The Coordinator of Energy (Coordinator) is conducting a review of the Benchmark Technologies to be used in determining the Peak and Flexible Benchmark Reserve Capacity Prices (BRCPs).
The Coordinator must determine the Benchmark Technologies within six months of a revised Electricity Storage Resource Duration Requirement (ESRDR) being published in AEMO’s Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO).
AEMO’s 2026 ESOO was published on 23 June and included an ESRDR of 7 hours, an increase from the previous ESRDR of 6 hours.
The Coordinator must complete this review by October 2026, to allow for the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) to amend and consult on its Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price methodology and the Benchmark Reserve Capacity Prices for the 2029/30 Capacity Year.
The review will include determination of:
- The Benchmark Peak Technology
- The Benchmark Flexible Technology.
The following will be assessed for both:
- Determining which technology represents the lowest annual capital cost and annual fixed operating and maintenance costs
- Whether gross costs of new entry (CONE) or net CONE should apply.
This Review has been conducted in consultation with the Market Advisory Committee’s WEM Investment Certainty Review Working Group.
On 9 September 2026, the Coordinator of Energy published his Draft Determination for consultation, available below. It includes the Benchmark Peak Technology and Benchmark Flexible Technology as well as the CONE approach to be applied.
Stakeholders are invited to provide written submissions by 5:00pm (AWST) Wednesday 7 October 2026 by emailing energymarkets@deed.wa.gov.au.
Please note that late submissions may not be considered and submissions will be published on the DEED’s website unless confidentiality is specifically requested.
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