A stand-alone power system (SAPS) is a system that generates and distributes electricity but is not physically connected to the main electricity grid. A SAPS can come in various forms, but for a residential customer it typically comprises of one or more renewable power generation units, a battery, and back-up generation. For some customers, this set-up will deliver safe and reliable power at a lower cost than connecting to the national grid.
On 24 February 2022, the Australian Energy Market Commission published new rules allowing distributors to provide SAPS to existing customers, and to offer to connect new customers to existing distributor-operated SAPS (also called regulated SAPS) where it is more economically efficient than connection to the interconnected national electricity system.
Ahead of the implementation of the rule change on 1 August 2022, we are required to review, and where necessary amend and publish relevant guidelines. This is to ensure that our guidelines are consistent with the national arrangements for regulated SAPS, before the rule change takes effect.
We have completed this review, including undertaking a consultation process and have made changes to six documents.