The AER’s Semi-Scheduled Generator (SSG) compliance bulletin outlines to SSGs our expectations regarding compliance with a number of critical obligations under the National Electricity Rules (NER). While these expectations are mostly similar to those for Scheduled Generators, there are some differences due to the reliance of SSGs on specific weather conditions as a fuel source.
This compliance bulletin sets out key obligations of SSGs relating to various functions such as registration, operational forecasting, dispatch, communication, and the provision of data. It sets out examples of what we consider to be good practice approaches to compliance, which we strongly encourage participants to adopt. The related checklist contains several tasks that may assist market participants to achieve compliance and provides links to relevant supporting procedures published by the AER and AEMO.
Participants should review their practices in light of the information set out in the bulletin and checklist, and update them as appropriate.
These documents were first released in July 2022. The bulletin was updated in August 2022 with minor amendments. The bulletin was updated again in February 2025 following the enablement of bid Max Avail for SSGs. The update also provides additional information about the AER’s expectations around the use of self-forecasting by SSGs. Other minor updates were made in line with amendments to the NER.
The information in the bulletin and checklist is provided for guidance only and is not an exhaustive list that guarantees compliance. Market participants will need to make a commercial decision about how best to operate, guided by private legal advice, where appropriate.