New Distributed Energy Resources (DER) registration rules – what electrical contractors need to know

From 1 March 2020, Distributed Energy Resources (DER) including small-scale solar PV, battery storage and other small generators, must be registered on the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) DER Register.

These rules apply to installations in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. And may be expanded to Western Australia soon.

What is the DER Register?

The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Register is a national database of DER device information including small-scale solar PV, battery storage and other small generators across Australia.

What will the DER Register be used for?

The DER Register provides the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) with visibility over small-scale solar PV, battery storage and other small generators across Australia.

With the increase in popularity of DER devices, especially rooftop solar PV, visibility of these devices gives AEMO the ability to operate the grid more securely and efficiently.

1 March 2020 is here – what happens now?

From 1 March, all electrical contractors who install DER are required to support networks by collecting information on any small-scale generation or storage equipment they install. This information feeds into the DER Register.

All DER installations must be approved by the network operator for new, replaced, upgraded or decommissioned DER equipment. There is a new requirement for information on these systems to be provided to the DER Register within 20 business days of system activation or de-activation.

The DER Register must be updated for all DER installations, regardless of size.

5 critical steps every contractor needs to know

The DER Register has been designed to work in with existing network operator DER installation registration processes to minimise any impact on contractors and DER installers. The process will also utilise existing mobile apps in the future to further streamline the process – stay tuned for updates on when this will be available.

Below are the 5 critical steps contractors need to know about DER installations:

Step 1 – Apply to the network operator for a connection and receive approval

Step 2 – Customer agrees and installation goes ahead

Step 3 – Electrical contractor to install system and collect information about what is installed on site * NEW STEP*

Step 4 - Electrical contractor to provide information to the network operator / AEMO DER Register portal *NEW STEP*

Step 5 - Network operator approves data and AEMO website generates a certificate which can be downloaded by the installer from AEMO’s DER Register portal

What information will network operators / AEMO’s DER Register portal ask for?

The information required by network operators or the DER Register portal includes:

• Equipment installed (i.e. manufacturer, model, serial numbers and type of generator)

• Protection and control settings for the DER installation and equipment

What happens when contractors don’t follow the new DER registration rules?

Complying with the DER register is directly linked to the terms of the approval to connect, or the connection agreement, between the network and the customer. This is the contract that permits the customer to generate electricity while connected to the network.

If the required data is not provided to the network operator, the customer’s generation may be disallowed by the network.

Where to go for more information?

To find out more about the changes in your state or territory click on the links below:

New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Stay up to date:

Contact the Connections Team at your local network operator for details on how to provide information to the DER Register, and whether you need to create an account in AEMO’s DER Register portal.

Questions?

Contact your local network operator Connections Team if you have any queries about the information required or the process for updating the DER Register.

Visit the AEMO website to learn more or email questions to: SupportHub@aemo.com.au