Direction to Basslink and TAS generator – 16 December 2014

On 16 December 2014, AEMO issued a direction to Basslink to turn off its frequency controller and to a Tasmanian generator in order to maintain power system security in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The requirement to intervene with a direction arose as AEMO reclassified the loss of the Basslink interconnector with any transmission line in Tasmania as a credible contingency. In turn, all contingency Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) had to be locally sourced.

Where the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) intervenes in the NEM through the use of directions, AEMO must publish a report in accordance with National Electricity Rules (NER) clauses 4.8.9(f) and 3.13.6A.

The NEM Event report below satisfies those NER obligations and is based on information available to AEMO at the time of publication: