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 will apply to installations in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, and will be expanded to Western Australia later in 2020.

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 will give the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 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 will enable AEMO to operate the grid more securely and efficiently.

What is changing between now and 1 March 2020?

Between now and 1 March 2020 network operators will transition their DER approvals processes to comply with the new DER Register requirements. 

As part of the new DER Register requirements, electrical contractors will be asked to provide additional information about any small-scale generation equipment being installed, to the network operator specifically for the DER Register.

If you are already a DER installer, you will know that installations must be registered with the network operator for new, replaced, upgraded or decommissioned DER equipment.

The new DER registration rules will apply to 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. This includes enabling commonly used mobile apps.

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 - DER installer collects information about what is installed on site *NEW STEP*

Step 4 - DER installer provides information to the network operator/ DER Register *NEW STEP*

Step 5 - Network operator approves data and AEMO website generates a certificate for the installer

What information will network operators ask for?

The information required by network operators 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 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 not be allowed 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

Western Australia – coming soon in 2020

For planned DER Register implementation dates contact your local network operator.

Getting prepared:

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

Questions?

Visit the AEMO website to learn more about the DER Register or email your question to: DERRegister@aemo.com.au