Access, pricing and incentive arrangements for distributed energy resources
Consumer Action Law Centre welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Access, pricing and incentive arrangements for distributed energy resources (DER) draft determination.
We commend the AEMC and initiators of this rule change—SA Power Networks, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, the Total Environmental Centre and the Australian Council of Social Services.
As the Draft Determination notes, DER are transforming the way consumers interact with the electricity grid placing more power in the hands of customers to interact and participate in the electricity system.
This has required a system built on an assumption of one-way energy flow to transform, as rooftop solar and batteries form an increasing component of the energy grid.
Without reform equity issues will arise, as households without DER pay network costs without receiving a direct benefit (such as reduced electricity bills). Furthermore, network limitations are preventing some households from investing in their own renewable technology, or they face limitations to the amount of electricity they can export,
also limiting affected households’ capacity to benefit.
We are supportive of an electricity grid that delivers benefits
for all consumers—whether they invest in DER or not—and that ensures individuals and families experiencing vulnerability or without means to invest in DER also benefit from the energy transition underway.
Read our full submission (PDF).
210527 Submission – AEMC Access, pricing and incentive arrangements for distributed energy resources
