The National Energy Laws have been amended to support distribution network service providers to implement a stand-alone power system rather than undertake a more expensive network upgrade.

A stand-alone power system is an electricity supply arrangement that is not physically connected to the national grid.

The amendments to the national framework will facilitate the provision of distribution network service provider-led stand-alone power systems to their existing customers, where these offer a lower cost substitute to investing in, and maintaining, traditional network solutions.

Under such arrangements, customers would not be disadvantaged where a distribution network service provider determined it is more efficient to supply them through a stand-alone power system. This includes preserving consumer protections comparable to those customers that are supplied by the interconnected network.

The Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Stand-Alone Power Systems) Act 2021 (the Act) was passed by the South Australian Parliament in March 2021 and came into operation on 20 May 2021. The Act allows participating jurisdictions to prescribe the scope of the application of the regulated stand-alone power systems framework within their jurisdiction.

Consultation paper

On 23 July 2021 a consultation paper on Stand-Alone Power Systems – South Australian Implementation (PDF, 493.7 KB) was released for stakeholder feedback.

It was proposed that changes be made to the National Electricity (South Australia) (Local Provisions) Regulations 2019 for the implementation of the national stand-alone power systems framework in South Australia on a state-wide basis. This proposal reflects the submissions received to the consultation paper.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 the Government of South Australia may also be required by law to release your submission to a third party. If a request is made under the Act, you will be contacted prior to the release of any material.

Submissions

Submissions closed in August 2021, and were received from the following:

Workshop

An online workshop was held on 5 August 2021.

Outcome

Regulations have now been made to implement the national framework for stand-alone power systems (SAPS) in South Australia on a state-wide basis. The National Electricity (South Australia) (Local Provisions) Variation Regulations 2021 are now available on the SA legislation website.