by the AEMC under the National Electricity Law. The Panel is chaired by AEMC Commissioner, Dr Charles Popple, 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?
For the purposes of this review, safety relates primarily to the operation of assets and equipment within their technical limit. Safety of the power system more broadly 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.