New technical standards will require that prescribed generating systems connecting to the South Australian distribution network are capable of being dynamically export limited and for export limits to be updated remotely.

On this page

Update

The Technical Regulator has published updated remote Updating Methods and Export Limiting Methods guidelines which now include:

  • A minimum set of tests required for transitional certification of devices. Those devices which meet these requirements will be listed by SA Power Networks and are deemed to comply until 1 April 2024, from which date certification and listing with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) are mandatory.
  • An exemption for new generating plants which are the subject of a connection application lodged prior to 1 July 2023 and installed prior to 1 September 2023.

Note:

  • New generating plants with a total generating capacity greater than 30 kW are exempt from Dynamic Export compliance until 1 July 2024.
  • Any new generating plant installed at a site with no Dynamic Export capable connection agreement available at the time of application must install Dynamic Export compliant inverter/s, those listed by the CEC, SA Power Networks transitional list or otherwise exempted by the Technical Regulator. Such sites are not required to install additional metering or gateway devices unless needed to meet that site's static export limit.
  • The OTR has provided temporary exemptions from Dynamic Export certification for specific inverter models: OTR Dynamic Export Exemptions and Deemed-to-Comply Arrangements

Back to top

Technical Regulator Guidelines

The Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources also contains several existing guidelines relating to distributed energy resources.

The two new guidelines are preceded by an explanatory section titled Introduction to Dynamic Export Requirements, which provides a brief overview of the scope, use-cases, site compliance and responsible parties involved in enabling dynamic exports. The Remote Updating Methods guideline, provides requirements that relate to communications between a distribution network operator and a site. The Export Limiting Methods guideline should be read with this, and provides requirements for electricity export limitation on site.

Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources (PDF, 1.1 MB)

  • Section 8 - Introduction to Dynamic Export Requirements
  • Section 9 - Remote Updating Methods Guideline
  • Section 10 - Export Limiting Methods Guideline

Any queries or comments regarding these guidelines can be emailed to otr.smarterhomes@sa.gov.au

For much of the year, the power system is able to support exports above the static limit and, with the continued growth of rooftop solar generation it is likely that the static limit will need to be reduced to ensure safe operation of the power system at all times.

A standard which came into effect as of 28 September 2020 requires that the owner or operator of an electricity generating plant that will be installed on the South Australia distribution network ensure that the inverter is remote communications capable.

Details of the communication capabilities required of inverters are provided in the Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources.

To enable the continued installation of distributed generation, and to deliver maximum value to owners of these generators, from 1 July 2023, as prescribed by the Minister for Energy and Mining, prescribed electricity generating plants must be capable of remotely updating and enacting Dynamic Export limits, unless a relevant exemption applies.

This will contribute to the ability of the distribution network to host new distributed energy resources. Dynamic Export limits can avoid scenarios where the energy exported under existing static export limits may exceed the capacity of the local network, or where there is insufficient demand for that energy in other parts of South Australia.

These new guidelines will establish the groundwork for connections which can support dynamic exports in South Australia and should ensure that once the new requirements are in place – most sites installing distributed generation such as rooftop solar are requested to be dynamic export capable. Owners of these systems will then be able to take advantage of connection agreements which allow for dynamic export limitation once these become available.

From the date prescribed by the Minister for Energy and Mining, where components of a designated electricity generating plant are replaced, this also requires that plant meet the dynamic exports requirements. Details of these declared components are in Section 6 of the Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Back to top

Dynamic Exports compliance timeline

From 1 July 2023: Small embedded generator (SEG) exceptions and exemptions

For sites which applied for a connection agreement prior to  1 July 2023, compliance with the Dynamic Exports guidelines is not required if that site’s installation is completed prior to 1 September 2023.

Sites using a static export connection are not required to complete the Dynamic Exports capability test as part of commissioning.

Sites configured to permanent zero export are exempt from Dynamic Export compliance requirements.

From 1 July 2023: SEG connections (<30 kW)

All new installations intending to export to the grid must use certified dynamic export-capable equipment from CEC or transitional listings (detailed in Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources sections 9.8.2 and 10.5.2).

Sites using a Dynamic Export capable connection agreement must also pass the Dynamic Exports capability test as part of installation commissioning.

Sites with no option to connect via a dynamic export capable connection agreement may have reduced compliance requirements (as described in Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources sections 9.8.3 and 10.5.3).

From 1 July 2023: Other exceptions and exemptions

AC coupled batteries, except those utilising a hybrid inverter, are exempt from dynamic export compliance requirements.

See Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources sections 9.7.2 and 10.4.2 for further details.

Medium embedded generators (MEGs) with generator capacity >30 to 200kW are exempt from Dynamic Export compliance requirements until 1 July 2024.

From 1 April 2024: Transitional listing arrangement ends

Transitional exemption listings of compliant electricity generating plant are removed. All new export-capable sites installed after 1 April 2024 must use Dynamic Export capable equipment as listed by the CEC and pass the Dynamic Export capability test as part of commissioning.

See Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources sections 9.8.2 and 10.5.2 for further details.

From 1 July 2024: Medium embedded generator (>30 to 200 kW) exemption ends

Dynamic Export compliance exemption for MEG plant ends 30 June 2024.

From 1 July 2024 dynamic export compliance is mandatory for all new MEG installations. New MEG installations must also pass the Dynamic Export capability test during commissioning to achieve compliance.

Back to top

OTR Dynamic Export exemptions and deemed to comply arrangements

The Technical Regulator has provided a limited selection of inverter models with a temporary exemption from Dynamic Export compliance until 1 September 2023.

In addition, the Technical Regulator has determined that specific inverter models are deemed to comply with the Transitional Arrangements specified in sections 9.8.2 and 10.5.2 of the Technical Regulator Guidelines - Distributed Energy Resources (PDF, 1.1 MB)

These inverter models and manufacturer details exempted in the following list may be installed before 1 September 2023, inverters listed as deemed-to-comply may be installed until the end date for guidelines transitional arrangements, 1 April 2023.

Back to top

Questions and answers

Questions and answers for industry can be downloaded as a PDF fact sheet, or found on the Questions and answers for industry web page. The Information for industry fact sheet includes questions and answers and the new technical standards.

Back to top

Information for consumers

Back to top

Further information

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

Back to top