Important updates to the National Electricity Rules

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has ruled to clarify and update provisions in the National Electricity Rules (NER) relating to the Reliability Panel’s governance arrangements with a view to promoting effective execution of responsibilities, transparency and timely consultation.

The Reliability Panel determines standards and some of the guidelines used by AEMO and participants, which help maintain a secure and reliable power system for consumers.

Its members represent a range of participants in the national electricity market including consumer groups, generators, network businesses, retailers and AEMO.

The final rule makes some changes to the NER including:

• The ability to nominate an Acting Chair on a standing basis
• Clarifying the role of discretionary members and how they are appointed
• The introduction of more streamlined consultation processes where appropriate
• Extending the exemption for independence from the system operator to the Panel member representing distribution network service providers
• Publishing the Panel’s Annual Market Performance Review on a financial year, rather than calendar year basis, to make it easier for stakeholders to compare information.

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