Rule Change: Completed
Overview
On the 10th March 2016 the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) made a final rule, which is a more preferable rule, in relation to the Meter Replacement Processes rule change request received from ERM Power.
The final rule provides further clarity on the rights and obligations of certain parties at a connection point in respect of replacing a meter during the retail transfer process. The final rule also introduces requirements with respect to the Market Settlement and Transfer Solution (MSATS) procedures, which support a reduction in time in the period between the completion of the retail transfer process and the installation of a new meter at a connection point. It is expected that these aspects of the final rule will increase positive customer experiences in the market.
The final rule amends certain provisions in Chapter 7 of the National Electricity Rules (NER) with effect from 1 December 2017. The commencement of these amendments aligns with the implementation of the new framework for metering services under the final rule of the expanding competition in metering and related services rule change.
Background
On 19 January 2015, the AEMC received a rule change request from ERM Power seeking to amend the National Electricity Rules to clarify the obligations of various parties during the meter replacement process.
The rule change request was to introduce into the National Electricity Rules new “prospective” metering parties. These “prospective” metering parties would have certain rights at a connection point, including being able to change the metering installation on behalf of the retailer that is in the process of taking over the connection point.
Consultation Paper
The AEMC published the rule change request, and Consultation Paper on 21 May 2015. Seventeen submissions were received from stakeholders. The AEMC also hosted a workshop to discuss the issues, with over forty stakeholders attending.
Directions Paper and extension
The Commission extended the time to make a draft determination on 10 September 2015. This extension was due to the complexity and difficulty of drafting rules while the Commission was also considering changes to the existing rules relating to metering. The AEMC published a Directions Paper outlining its policy position in relation to this rule change request.
Draft Determination and Draft Rule
On 17 December 2015, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published its draft rule determination to make a more preferable draft rule in response to the rule change request from ERM Power. Sixteen submissions were received from stakeholders in response to the draft determination and draft rule.