Better business case for embedded energy

The first customer-led rule change to reform the National Energy Market has been successful, making it easier for clean energy to connect to the national electricity grid. The rule change was adopted by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) recently and will come into effect from October 1. Led by ClimateWorks Australia, the Property Council of Australia and Seed Advisory, these reforms will make it cheaper and faster to connect co/trigeneration plants and renewable energy to the electricity grid. Some see the reforms unleashing a wave of embedded generation projects on commercial buildings and precincts, seeking energy savings and higher sustainability ratings. However, the benefits that can be assumed at this stage are, greater information from electricity network operators to avoid delays, and known fees and charges so that financial feasibility can be calculated up front.