embedded network Archives

Oct132021 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Getting Serious: The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme

The New South Wales Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) was established in 2009 under the Electricity Supply Act 1995. One of the primary purposes of the ESS is to provide incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. The financial incentives under the scheme have been in the form of Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs), which are tradeable. When households and businesses fund energy-saving activities, they create ESCs which can be transferred to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the costs of the energy saving activity. The ESCs are calculated on the basis of the megawatt hours saved by the activity. Many of us know some of the programs that have been rolled out such as light bulb replacement and…

Jun12018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Three reminders for exempt businesses from the latest AER Compliance Report

AU Energy Compliance

The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Quarterly Compliance Report: National Electricity and Gas Laws 1 January – 31 March 2018 was recently released.[1] It canvasses a range of compliance activities carried out by the AER over that three-month period, including compliance for wholesale market participants such as retailers, distributors and generators. Rather than market participants, our focus today is on the AER’s compliance activities with respect to businesses operating under network or retail exemptions. In particular, we look at compliance lessons for Embedded Network Operators (ENOs) and exempt businesses using power purchase agreements (PPAs). By Dr Drew Donnelly, Regulatory Specialist, Compliance Quarter. Advising embedded network customers that seek to go ‘on market’ The AER observes that embedded networks are now expected to be fully in compliance with the power of choice…

May302018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

The new Registration Guideline for Exempt Persons in Victoria

AU Energy Compliance

Just as Victoria operates a distinct regulatory framework for retail licensing from the rest of the National Electricity Market, so too does Victoria operate a distinct framework for retail and network exemptions. Last year we discussed the new Victorian General Exemption Order setting out the latest rules in Victoria for embedded network exemptions, including price regulation (https://www.compliancequarter.com.au/embedded-network-operators-take-note-new-general-exemption-order-victoria/). [caption id="attachment_4476" align="aligncenter" width="4270"] Photo by Alex Holyoake on Unsplash[/caption] By Dr Drew Donnelly, Regulatory Specialist, Compliance Quarter. On 17 May, the Victorian Essential Services Commission (ESC) released a Registration Guideline setting out further requirements for entities seeking exemptions in Victoria.[1] Note, entities that are required to register, should register immediately (by 31 May 2018). Today we discuss the registration requirements in the guideline, including ways in which these requirements differ from requirements…

Mar192018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Revised Exempt Selling Guideline released

AU Energy Compliance

By Anne Wardell, Compliance Quarter. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released an updated Retail (Exempt) Selling Guideline Version 5 March 2018 (new Guideline). They have also released a Notice of Final Instrument which discusses the changes introduced. The new Guideline became effective from 16 March 2018 which was the date of publication. There are a number of important changes which have been introduced. All of the changes have been the subject of extensive consultation and discussion between the AER and stakeholders. For additional background please refer to our earlier articles: AER seeking feedback on Revised Draft Retail Exempt Selling Guideline; The proposed new dispute resolution obligations for exempt sellers; and Complaints Resolution for Exempt Customers. I will discuss each important change individually. Dispute resolution, membership of ombudsman scheme now a condition…

Feb92018 by Steven FindleyNo Comments

Webinars with the Energy Experts at Compliance Quarter

AU Energy Compliance, Uncategorized

In addition to our regular news updates and analysis, the regulatory energy experts at Compliance Quarter have been busy helping to educate our clients with free webinars. Over the last 8 months, we've engaged with over 500 people on our webinar series, allowing us to get free education, advice and news out to more people than we thought possible. Below is a summary of the webinars we've produced so far, along with links to our upcoming episodes: Compliance Quarter "Energy Experts" Webinar Series Update on Embedded Networks 16 August 2017 - 11am AEDT - http://bit.ly/2FYmOtB Energy Retail Update 24 August 2017 - 11am AEDT - http://bit.ly/2sjpdwD AEMC taking the axe to Embedded Network Exemptions 18 January - 11am AEDT - http://bit.ly/2BKscSU Access Password: Energy001…

Dec112017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Who has Life Support Obligations in an Embedded Network?

AU Energy Compliance

As part of the ‘Power of Choice’ reforms, on 1 December 2017, the life support notification obligations for embedded networks were updated. Life support notification obligations ensure that those capable of disconnecting electricity supply (i.e. retailers and distributors) are aware of customer life support needs (such as the connection of a kidney dialysis machine or a ventilator). In today’s article, we explain what the life support obligations in embedded networks are and why it is essential that all businesses involved with an embedded network understand the obligations. [caption id="attachment_2738" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash[/caption] By Dr Drew Donnelly, Compliance Quarter. Background to Life Support Obligations In an embedded network there may be only one entity directly involved in energy supply. That is, there might be one business…

Dec82017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Consultation on draft exempt embedded network guidelines (part two): what is a ‘dedicated connection asset’?

AU Energy Compliance

Last week we looked at some of the proposals contained in the draft electricity network service provider registration exemption guideline (draft guideline) (see https://compliancequarter.com.au/consultation-draft-exempt-embedded-network-guidelines-part-one-embedded-network-managers-take-note/). Today we continue that discussion, looking at the changes in that draft guideline that relate to the National Electricity Amendment (Transmission Connection and Planning Arrangements) Final Rule Determination (the rule change). In today’s article, we address the new concept of a ‘dedicated connection asset’ and the exemptions that have been proposed for any business that owns or controls those assets. [caption id="attachment_2730" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo by Oliver Wendel on Unsplash[/caption] By Dr Drew Donnelly, Compliance Quarter. What is a dedicated connection asset? When we think about an embedded network, we often think of private wiring systems connecting a group of customers to the local electricity network…

Nov62017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

AER seeking feedback on revised Draft Retail Exempt Selling Guideline

Uncategorized

By Anne Wardell, Compliance Quarter. On 6 November 2017 the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released a revised Draft Retail Exempt Selling Guideline version 5 (Draft Guideline). The proposed changes to the Guideline are to: improve dispute resolution options for residential exempt customers by requiring exempt sellers with residential customers to be members of, or subject to, a relevant energy ombudsman scheme where they can be accommodated by the scheme, place a clear obligation on exempt sellers to have complaints and dispute handling procedures, and align a number of customer protections within the Guideline with the National Energy Retail Law. The AER has invited submissions to be lodged by 19 December 2017. There is also a stakeholder forum due to be held on 14 December 2017. To attend the forum…

Jun152017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Is Energy Regulation Fit for Purpose? Review of regulatory arrangements for embedded networks – AER submission

AU Energy Compliance

By Anne Wardell, Compliance Quarter. In a recent article, Embedded Networks under the spotlight, Connor James outlined the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) review of the regulatory arrangements for embedded networks. The AEMC released a consultation paper and sought submissions. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) lodged a submission on 17 May 2017. In this article I consider the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) submission. Paula Conboy, Chair of the AER, has provided a covering letter which usefully summarises the recommendations made in the submission. Attachment A provides detailed answers to the questions asked in the Consultation paper. The AER is of the view that the review ‘provides an opportunity to consider whether the benefits of embedded networks outweigh the detriment’[1] The submission identifies both areas for improvement in the regulatory framework…

Jun152017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Embedded Networks Under the Spotlight

AU Energy Compliance

By Connor James, Compliance Quarter. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is reviewing the regulatory arrangements for embedded networks. Embedded networks operate in a unique space from the regulatory perspective. Common examples of embedded networks include shopping centres, retirement villages, apartment complexes and caravan parks. Embedded networks are also found in commercial buildings. Below we discuss the AEMC review and the broad regulatory challenges with embedded networks. What is an embedded network? Embedded networks are private electricity networks connected to the distribution and transmission system of the national electricity market through a parent connection point (gate meter). Consumers within embedded networks are typically individually metered and sold electricity from the ENO. ENOs own network infrastructure and on-sell electricity from the gate meter within the embedded network to the occupants. There…