solar Archives

May242022 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Updating the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Register

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is required by law to keep a register of distributed energy resources (DER). The Register is designed to assist AEMO in relation to grid security and stability. DER installers and electricity network service providers (NSPs) are responsible for providing the relevant information to AEMO via the register. The General Framework In summary, DER installers (electrical contractors) of photo-voltaic (PV) generation systems and battery systems are required to provide information to the Register. The steps in the process are: Step 1: A contractor/ DER installer will apply to the NSP for a connection and receive approval for the installation; (This is generally done through the NSP’s DER connection webpage. The information is then added to the DER Register.) Step 2: Once approval is obtained and…

Dec172021 by Greg BullardNo Comments

The Essential Services Commission (Vic) Minimum Feed-In Tariff review 2022/23

AU Energy Compliance

On 2 December 2021, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) released its draft decision for minimum feed-in tariffs for solar exporters. It is anticipated that the figures in the draft will apply from 1 July 2022. This short article will discuss the proposed tariffs and provide a brief summary of the reasoning behind the adjusted tariff. We will also look at how the ESC calculates the tariff. The New Proposed Tariffs: The draft minimum feed-in tariffs have been calculated the same way as previous reviews (discussed below). The draft minimum feed-in tariffs are as follows: The draft minimum flat feed-in tariff for 2022–23 is 5.2 cents per kWh. This is 22 percent lower than the minimum rate for 2021–22. The draft time-varying feed-in tariffs are also lower than for 2021–22. *…

Apr62018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Solar industry telemarketing practices are under the microscope by the ACMA

AU Energy Compliance

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ramped up its enforcement activities in relation to telemarketing practices in the solar industry. ACMA this week has confirmed that solar power business Allied Construction and Roofing Pty Ltd has paid a $21,600 infringement notice for calling numbers on the Do Not Call Register without consent. The payment of the infringement notice follows an investigation by the ACMA into consumer complaints about the company’s’ telemarketing practices. ACMA also accepted a court enforceable undertaking from the business detailing its commitment to comply with Australia’s telemarketing laws in addition to the payment of the infringement notice. [caption id="attachment_3982" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo by Pavan Trikutam on Unsplash[/caption] The ACMA named telemarketing in the solar industry as a priority compliance area for 2017-18 following a high…

Mar222018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

New energy zones identified in New South Wales

AU Energy Compliance

By Anne Wardell, Compliance Quarter. The New South Wales Government (government) has lodged a submission with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in relation to AEMO's Integrated System Plan (ISP). The ISP was recommended by the Independent Review into the Future Security of the NEM (Finkel Review). The first ISP is expected to be delivered in June 2018 and AEMO has indicated that it will, 'deliver a strategic infrastructure development plan, based on sound engineering and economics, which can facilitate an orderly energy system transition under a range of scenarios. This ISP will particularly consider: What makes a successful renewable energy zone (REZ) and, if REZs are identified, how to develop them. Transmission development options'. (Source: AEMO ISP page) The government submission was released in March 2018 and it is important…

Mar202018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Solar feed-in tariffs 2018/19 for NSW call for submissions

AU Energy Compliance, Uncategorized

By Anne Wardell, Compliance Quarter. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released an Issues Paper for discussion on the solar feed-in tariffs for 2018/19. IPART is seeking written submissions to be made by 16 April 2018. Information about how to lodge a submission are contained in the Issues Paper. IPART has provided the following useful infographic in relation to the process: The Terms of Reference set out the following parameters which must be considered in conducting the investigation: There should be no resulting increase in retail electricity prices; and The benchmark range should operate in such a way to support a competitive electricity market in NSW. The final report is to be provided by 30 June 2018. Further information about the investigation can be found on the IPART website…