AER opens consultation on PLUS ES trial waiver application
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has opened consultation on a trial waiver application from PLUS ES.
The AER today released a Consultation Notice seeking views on PLUS ES's trial waiver
The Regulatory Sandboxing trial waiver function allows the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to grant a time limited trial waiver for eligible trial projects, exempting an innovator from having to comply with specified rules for a period of time to allow a trial to proceed. The Victorian Regulatory Sandboxing trial waiver function allows Essential Services Commission (ESC) to issue trial waivers providing time limited relief from Victorian energy frameworks. For more information, please see our trials page and the AER's Trial Projects Guidelines.
application. PLUS ES is seeking a waiver from provisions of the National Electricity Rules
The National Electricity Rules (NER) are made under the National Electricity Law (NEL) and govern the operation of the National Electricity Market (NEM). The NER determine how companies can operate and participate in the competitive generation and retail sectors, and also govern the economic regulation of electricity transmission and distribution networks. Among other functions, they provide the regulatory framework and processes for market operations, power system security, network connections and access, pricing for network services in the NEM and national transmission planning. In Victoria, however, the national rules for network connections are modified, with many of the network service provider roles being assigned to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
to allow it to install EV chargers with in-built metering installations that do not meet all the requirements of the Metrology Procedure to comply with relevant Australian Standards for outdoor metering installations.
The Consultation Notice outlines the application, including details of the proposed trial, PLUS ES’s assessment of the merits against the innovative trial principles
Under the Energy Rules, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is required to consider innovative trial principles in determining whether a trial project is “genuinely innovative” and therefore may be considered for a trial waiver.
, and questions for consultation.
Have your say
We welcome submissions from interested parties on PLUS ES’s trial waiver application by close of business, Tuesday 12 November 2024. Written submissions or requests to make a submission via alternative methods (e.g. through a meeting with AER staff) should be emailed to regulatorysandbox@aer.gov.au.
Background
The trial waiver function is part of the AER’s commitment to regulatory sandboxing
A Regulatory Sandboxing mechanism is a framework within which participants can test innovative concepts in the market under relaxed regulatory requirements at a smaller scale, on a time-limited basis and with appropriate safeguards in place. Regulatory Sandboxing mechanisms usually also offer enquiry services, which provide innovators with informal guidance on existing regulation. The Energy Innovation Toolkit is a Regulatory Sandboxing mechanism.
, which aims to help energy innovators and start-ups navigate complex regulatory frameworks and enable the trial of new products and services.
Consultation Notice - PLUS ES Trial Waiver Application October 2024.pdf(pdf 656.72 KB)
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