AEMC will soon commence the process of appointing representatives for Generators and Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) to the Reliability Panel for the next three years. Generators and TNSPs are encouraged to start considering who their preferred candidates for these roles are.
The Reliability Panel is established by the AEMC, and its core functions relate to the safety, security and reliability of the national electricity system. Its work program is driven by specific but critical responsibilities set out in the National Electricity Rules (NER).
The Reliability Panel makes a number of technical standards and guidelines, as well as undertaking reviews and providing advice on matters relating to power system security and reliability of supply.
The membership requirements of the Reliability Panel are set out in the NER. The membership of the Panel must consist of:
- A Commissioner of the AEMC appointed to act as Chairperson of the Panel
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Energy Market Operator or its delegate; and
- At least five but not more than eight other persons appointed by the AEMC for a period of up to three years, such persons to include:
- A person representing Generators
- A person representing Market Customers
- A person representing Transmission Network Service Providers
- A person representing Distribution Network Service Providers
- A person representing the interests of end use customers for electricity.
The current member representing TNSPs is Merryn York from Powerlink and the current member representing Generators is Stephen Davy from Hydro Tasmania. Both of their terms will expire on 17 December 2015.
The Commission is about to begin the process of appointing new representatives for Generators and TNSPs to the Panel. All registered Generators and TNSPs will soon receive a pack with which they can nominate candidates for Reliability Panel membership.
Upon receiving nominations from participants, the Commission will prepare a shortlist for approval. Under the NER, the Commission must receive approvals from one third of the relevant category of registered participants before an individual can be appointed to the Panel.
