On 14 June 2012, the AEMC decided to make a Rule that was initiated by the AEMC to correct minor errors and makes non-material changes to the National Electricity Rules (the Rules). Schedule 1 of the National Electricity Amendment (Minor Changes) Rule 2012 No. 3 will commence operation on 26 July 2012 and Schedule 2 will commence operation on 1 July 2016.

The Commission considers that the Rule as Made will improve the quality of the Rules in terms of accuracy and consistency. The Commission considers that the Rule is likely to contribute to the achievement of the NEO, albeit the efficiency benefits that will result from the Rule are considered to be very small given the minor or non-material nature of the changes proposed.

The Rule as Made supports effective and transparent regulation and operation of the NEM, by clarifying the operation of the Rules in the following ways:

• it corrects several minor errors, including formatting, numbering, and cross referencing anomalies in the Rules;
• it corrects inconsistencies in the treatment of Chapter 10 glossary terms in the body of the Rules; and
• it removes jurisdictional derogations which have expired under the Rules.

Background

On 10 May 2012, the Commission gave notice under sections 95 and 96(1)(a) of the NEL of its intention to initiate the proposed National Electricity Amendment (Minor Changes) Rule 2012 under the expedited Rule making process, subject to any written objections to the expedited Rule making process, and to initiate public consultation on the Rule proposal. No objections to the expedited rule making process were received. One submission was received.