Amendments to the STPIS

On 6 November 2024, the AER published proposed amendments to the transmission service target performance incentive scheme (STPIS) framework for consultation. STPIS has been under increasing scrutiny from across the energy sector as the energy transition affects network performance and operation. There are a number of interesting amendments proposed as part of the AER’s review; […]

AEMC releases draft community engagement rules for major transmission projects

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has introduced new draft requirements aimed at enhancing community engagement in the process of approving major transmission projects, as part of an effort to accelerate the expansion of the energy grid. In particular, the proposed changes will integrate community engagement into the RIT-T process and Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) […]

queensland’s wind farm code

Queensland’s Wind Farm Code (State Code 23) for the planning assessment of wind farms is being reviewed from 7 August – 4 September. The review aims to establish clearer benchmarks for managing the impacts of wind farm developments and to boost confidence in clean energy projects among both the community and the industry. The current […]

AER submits rule change request to expand the transmission ring-fencing framework to include negotiated transmission services.

In March 2023, the AER released the new Transmission Ring-fencing Guideline (Guideline) which ringfences TNSPs’ provision of prescribed transmission services from other services it provides. As part of the consultation process for the Guideline, a number of stakeholders raised concerns that the guideline did not adequately address TNSPs’ conduct as part of the connections process […]

Designing renewable energy construction contracts to support a sustainable construction market/supply chain and to achieve better mutual project outcomes. 

Central to achieving these objectives is a move away from planning for failure, repeating and recycling the past and a mindset of transferring risks to contractors to embracing a framework of collaboration with a focus on managing risks, dispute avoidance, clear description of the scope of works and contract provisions that are measured, fair and […]

CONSULTATION PAPER – RINGFENCING GUIDELINE

The AER released the new transmission ringfencing guideline in March 2023. The guideline specifies certain obligations on TNSPs to ringfence their provision of monopoly prescribed transmission services from other more contestable services that the TNSP may deliver, including connection services. As part of consultation on the new ringfencing guideline, a number of stakeholders raised concerns […]

DRAFT 2023 TRANSMISSION EXPANSION OPTIONS REPORT

AEMO has published its draft 2023 Transmission Expansion Options Report, which is an important input to AEMO’s planning publications (principally, the 2024 Integrated System Plan). The pace of change (and required change) of the energy industry remains obvious, with the amount transmission build continuing to grow. The draft report acknowledges key challenges in the development […]

Review of Technical REQUIREMENTS for Connections

McCafferty Legal posted on 10 March 2023 about AEMO’s 5 yearly review of the National Electricity Rules’ technical requirements for connection in the NEM. AEMO’s draft report on proposed changes is currently open for consultation and AEMO has now published an addendum to that report addressing its proposed changes to customer (load) technical requirements in […]

Strategic Transmission Infrastructure and Landowner Compensation

A key issue that Australia (and the world) has been grappling with in the energy transition is the amount of new transmission infrastructure needing to be built to support the required generation and what is a fair, reasonable and equitable scheme for compensating landowners for the use of their land to host new transmission infrastructure. […]

Renewable Energy Coordination Framework

The Tasmanian Government is currently seeking tenders from consultants to assist with the market design of its proposed North-West region Renewable Energy Zone. For those with relevant experience, this is a great opportunity to participate in the formulation of Tasmania’s REZ framework and design. McCafferty Legal continues to support work being done in Tasmania on […]