The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has responded to two Australian Energy market Operator (AEMO) requests.
A draft rule to require network companies to provide detailed connection point data to the AEMO was the first rule to been made by the AEMC. The Commission has also begun consultation on a rule change to make it easier for customers to enter into multiple trading relationships with different electricity retailers at a premises.
Connection point data
Connection point information is important for AEMO to identify changes in demand across electricity networks, particularly in the context of the energy market’s current transformation in response to the dynamic and widening adoption of embedded generation and storage which ranges from solar panels on family homes to local, onsite generation in commercial buildings.
This determination may result in improved long term electricity demand forecasts developed and published by AEMO to help guide investment decisions in networks across different regions so the poles and wires are not expanded more than necessary.
The draft rule determination follows a rule change request from the COAG Energy Council which was prepared in line with the 2012 COAG endorsed energy reform package. One of the objectives of this package was for costs or benefits associated with falling demand for electricity to be shared appropriately with consumers through lower network charges.
Submissions on the draft rule determination are due by 10 September 2015.
Multiple trading relationships rule change
AEMO submitted this rule change to the AEMC on 17 December 2014. AEMO anticipates that being able to engage different retailers will encourage new and innovative energy services and to drive more competition in retail electricity markets.
AEMO’s rule change request also proposes a number of changes to the processes for customer classification, disconnection and life support arrangements, to allow for multiple retailers to provide electricity services at one premises.
The concept of multiple trading relationships originated as part of the AEMC’s Power of Choice and Energy Market Arrangements for Electric and Natural Gas Vehicles reviews. These reviews set out a market-wide reform program to give electricity consumers more opportunities to understand and take control of their electricity use and costs.
Stakeholders are invited to make submissions on the proposed changes. These should be lodged by 10 September 2015.
