On 8 May 2025, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released a consultation paper, consolidating the following three rule change requests related to the access standards for connection to the National Electricity Market (NEM):
- AEMO: Improving the NEM access standards – Package 2
- Rod Hughes Consulting: Definitions of protection system requirements
- Rod Hughes Consulting: Conditions for generator protection systems.
AEMO’s rule change request is one of two rule change requests arising from its first review of the NEM access standards, which must be completed every five years.
AEMO’s rule change request proposes amendments to schedule 5.3 to facilitate the planning and design of large loads in a way that supports future power system security. It also proposes amendments to the access standards for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) links (schedule 5.3a) and other improvements relating to access standards.
The two rule change requests from Rod Hughes Consulting aim to address inconsistencies in the NER observed by the proponent and support power system security by clarifying the protection systems requirements and ensuring that new connections meet those requirements.
The AER made a submission to the consultation paper on 19 June 2025.