On 16 April 2020, the AEMC published the self-initiated Minor changes 2 2020 rule change proposal.

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

In particular, the final rules:

• correct clause numbering errors in clause 4.8.5B of the NER caused by the commencement of Schedule 1 of the National Electricity Amendment (Enhancement to the Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader) Rule 2019 No. 31;
• correct a duplicate word in rule 534 of the NGR; and
• correct an indentation error for the last two lines of clause S5.2.5.5(c) of the NER, which currently only apply to subparagraph (4) of clause S5.2.5.5(c) but are intended to apply to subparagraphs (1)-(4).

Submissions to the rule change proposal closed on 14 May 2020. The Commission did not receive any submissions.

The Commission undertook an expedited process for this rule change proposal 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 rules under the expedited rule making process.

The AEMC has made a final rule determination to make the Minor changes 2 2020.

Background

On 16 April 2020, the AEMC gave notice under sections 95 and 96(1)(a) of the National Electricity Law, sections 303 and 304(1)(a) of the National Gas Law, and 251 and 252 of the National Energy Retail Law of its intention to initiate the proposed National Electricity Amendment (Minor changes 2) Rule 2020, National Gas Amendment (Minor changes 2) Rule 2020, and the National Energy Retail Amendment (Minor changes 2) Rule 2020 under the expedited Rule making process.