Network transparency and effective distribution planning are key to most efficient delivery of energy services and integration of consumer energy resources (CER). Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs) can be an important improvement, helping industry participants, regulators, and consumers understand opportunities on the network, plan for future needs, and deliver services more efficiently for consumers.
That’s why our submission in response to the AEMC’s Enhancing distribution network planning and reporting draft determination recommends that:
- DNDPs should be used to identify the investments that matter in most likely futures, not to test readiness for every possibility;
- DNDPs include a comprehensive assessment of demand side opportunities that evaluates system wide value and constraints, rather than relying on the demand-side factor (DSF) alone, and;
- there’s a disclosure first approach to network data, requiring DNSPs to share data by default.
What’s next?
The final rule change determination is due in July. We’ll continue to advocate for better planning coordination and alignment – including the Integrated System Plan (ISP) and distribution planning – across the entire energy system.
