We're pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Integrated Distribution System Planning rule change request consultation paper, published by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).
This rule change request, which we lodged in January 2025, will require that Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) make appropriate use of the data they have — including the wealth of smart meter data that is becoming available — and collect and utilise more data to ensure the distribution network is ready to efficiently accommodate projected changes to the electricity grid in the coming decades.
Our proposed rule change will deliver benefits for both consumers and distribution networks, by unlocking greater value from existing infrastructure and data.
To realise the full potential of consumer energy resources (CER), such as rooftop solar and household batteries, it’s critical to enhance our understanding of distribution networks, particularly by increasing low-voltage network visibility.
Without highly granular network data, no one knows where these resources are best located to maximise the value they provide to the grid — and therefore to consumers — or where there is sufficient hosting capacity for them.
Since lodging this rule change request, we have developed our thinking further on data — including what data is required in the Integrated Distribution System Plan (IDSP), what its value is, and how to mitigate privacy and security issues — and included this in our response.
