Market Ancillary Service Specification amendment for DER

PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) consultation on amendments to the Market Ancillary Service Sprecification (MASS) for Distributed Energy Resources (DER).

AEMO undertook this consultation to determine whether it would be appropriate to amend the MASS to accommodate the provision of market ancillary services (FCAS) by DER using the learnings from a trial of virtual power plant (VPP Demonstrations).

PIAC is concerned by AEMO’s decision to retain the 50 millisecond metering resolution and not amend the MASS to a slower metering resolution. PIAC considered this draft decision may unnecessarily restrict competition in the fast FCAS market and slow the integration of DER, to the detriment of consumers. Before making a final determination on amending the MASS, PIAC recommended AEMO undertake work to determine a minimum metering resolution that ensures the integrity of the fast FCAS service while also encouraging VPP participation in the fast FCAS market and creating signals for investment in DER products and services.