On 20 March 2018 the AEMC made a final rule on notification requirements for new tests of system restart ancillary services (SRAS). Restart services are provided by generators with specialised equipment which allows them to restart after a system-wide blackout without needing electricity from the grid. The new rule exempts generators from notifying network services providers about a short notice test of SRAS capability. Instead, AEMO will work directly with network service providers to plan the test date.

Final rule

The final rule amends the National Electricity Rules (NER) to create an exception to the requirement that generators must notify network service providers of an SRAS test. This new exemption only applies to ‘short notice tests,’ where the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) will nominate a test date in consultation with the relevant network service provider, and the SRAS provider will receive at least five business days’ notice of the test date.

The final rule commences on 10 April 2018.

Background

On 15 December 2017 the AEMC received a rule change request from the AEMO that sought to amend the NER to exempt generators from notifying network service providers about a short notice test of SRAS capability. 

This new short notice test is part of the enhanced regime for testing contracted SRAS capability included in AEMO’s SRAS guideline 2017.

The testing regime was enhanced by AEMO in line with recommendations and findings of the AEMC’s Reliability Panel, the Finkel review, and AEMO’s report on the South Australian system black event.

Consultation

A consultation paper was published on 6 February 2018 to facilitate discussion on the rule change request. Submissions closed on 6 March 2018. Two submissions to the consultation paper were received and are available below.

The AEMC considered that the rule change request should be subject to the expedited rule making process. Written objections to the expedited process closed on 20 February 2018. No objections were received.