Have your say on proposed amendments to electricity regulations

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012, which will support the introduction of a new planning and forecasting function in the state.

The proposed new state-based electricity planning and forecasting function for the Technical Regulator will inform the development of a South Australian Electricity Development Plan. The Plan will guide power system decision making for electricity supply to meet demand reliably and cost effectively, while also meeting South Australia's carbon emissions targets.

The State Government will use the feedback it receives to finalise the proposed amendments.

Background

In late 2022, a National Energy Crisis Committee of Cabinet (NECCC) and National Energy Crisis Taskforce (NECT) were established to investigate options to minimise forecast energy price increases in South Australia. Work commissioned by the NECCC highlighted that managing the transition of electricity supply towards net zero emissions by 2050, while maintaining the security, reliability and affordability of electricity, remains a challenge.

With higher emission electricity being removed from the national electricity market, it will need to be replaced by a new supply system based on renewables, storage and other lower emission sources such as gas-powered, diesel-powered and hydrogen-powered.

Currently, South Australia relies on the Australian Energy Market Operator’s planning and forecasting which is based on risks and costs for the entire national electricity market rather than South Australia specifically. While this has been sufficient in the past, local expertise is now required to support government decision making associated with the transition of electricity supply towards net zero.

The State Government is proposing to introduce a state-based planning and forecasting function. The function will involve demand forecasting, power system design, costing and modelling, and market and reliability modelling and analysis to support power system decision making.

Key information

Find out more by reading the:

Have your say

Feedback was sought on the draft regulations by:

Consultation on the draft regulations closed on 5 January 2024.

Submissions received

Next steps

We will consider your feedback to finalise the amendments to the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012. The updated regulations will be available on this page once they are finalised.