Visibility of where distributed energy resources (DER) are connected means networks, and the system operator, so they can plan and operate the power system more efficiently.

We appreciate the opportunity provided by the Australian Energy Market Commission (the AEMC) to comment on the National Electricity Amendment (Register of distributed energy resources) Rule 2018 Draft Rule Determination (the Draft Determination).

The draft rule gives Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the electricity distribution network business visibility of where distributed energy resources (DER) are connected so they can plan and operate the power system more efficiently.

Increasingly consumers are participating in energy markets as partners, being active in producing, sharing and trading energy generated on-site in in their home or business. These consumers are telling us that they are investing in solar systems, and intend to invest in batteries in the future, to take control over their energy bills and to reduce their reliance on the electricity grid. The proposal to require a register of these consumer assets therefore has direct relevance to these consumers that invest in distributed energy resources.

The process of registering installations of distributed energy resources would be facilitated by the creation and maintenance of a central register of characteristics of equipment by brand and model number. AEMO will be unable to create such a register withoutspecific rules requiring data to be provided to it.

The full submission can be read here.