The AER, through the Energy Innovation Toolkit, has granted Ausgrid a trial waiver from ring-fencing obligations (clause 6.17.1) of the National Electricity Rules for a period of 5 years to enable it to conduct a Community Power Network trial at Two Trial Sites. 

This waiver allows Ausgrid to own and operate 130MWh of battery assets. 

It will also enable Ausgrid to install up to 70MW of solar generation assets as a supplier of last resort if the competitive market is unable to provide this service.