On 14 December 2022, the AER granted a class waiver under the Electricity Distribution Ring-fencing Guideline to distribution network service providers (DNSPs). The class waiver allows DNSPs to contract with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to provide Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT) services via voltage management. The waiver is effective from 14 December 2022 to 15 April 2025 (inclusive).
The class waiver follows a request from AEMO to increase reserves to address forecast reliability gaps.
The AER considers the class waiver is necessary to meet AEMO’s needs to procure RERT and provides benefits to consumers through likely lower RERT costs.
The AER sought feedback on granting the class waiver. Submissions closed on 16 November 2022 and 12 submissions were made. The AER also hosted a verbal feedback session on 9 November 2022.