The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today released Interim Reliability Instrument Guidelines which form part of the AER’s functions for the Retailer Reliability Obligation (RRO) alongside a final determination document responding to stakeholder submissions on the draft guideline.
As part of the RRO process, if the Australian Electricity Market Operator (AEMO) identifies a reliability gap as part of its Electricity Statement of Opportunities forecast it will request the AER to make a reliability instrument.
The guideline sets out the criteria the AER will use when making a decision on a reliability instrument request by AEMO. The guideline also sets out how the AER will consult with stakeholders on a reliability instrument request and what information AEMO must provide to the AER when making a reliability instrument request.
As set out in the National Electricity Rules (NER), the interim guideline will be replaced by a final version (which will be developed using a full consultation process). The final version will be developed from late 2019 and will be published by 31 July 2020.