Publications

  • Integrated System Plan draft methodology

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) draft methodology for the 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP).  We generally support AEMO’s proposed ISP methodology, but recommend improvements relating to the purpose of the ISP and AEMO’s role in delivering it, scenario weightings, and generator retirements. The ISP is intended to be ‘a whole-of-system plan…

  • Fast Frequency Response draft determination

    The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) draft determination on a rule change to introduce markets for Fast Frequency Response (FFR) market ancillary services.  PIAC supports the AEMC’s decision to introduce markets for FFR. Specifically, a very fast raise service and a very fast lower service. These markets…

  • NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap Tranche 2 regulations

    PIAC responded to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (the Department) consultation on Tranche 2 regulations for the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap (the Roadmap). PIAC strongly supports the objectives of the Roadmap and most of the measures set out to achieve them. We respond to the specific stakeholder questions and provide further detail on…

  • Distributed Energy Resources integration draft determination

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s rule change concerning the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). We consider DER integration should begin with accurately pricing the costs of consumption on the distribution network through cost-reflective network pricing. Cost-reflective pricing of energy from the grid rewards people for making investments and behavioural decisions that…

  • Consumer Data Right for energy design paper

    The Public Interest Advocacy Centre made a submission to the Commonwealth Treasury’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) rules and standards design paper. PIAC strongly disagrees with the approaches to the data access model and sharing of joint account data proposed by Treasury. The proposals outlined in the Paper would be substantial changes to those previously agreed…

  • Review of Solar Feed-in Tariff Benchmarks for 2021-22 Draft

    PIAC responded to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) Draft Report for its Review of Solar Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Benchmarks for 2021-22.   PIAC generally supports IPART’s methodology contained in the Draft Report, including the new method to calculate the solar multiplier and using data from all three NSW Distribution Network Service Providers. However, we encourage IPART…

  • Project Energy Connect revised contingent project application

    PIAC responded to the revised contingent project applications for Project EnergyConnect (PEC) from TransGrid and ElectraNet. Given its low net benefit and escalating costs, PIAC does not believe PEC is an investment in the long-term interests of NSW consumers. PIAC also considers it should not proceed under the current regulatory framework, which allocates all costs…

  • Inquiry into dispatchable energy generation and storage capability

    PIAC responded to the Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy’s (the Committee) inquiry into the current circumstances, and the future need and potential for dispatchable energy generation and storage capability in Australia (the Inquiry). The issue of dispatchable power is important as the energy system transitions and traditional sources of generation retire.  PIAC considers…

  • Central-West Orana REZ access scheme issues paper

    PIAC lodged a submission to the NSW Government’s consultation on the access scheme governing generator connections to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).  REZs are an important tool to meet increasingly urgent emissions reduction targets while delivering lower energy prices. The transmission investments necessary to deliver REZs are materially different to more normal transmission…

  • Wholesale Demand Response participation guideline

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Wholesale Demand Response (WDR) Participation Guidelines (the Guidelines) Issues Paper. We highlight wholesale demand response benefits energy consumers at a system-wide and individual level and these benefits should grow as the WDR mechanism is established and matures. The AER has a critical role in enabling these benefits,…

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