On 24 February 2022, the AEMC published the self-initiated Minor changes 1 2021 rule change proposal.  

The rule change proposal was being initiated by the AEMC to correct minor errors and make non-material changes to the National Electricity Rules (NER) and National Gas Rules (NGR) to improve their quality.  As with previous AEMC initiated rules, these minor corrections and non-material changes make the rules clearer to stakeholders.

Some features of the final rule include:

• ensure consistency of references to provisions throughout the NER and the NGR;
• ensure consistency in the use of local definitions in Chapter 4A of the NER;
• remove duplication of a subheading in the NGR;
• correct cross-references to defined terms in the NER; and
• correct punctuation, spelling and formatting errors, including numbering levels, indentation, italicisation, underlining and bolding.

Submissions to the rule change proposal closed on 24 March 2022. The AEMC received no submissions on the rule change proposal. 

The Commission undertook an expedited process for this rule change request as it was considered non-controversial. Under an expedited rule making process, a final rule determination must be made within eight weeks of the initiation of the process under the uniform energy rules. 

The AEMC did not receive any objections to it assessing the rule under the expedited rule making process.

The AEMC has made a final rule determination to make the Minor changes 1 2022 which will commence operation on 21 April 2022.

Background

On 24 February 2022, the AEMC gave notice under sections 95 and 96(1)(a) of the National Electricity Law and sections 303 and 304 under National Gas Law to initiate the proposed National Electricity Amendment (Minor changes 1) Rule 2022 and National Gas Amendment (Minor changes 1) Rule 2022 under the expedited Rule making process.