The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today released its first decision on Designated Network Asset access policies following a rule change in 2021.
On 17 February 2023, Lumea Pty Limited, as trustee for Lumea Trust, submitted its Designated Network Asset Access Policy Riverina DNA for AER approval.
We have undertaken a review of the policy in accordance with the National Energy Rules (NER), so that we can be reasonably satisfied that it complies with the requirements of the rule.
On 2 June 2023, we decided to approve the Lumea policy as it meets the minimum NER requirements to provide information on the asset, its capacity, limitations, pricing, cost sharing and other rule requirements.
Background
Privately owned and operated extension lines are commonly required to connect generators and large energy customers to the shared transmission network. These extension lines are broadly described as connection assets.
'Designated Network Assets’ are a type of connection asset defined by the NER.
The NER creates a third-party access regime designed to protect Designated Network Asset owners and access seekers to their network. The access policy, which provides a range of essential information to access seekers, must be approved by the AER.
The Designated Network Asset owned by Lumea is part of the Riverina Battery Energy Storage System project and involves the connection of three independent but co-located battery energy storage systems. The battery is connected to the Transmission Network by 200 meters of 132kV cable. This cable is the Designated Network Asset.