Public written submissions to this consultation closed on 10 July 2020. DEM has now considered written submissions and other feedback provided by stakeholders and has published a formal response (PDF, 201.7 KB) to the issues raised.

Following consideration of the broad range of stakeholder feedback, a number of amendments have been made to the proposed package of regulatory changes that were initially covered in the five consultation papers. Further details of these amendments can be found in Recommended Regulatory Changes for Smarter Homes (PDF, 185.3 KB).

Recommended regulation changes

The recommended regulation changes for smarter homes are further detailed in the draft Electricity (General) (Technical Standards) Variation Regulations (PDF, 53.5 KB) and draft National Energy Retail Law (Local Provisions) (Tariff Structures) Variation Regulations (PDF, 19.6 KB). The draft documents are provided for information only.

To ensure that the amended regulatory amendments are in place by the timeframes listed, a Preparatory Plan (PDF, 139.9 KB) has been published to provide clarity to stakeholders on upcoming timings and the timeframes being worked towards by DEM.

More information on the implementation of these changes can be found on the Regulatory Changes for Smarter Homes page.

Original proposed changes

  1. Consultation on the proposed remote disconnection and reconnection requirements for distributed solar generating plants in South Australia

    A proposed new technical standard which will require solar generating systems connecting to the South Australian distribution network are capable of being remotely disconnected and reconnected by an agent registered with the Technical Regulator. This will contribute to increasing the ability of the distribution network to host distributed energy resources and secure operation of the power system.
    Read the consultation paper (PDF, 337.0 KB)

  1. Consultation on the proposed export limit requirements for distributed solar generating systems in South Australia

    A proposed new technical standard which will require that solar generating systems connecting to the South Australian distribution network are capable of being export limited and for export limits to be updated remotely. This will contribute to increasing the ability of the distribution network to host distributed energy resources by avoiding scenarios where the energy exported may exceed the capacity of the local network, or where there is insufficient demand for that energy in other parts of South Australia.
    Read the consultation paper (PDF, 344.4 KB)

  2. Consultation on the proposed new low voltage ride-through requirements for smart inverters in South Australia

    A proposed new technical standard for low voltage power inverters connected to the South Australian distribution network will require that they meet ride-through standards as demonstrated by testing in accordance with testing standards in AS/NZS4777.2 and any applicable AEMO testing standard. This will contribute to ensuring new and replacement inverter connected distributed energy resources can ride through power system disturbances.
    Read the consultation paper (PDF, 346.1 KB)

  1. Consultation on the proposed smart meter minimum technical standards in South Australia

    A proposed new technical standard for smart meters will require that they must have a minimum of two elements, with a contactor in each element, and must be wired in accordance with any wiring guidelines issued by the Technical Regulator. This will allow load and generation to be separately measured through the elements and controlled using the contactors.
    Read the consultation paper (PDF, 387.6 KB)

  2. Consultation on proposed tariffs to incentivise energy use in low demand periods in South Australia
    A proposed new requirement on retailers operating in South Australia to provide standing offer tariff structures to customers with smart meters which incentivise electricity use in low demand periods. This will ensure retailers make offers which reward customers for using electricity in low demand periods. Please note an updated version of this paper has been provided to reflect SAPN's final approved tariffs.
    Read the consultation paper  (PDF, 351.1 KB)

Virtual Q&A sessions

Virtual questions and answer sessions were held between 29 June - 3 July 2020 on the following proposals:

  • Distributed Solar Generating Plant Technical Standards
  • Low Voltage Power Inverters Technical Standards
  • Smart Meter Minimum Technical Standards
  • Standing Offer Tariff Structures.

Submissions

Stakeholders were invited to provide a written submission on these proposals by email. Written responses received are provided below.

Written submissions have now closed.

Received submissions

Further information

For further information regarding the regulatory changes for smarter homes please contact the Office of the Technical Regulator: