NER 5.3.9
The NER 5.3.9 clause sets out the regulatory change management process for assessing generating system alteration requests from generators. Following feedback from industry, it was identified by generators and developers that the clause can be difficult to interpret and apply when altering a generating system.
Under the guidance of the CRI, AEMO is project managing the NER 5.3.9 workstream, which seeks to address the NER 5.3.9 process and application challenges experienced by some generators and developers. The objective of the workstream is to reframe how the NER 5.3.9 process is applied to generating system alterations to provide a cost effective, consistent and transparent approach for all stakeholders.
In April 2023, AEMO engaged Clutch Strategic Services to undertake an independent review of the interpretation and application of the NER 5.3.9 process. The review involved understanding industry stakeholder issues and identifying potential solutions with the support of a Technical Working Group, which was made up of 26 organisations and included generators and developers, Network Service Providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers and AEMO.
You can read the final report here:
Identified focus areas for the workstream
The NER 5.3.9 workstream has progressed into the implementation phase with a focus on three detailed design activities:
- NER 5.3.9 fact sheet - To create a factsheet about the application and interpretation of the NER 5.3.9 rules, to enhance transparency, consistency and predictability.
- Rule change – To improve flexibility and increase certainty associated with the application of NER 5.3.4A to NER 5.3.9 by reviewing application of NER 5.3.4A(b1) which requires that performance standards be as close as practicable to the corresponding automatic access standard.
- Legacy plant support – To address barriers posed by NER 5.3.9 modelling requirements to legacy plant that propose generating system alterations, particularly alterations relating to the connection of BESS behind the existing connection points.