The COAG Energy Council has requested that the AEMC investigate a formal approach to facilitating proof-of-concept testing in the National Electricity Market, as part of the AEMC's 2019 Electricity network regulatory framework review.
Consultation paper
On 20 December 2018, the AEMC published a consultation paper seeking stakeholder input on how best to facilitate co-ordination of proof-of-concept trials in the NEM and whether there is a need for formal regulatory sandbox arrangements. The consultation paper outlined models for regulatory sandbox mechanisms in other industries and jurisdictions, how proof-of-concept trials are currently undertaken within the NEM, whether there is a need for a sandbox mechanism, and what form a sandbox mechanism might take. The AER provided its submission on 1 February 2019.
Draft report
On 11 July 2019, the AEMC published a draft report on regulatory sandbox arrangements to support proof-of-concept trials in the NEM. The draft report proposes a sandbox toolkit, including new powers for the AER. The AER provided its submission on 8 August 2019.
More information
Find out more about the AEMC's 2019 Electricity network regulatory framework review.