amending the process for negotiating performance standards.
AEMO also requested changes to the negotiating framework that translates those access standards into the standard of performance required of the physical equipment that makes up and connects to the power system.ĭue to the changing generation mix in the power system, AEMO considered that the current access standard settings in the NER and the negotiating framework to set performance standards are not adequate to ensure the ongoing security of an evolving power system. On 11 August 2017 AEMO submitted a rule change request seeking changes to the access standards for generating systems in the National Electricity Rules (NER). The AEMC also held a stakeholder workshop on 26 June 2018 to enable a broader group of technical experts to provide their input on the draft rules. maintain operation in the face of certain frequency and voltage disturbances (including faults and contingency events).Ī technical working group comprising AEMO, generators, network businesses and power systems engineers worked with the AEMC throughout the project to systematically review each technical standard.inject and absorb reactive current during disturbances, and.supply and absorb reactive power for the control of voltage where this service is needed on the power system.control their active power output, to limit their contribution to frequency and voltage disturbances.The rule also changes the technical requirements for connecting generators, including the requirements for generating systems to be able to: Under the rule, negotiations can occur more efficiently so that each connection has a level of performance that balances system security and cost based on the needs of the local system. To address these issues the rule improves and clarifies the negotiating process to agree levels of technical performance when connecting generators, customers and market network service providers. In particular, the ability to effectively control frequency and voltage on the power system is diminishing as synchronous generating systems exit the market and new asynchronous generating systems and distributed energy resources enter the market. On 27 September 2018 the AEMC published a rule determination for this rule change request, including making a rule.Ī changing energy mix is creating new challenges for keeping the power system in a secure state at the least cost to consumers. However, along with other recent system security rules, these changes help AEMO keep the system secure in a lower-cost, more efficient way, rather than having to use ‘last resort’ constraint powers.
For example, AEMO can already stop a generator from dispatching its power into the grid at any time if system security is at risk. This rule builds on AEMO’s comprehensive toolkit to manage system security. The rule also amends a number of the standards themselves. The AEMC has made a rule that establishes a flexible approach to setting standards that enables targeted, least-cost ways of connecting new generators. This can include having the technical capability to help control power system voltage and frequency, and the ability to stay connected when there are major disturbances to the power system. Generators play an important role in helping AEMO and network businesses keep the power system secure. The AEMC has made a rule that makes significant changes to technical performance standards for generators seeking to connect to the national electricity grid, and the process for negotiating those standards.