Completion

If they haven’t already done so, Connection Applicants should submit an application for registration to AEMO. The registration process is separate to the connection process and must be completed before commissioning.

To assist with the registration process, Connection Applicants should ensure that:

• Complete simulation models of the connecting plant and associated design data are provided (see AEMO's Modelling requirements page for more details).
• Plant design meets agreed performance standards.
• Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is ready (necessary to allow first synchronisation).

Connection Applicants should also submit to the connecting Network Service Provider (NSP) and AEMO:

1. Advice on material inter-network impact – If the facility will have a material inter-network impact, Proponents must notify AEMO at least 80 business days before expected synchronisation. AEMO will determine if inter-network tests are required.

2. Commissioning program – AEMO recommends early engagement prior to the development of the commissioning program to agree scope. The commissioning program is required to be submitted at least three months before for transmission connection, or one month before for distribution connection. On-site testing must be conducted to demonstrate that the new/modified plant meets its performance standards.

Through the Connections Reform Initiative, the Commissioning Guideline has been developed to outline commissioning requirements (see the Related Guides and Policies section below) and the Commissioning Toolkit to support proponents throughout the commissioning process. 

3. Finalised simulation models, R2 model validation report and data sheets – These must also be submitted within three months of completing commissioning. The R2 model validation report may be included as part of the commissioning report, using commissioning test data and network events data to verify the simulation model. An update of all R2 data must also be provided. If there are material changes to the simulation model, AEMO and the connecting NSP may need to re-assess the performance standards.

What to do next – compliance monitoring

Upon completion of the connection process, Connection Applicants should develop and implement a compliance monitoring program as required by clause 4.15 of the National Electricity Rules (Rules), in respect of the performance standards. Compliance is crucial to maintain power system security.

Monitoring of some performance standards (such as those associated with clauses S5.2.5.4 and S5.2.5.5 of the Rules) can only be achieved by permanently installing high speed data recorders, which capture network events as they occur. AEMO strongly recommends such monitors are installed, especially for distributed generation, such as wind and solar generating systems.

For more information, please see the Compliance Monitoring Template published by the Australian Energy Market Commission AEMC:

Roles and responsibilities summary

AEMO: reviews simulation models and associated documentation, approves applications for registration, and reviews commissioning programs and results, including plant’s performances against agreed performance standards, to approve for operations, and review and model checks for R2 validation.

NSP: reviews commissioning programs and results, including plant’s compliance against agreed performance standards, to approve and notify when the plant is released to operation, and review and approve R2 validated models.

Connection Applicant: finalises registration application requirements, provides updated data, commissioning programs, test results and simulation models to AEMO/connecting NSP, and proposes amended performance standards (if necessary).

Documents checklist

You will require the following documents for this stage:

Related guides and policies

At this stage you may find the following documents useful: