

Microgrids
This hypothetical case study will be particularly relevant to microgrid operators, local governments, community groups, universities, embedded network operators, developers, strata owners’ corporations, owners of commercial precincts or shopping centres, and other innovators looking for opportunities in this space.
There is no definition of a ‘microgrid
The regulatory regime applicable to a microgrid
Microgrid
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Applicable regulatory framework |
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Stand-alone microgrid – led by local distributor1 |
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Stand-alone microgrid – led by parties other than the local distributor |
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Embedded microgrid – led by parties other than the local distributor2 |
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State and territory regimes for microgrids - in particular, stand-alone microgrids - differ widely, including in relation to their application of energy consumer protections. For example, while most microgrid customers are limited in their choice of retailer and/or microgrid operator, many jurisdictions apply some pricing protections to these customers.
In addition, many jurisdictions have licensing and exemption regimes which enable the relevant state or territory regulator to apply certain regulatory obligations to licensees and exempt parties. Again, while the extent of these obligations can vary significantly between jurisdictions, parties wishing to sell, supply or generate electricity within a microgrid will generally be required to comply with some degree of energy-sector regulation.
This case study explores two scenarios
To help identify and unpack some of the key regulatory issues that a proponent of a microgrid
- Scenario 1 | Stand-alone community microgrid led by a party other than the local distribution business
- Scenario 2 | Embedded microgrid within a precinct
For each scenario, the following information is provided:
- a high-level overview of a hypothetical project including the project goals, project facts and ownership and service delivery models
- relevant authorisation, registration and licence requirements applicable to the hypothetical business model
- key energy specific regulatory obligations applicable to the hypothetical business model, and
- potential challenges the hypothetical Proponents may need to navigate when developing each of these business models.
The Use Cases on this website (‘Material’), are made available for use on the following basis:
- Purpose: The Material is provided for general information only. It is designed to assist you to gain a basic understanding of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive. You are not permitted to commercialise it or any information contained in it. The Material is not and should not be regarded as legal, business or other professional advice. It should not be relied on and is not a substitute for obtaining independent legal, business or other professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances.
- Currency: The Material is based on publicly available information as at the date of its preparation. The Material is current as at 3 December 2021.
- Scope: The Material only covers energy market regulatory obligations that are administered by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), the Australian Energy Market Operator or the relevant state or territory energy regulator. It does not cover other obligations that may apply, such as safety obligations, general consumer law obligations or obligations under the financial services regulatory framework. It also does not cover associated technical matters such as compliance with Australian standards or connection requirements.
- No reliance or warranty: The Material may be subsequently amended or updated. While reasonable care is taken in the preparation of the Material, the AER makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the currency, accuracy, reliability or completeness of the Material, or as to its suitability for any purpose. In all cases, anyone proposing to rely on or use the Material should independently verify its accuracy, completeness, reliability and suitability for their own purposes, and obtain independent and specific advice from appropriate experts.
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Scenario 1 : Standalone Community Grid
Project overview
A small, isolated coastal community located in Far North Queensland is aiming to establish a self-reliant and 100 percent renewable energy supply system.
The community has a population of 1,500.
Currently, residents and businesses largely rely on importing diesel to power several generation sets. These systems are expensive to run and unreliable for the 600 residential and business premises located within the area. Some residents have solar PV
The local council, with support of the community and a locally owned renewable energy company (the ‘Proponent’) are developing an alternative supply solution for the area. In partnership with several technology vendors, the Proponent plans to utilise innovative energy technologies to coordinate wind generation, residential solar PV, a battery energy storage system
Infrastructure to enable EV charging stations will also be incorporated into the microgrid
Project goals
The isolated community microgrid project seeks to:
- increase reliability of electricity supply
- reduce electricity costs for the community (largely driven by diesel generation and accounting for currently 20-30 percent of average household income), and
- power the community from 100 percent renewable generation.
Project facts
Stand-alone community microgrid |
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Location |
Far North Queensland |
Population |
1,500 |
Households and businesses |
600 |
Proponent |
A locally owned renewable energy company in partnership with the local council |
Microgrid
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Combination of wind, solar and battery storage, plus diesel generation for back-up |
10MW |
Ownership and service delivery
Through a cost-sharing arrangement, the Proponent plans to implement a community-ownership model which will give the community (individuals, households and businesses) the option to take partial ownership of the key local energy assets – that is, the wind turbines and battery energy storage system
Given the size of the microgrid
- local generation and energy storage services (electricity for supply and sale within the microgrid)
- network services (supply of electricity within the microgrid)
- retail services (sale of electricity within the microgrid), and
- supporting services, such as metering.
Using smart technologies developed in partnership with an innovative technology firm, the Proponent also plans to perform activities related to system operation, including system control, installation, operation and management of the remote electricity supply.
Overview of authorisation, registration and licensing requirements
The National Energy Retail Law
The National Electricity Law
In Queensland,5 anyone intending to operate electricity infrastructure needs to hold an electricity licence (‘electricity authority’).6 Specifically, generators need a generation authority (unless the generating plant they operate has a capacity of 30MW or less), and network service providers need either a transmission or distribution authority.
Alternatively, a ‘special approval’ could be sought from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works which would enable a party to perform the activities of a generator
The licensing requirements (or exemptions) that are potentially applicable to this case study include:
- Queensland generation authority (or deemed special approval) - Given the Proponent will operate generating plant with a capacity of less than 30MW, it will be eligible for a deemed special approval allowing it to connect generation to the microgrid
Any system supplying multiple customers not physically connected to the grid. Includes anything from a large town to two farms connected to each other. Generation sources typically include solar PV, wind turbines and small-scale gas generators and diesel engines. Alternatively, microgrids are electricity networks that can be isolated and operated independently of the interconnected electricity system (or “grid”).without requiring a generation authority.
- Queensland distribution authority (or special approval) - As the owner/operator of the supply network within the microgrid, the proponent would need to obtain a distribution authority containing certain conditions.
Description of key energy specific regulatory obligations
The table below sets out the key regulatory obligations that may be applicable to the Proponent as a result of the various registrations, authorisations and jurisdictional licenses that apply.
Requirement |
Key regulatory obligations |
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Authorisations and exemptions |
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Retailer authorisation required |
Authorised retailers must comply with the National Energy Retail Law
Authorised retailers have various obligations in respect of the sale and supply of electricity to small customers, relating to:
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Licences and exemptions – |
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Exempt from requirement to hold a generation authority (deemed special approval) |
A generation entity acting under a special approval must comply with relevant provisions set out in the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld) including:
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Distribution authority required7 |
A distribution authority is subject to a set of conditions set out in the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld) requiring (among other things):
It must also comply with additional conditions set out in the Act, including in relation to:
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Other energy specific regulatory obligations
In addition to the regulatory obligations that flow from the various registration, authorisation and jurisdictional licensing requirements, the Proponent will also need to be aware of other energy specific regulatory obligations under the national and relevant jurisdictional energy frameworks. For example:
Safety provisions set out in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) cover microgrid
Other than in South East Queensland where electricity prices have been deregulated since 1 July 2016, retail electricity prices in Queensland are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority. The uniform tariff policy means that the prices applicable to residential customers supplied by in a microgrid
The Queensland Electricity Distribution Network
If the Proponent is considered a ‘retailer’ they will need to be a scheme participant under the Queensland Energy and Water Ombudsman Act (2006).
The Australian Energy Market Commission
Potential challenges for this hypothetical Proponent and their business model
The above discussion frames the breadth of regulatory obligations that the Proponent could face for the hypothetical project considered in this scenario.
In this context, there are a series of threshold questions that a proponent considering this, or a similar, business model may wish to consider in the early stages of their project.
The microgrid
Transitioning customers to a new model of supply will involve the transfer, removal or decommissioning of the set of assets previously used to supply the customers of the microgrid
Retail electricity prices are subject to some form of regulation in all states and territories, either under the Default Market Offer (DMO) or under jurisdictional price regulation. In some states and territories, those price caps also apply to microgrids, while in other jurisdictions they only apply to customers connected to the National Electricity Market
Scenario 2 : Embedded Microgrid within a precinct
Project overview
A local property developer (the ‘Proponent’) is embarking on a project to transform an abandoned industrial site in Victoria into a vibrant city neighbourhood. The inner-city precinct will incorporate high-density high- and low-rise commercial developments and housing, and mixed-use open spaces. The property developer will retain ownership of the commercial properties while the residential properties will be built for sale.
As part of the master plan for the precinct, the Proponent is developing a model for energy supply that is consistent with the precinct-wide sustainability initiatives that will define the overall development.
In partnership with several innovative technical firms and its subsidiary energy supply business, the Proponent will introduce a smart energy system that supports the management and coordination of embedded generation
While the intention is for the precinct to be largely independent of the grid using its own energy supply system, it will maintain a connection with the broader electricity network and will interface with the National Electricity Market
By installing and managing distributed energy resources
Project Goals
The embedded microgrid project seeks to:
- manage DER to benefit customers within the precinct by:
- minimising reliance and dependency on the main grid
- reducing the precinct’s carbon footprint, and
- lowering energy costs for commercial businesses and residents
- interact with the broader electricity network and wholesale market to:
- reduce pressure on the network during high and peak demand
- sell zero emissions energy in the wholesale market, and
- provide frequency services to the grid through the ancillary services market.
Project facts
Embedded microgrid | |
Location | Victoria |
Households and businesses | 15 buildings |
Proponent | Local property developer |
Microgrid
Any system supplying multiple customers not physically connected to the grid. Includes anything from a large town to two farms connected to each other. Generation sources typically include solar PV, wind turbines and small-scale gas generators and diesel engines. Alternatively, microgrids are electricity networks that can be isolated and operated independently of the interconnected electricity system (or “grid”).
specifications |
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Solar PV
Solar panels capture the energy of sunlight which is converted into electricity. This is known as a photovoltaic system, usually called solar PV.
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1 MW |
Battery storage | 1MW/2MWh |
Ownership and service delivery
The Proponent plans to implement an external ownership model whereby its subsidiary, the energy supply company, will be the sole owner and operator of the local microgrid
The energy supply company will coordinate the provision of the following services:
- to customers within the embedded microgrid:
- local generation and storage services (for supply and sale within the embedded microgrid)
- distribution services (the supply of electricity through the embedded microgrid)
- retail services (the sale of embedded generation and the on-selling of electricity bought from an authorised retailer (where needed) to customers in the embedded microgrid), and
- microgrid operation (including supervision of energy transactions within and outside the microgrid).
- with parties outside the embedded microgrid:
- energy services (for supply and sale in the wholesale electricity market) through a Small Generation Aggregator (SGA) for generation connection points
- market ancillary services (for supply and sale in the ancillary services market) through a Demand Response Service Provider (DRSP) (which may be the precinct’s authorised retailer) for load connection points
- network support services (for supply and sale to the local distribution network service provider), and
- the purchase of energy and import from the grid to support on-site generation and storage when required.
Overview of authorisation, registration and licensing requirements
The National Electricity Law
The registration categories (and exemptions) that are potentially applicable to this case study include:
- Registration as a Generator
Any person who owns, controls or operates a generating system connected to a transmission or distribution network must register as a with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as a generator, except where they meet the exemption criteria. Each of the generator’s registered generating units must be classified as market or non-market depending if the sent-out electricity is sold through the spot market and classified as scheduled, non-scheduled or semi-scheduled depending on how the generating unit participants in central dispatch.– Any person who owns, controls or operates a generating system connected to a transmission or distribution networkIn relation to electricity, distribution networks are the low voltage poles and wires that take power from the transmission networks to homes and businesses across Australia.must register with AEMO as a Generator, except where they meet the exemption criteria. In this case, the generating systems connected to the distribution system through an embedded networkIn some sites (typically apartment blocks, retirement villages, caravan parks and shopping centres) the electrical wiring is configured in such a way as to enable the owner of the site to sell energy to all the tenants or residents based there. This is known as an embedded network. The owner of a site with an embedded network usually buys energy from an energy retailer and then ‘on sells’ the energy to the different consumers at the site. In some situations, the energy sold by the owner may be generated on site. Most people that sell energy in embedded networks are known as ‘exempt sellers’. They have obtained an exemption from retail authorisation requirements, and must comply with particular conditions (as opposed to all obligations prescribed on retailers in the National Energy Retail Law (NERL) and National Energy Retail Rules (NERR).have a combined total nameplate rating of less than 5MW. This means that the Proponent will be automatically exempt from the requirement to register as a Generator.
- Registration as a Network Service Provider
A person who owns, operates or controls a transmission or distribution system must register with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as a Network Service Provider (NSP).The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) may exempt a person from registering as an NSP if the person meets specific criteria.– A person who owns, operates or controls a transmission or distribution system must register with AEMO as a Network Service Provider (NSP). However, the AER may exempt a person from registering as an NSP if the person meets specific criteria. An embedded network is a type of exempt network under the AER’s Electricity Network Service Provider – Registration Exemption Guideline (2018). An exempt embedded network service provider will still be subject to certain conditions set out in the Guideline, including in relation to consumer protections. It would also need to act as the Embedded NetworkIn some sites (typically apartment blocks, retirement villages, caravan parks and shopping centres) the electrical wiring is configured in such a way as to enable the owner of the site to sell energy to all the tenants or residents based there. This is known as an embedded network. The owner of a site with an embedded network usually buys energy from an energy retailer and then ‘on sells’ the energy to the different consumers at the site. In some situations, the energy sold by the owner may be generated on site. Most people that sell energy in embedded networks are known as ‘exempt sellers’. They have obtained an exemption from retail authorisation requirements, and must comply with particular conditions (as opposed to all obligations prescribed on retailers in the National Energy Retail Law (NERL) and National Energy Retail Rules (NERR).Manager for the microgridAny system supplying multiple customers not physically connected to the grid. Includes anything from a large town to two farms connected to each other. Generation sources typically include solar PV, wind turbines and small-scale gas generators and diesel engines. Alternatively, microgrids are electricity networks that can be isolated and operated independently of the interconnected electricity system (or “grid”)., in accordance with the Rules.
In order to be able to participate in the energy and ancillary services
- Registration as a Small Generation Aggregator
A Small Generation Aggregator (SGA) is a person registered with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to supply electricity aggregated from one or more small generating units, which are connected to a distribution or transmission network. A small generating unit is owned, controlled and/or operated by a person who AEMO has exempted from the requirement to register as a Generator.(SGA) – An SGA can provide electricity to the National Electricity MarketThe National Electricity Market (NEM) spans Australia’s eastern and south-eastern coasts and comprises of five interconnected states that also act as price regions: Queensland, New South Wales (including the Australian Capital Territory), South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not connected to the NEM, primarily due to the distance between networks. The NEM’s transmission network carries power from electricity generators to large industrial energy users and local electricity distributors across the five regions. These assets are owned and operated by state governments, or private businesses.(NEM) from small generating units. An SGA can only provide energy services to the NEM, it cannot provide market ancillary services.
- Registration as a Demand Response Service Provider
A Demand Response Service Provider (DRSP) delivers market ancillary services and wholesale demand response services. A DRSP is a registered participant category within the National Electricity Market (NEM), administered by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).(DRSP) – A DRSP can provide (1) market ancillary services by offering a customer’s load, or an aggregation of loads, into frequency control markets and/or (2) wholesale demand response servicesWholesale demand response services are flexible services purchased from the demand side (energy users) through the wholesale electricity market.by allowing large customers to enter a contract with a DRSP to provide demand response by reducing load.
Importantly, an SGA and a DRSP cannot both take responsibility for the same connection point. To participate in the energy and ancillary service markets, load and generation within the embedded microgrid would need to have separate child connection points and metering so that AEMO is able to settle electricity generated and consumers at each connection point separately. Alternatively, rather than register with AEMO as an SGA or DRSP, the energy supply company could contract with an existing SGA or DRSP (which could be the authorised retailer
For simplicity, this case study assumes that the energy supply company would contract with an existing SGA and DRSP for these services.
In Victoria, a person must not engage in the generation of electricity for supply or sale or the transmission, distribution, supply or sale of electricity unless that person either holds the appropriate licences issued by the Victorian Essential Services Commission
Exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence are made by the Governor through an Order in Council in accordance with section 17 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic). Exemptions can be issued for a specific entity and activity following an application process and approval by the relevant Minister.
In addition, certain activities related to the small-scale resale, distribution and generation of electricity are currently regulated under the provisions of an Order in Council, called the General Exemption Order. The Order provides for categories of ‘deemed exemptions’ meaning that no registration is required for the exemption to apply. The General Exemption Order also sets out the terms, conditions, and limitations that those operating under it must comply with to retain their exemption.
There are various categories of exemptions, most linked to the type and number of customers being sold or supplied energy.
For the purposes of this case study:
- Exemption from the requirement for a Victorian distribution and supply licences – this scenario assumes that the Proponent will be selling and distributing electricity to more than 10 residential and businesses customers within the embedded microgrid
Any system supplying multiple customers not physically connected to the grid. Includes anything from a large town to two farms connected to each other. Generation sources typically include solar PV, wind turbines and small-scale gas generators and diesel engines. Alternatively, microgrids are electricity networks that can be isolated and operated independently of the interconnected electricity system (or “grid”).and meets all the other conditions of the exemptions.12 The activity of sale and distribution of electricity therefore meets all the requirements of the registerable exemptions applicable to a person who sells and distribute electricity to customers in an embedded microgrid.
- Exemption from the requirement for a Victorian generation licence – the activity of generation of electricity within the embedded microgrid meets all the requirements of the deemed exemption applicable to small-scale generators (ie total output less than 30MW) connected either to a transmission or distribution network
In relation to electricity, distribution networks are the low voltage poles and wires that take power from the transmission networks to homes and businesses across Australia.at a common point.
Description of key energy specific regulatory obligations
The table below sets out the key regulatory obligations that may be applicable to the Proponent as a result of the various registrations, authorisations and jurisdictional licenses that apply.
Requirement |
Key regulatory obligations |
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Registration and exemptions – Australian Energy Market Operator
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Exemption from registration as a Generator
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N/A |
Exempt from registration as a Network Service Provider
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There are five basic requirements for exempt networks. An exempt person must:
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Licences and exemptions – Victoria (Essential Services Commission
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Exempt from requirements to hold a retail licence (registrable VR1 and VR2 exemptions for commercial and residential customer sale respectively) |
Under the Victorian General Exemption Order 2017, both deemed and registrable electricity retail activities must comply with several conditions. These include provision in the Energy Retail Code of Practice related to explicit informed consent, customer contracts, billing disputes, life support obligations, payment difficulties, other billing obligations and payment methods. They also include conditions related to maximum price, customer dispute resolution and the provision of information. |
Exempt from requirements to hold a network licence (registrable VND1 and VND2 exemptions for commercial and residential customer supply respectively) |
Under the Victorian General Exemption Order, both deemed and registrable electricity network activities must comply with several conditions. They include provisions in the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice related to quality of supply, connection to supply, interruption of supply, protection of supply to life support equipment, disconnection and confidential information. They also include conditions related to customer dispute resolution and the provision of information. |
Exempt from requirements to hold a generation licence (deemed exemption) |
There are several conditions of exemption that apply to this category of exempt generators, including compliance with provisions of the distribution code specified by the ESC and the provision of information. |
Other energy specific regulatory obligations
In addition to the regulatory obligations that flow from the various registration, authorisation and jurisdictional licensing requirements, the Proponent and the energy supply company will also need to be aware of various other energy specific regulatory obligations related to the national and (relevant) jurisdictional energy frameworks. For example:
The Electricity Safety Act (Vic) sets out a range of safety provisions that apply to electrical workers, electrical equipment and electrical installations. While supply networks owned or operated by distribution or transmission companies are not considered to be electrical installations for the purposes of this Act, embedded microgrids owned and operated by exempt entities would be covered by the provisions on electrical installations.
Electricity prices charged both by authorised retailers and those exempt from a retail licence in Victoria for residential and small business customers with annual consumption up to 40MWh cannot exceed the regulated Victorian Default Offer (VDO) determined by the Victorian ESC each year. This means the VDO would apply as the maximum price that could be charged to the customers in this microgrid
A person who is exempt from holding a distribution licence must still comply with the majority of provisions in the Victorian Electricity Distribution Code of Practice (EDCoP).14Clause 1.3.5 of the EDCoP sets out the list of provisions that do not apply to exempt entities, and these include provisions related to reliability of supply and guaranteed service levels.
Connection of an embedded microgrid
To provide market ancillary services
The Australian Energy Market Operator
Potential challenges for this hypothetical Proponent and their business model
The above discussion frames the breadth of regulatory obligations that the Proponent could face for the hypothetical project considered in this scenario.
In this context, there are a series of threshold questions that a proponent considering this, or a similar, business model may wish to consider in the early stages of their project.
Electricity providers covered by the General Exemption Order (GEO) must understand and comply with all the obligations they have under the GEO and the Victorian Energy Retail Code of Practice and/or the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice. Given that the energy retail and distribution codes are varied from time to time, understanding the obligations and ensuring compliance will be an ongoing activity.
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) applies to customers in microgrids and embedded networks as a maximum price cap. The VDO price cap is derived from the annualised cost of traditional grid-supply not a bottom-up view of the efficient costs of a microgrid
How will the Proponent manage the economic risk created by the current policy uncertainty? The Victorian Government, through an Expert Panel, is currently reviewing the regulatory framework for embedded networks in Victoria. This review is being undertaken in response to an election commitment made by the Government to ban embedded networks in new residential apartment buildings, with appropriate exemptions for buildings that use renewable energy microgrids to deliver low-cost renewable energy to apartment buildings. The Panel was also asked to provide advice on (among other things) an exemptions pathway for innovative new technologies including in the form of microgrids. The Panel’s final report was released in January 2022 and proposes major reforms to how residential embedded networks are regulated in Victoria. The Panel proposed that the first stage of these reforms would be implemented in January 2023. The Victorian government’s response to the recommendations is expected in mid-2022. The uncertainty created by this review presents an economic risk to the Proponent which should be factored into its early decision making.
Additional information
Ongoing reforms and policy development
Other information
1Distribution businesses are permitted to provide standalone power systems to existing customers as an efficient alternative to upgrading or replacing an existing network connection.
2Embedded microgrids are private electricity networks connected to another distribution or transmission system through a parent connection point.
3As explained in the AER (Retail) Exempt Selling Guideline, exemptions were developed to manage the practice of ‘on-selling’ energy – that the main relationship the on-seller has with their customer is not the sale of energy. Most (but not all) exemptions are held by on-sellers.
4Certain provisions of the NER could apply to standalone microgrids if a jurisdiction chooses to list a party as a ‘nominated distributor’ in the relevant regulation. In this case, the nominated distributor may be required to comply with certain provisions set out in the Rules relating to connection services, retail support obligations and credit support obligations, including in Chapter 5A (Electricity connection for retail customers).
5See: Electricity Act 1994 (QLD).
6These provisions apply to generators, transmission entities and distributors whether they are connected to the national grid or not.
7In this hypothetical case study, the Proponent chooses to seek a distribution authority. Alternatively, the Proponent could have chosen to seek a special approval which is also subject to a set of conditions set out in the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld).
8These service levels would not apply to microgrids operated under special approvals unless the special approval contains a condition requiring compliance with the Code.
9See: https://www.aemc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/AEMC%20SAPS%20prior….
10Registration fees are set out in AEMO’s electricity market fees schedule. See: https://aemo.com.au/about/corporate-governance/energy-market-fees-and-c…
12The “registerable” exemption categories applicable to the sale and distribution of electricity are relevant where there are more than 10 residential or business customers within an embedded network
13Other forms of exempt sellers also face a regulated price cap which is set at the local area retailer’s standing offer prices in place on or immediately prior to 27 May 2019. This applies to embedded network customers with annual consumption >40MWh, construction sites taking temporary supply, customers of exempt sellers who are related parties, customers of exempt sellers in conjunction with telecommunications services, exempt multiple activity providers.
14Provisions of the EDC that apply to exempt entities include those related to quality of supply (other than in respect of frequency and voltage), connection of supply (other in respect of equipment and new connections), emergency response plans and disconnection of supply.