The new GPS framework requires Western Power to develop a centralised register containing the individual GPS for all transmission connected generating systems participating in the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), and for generators to monitor ongoing performance against these registered standards through Generator Monitoring Plans approved by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
Market participants responsible for an existing transmission connected generating system (Existing Generators) must transition to the new framework by:
- registering GPS for each Technical Requirement under Appendix 12 of the WEM Rules by no later than 31 January 2022 (unless an extension is agreed); and
- developing and registering a Generator Monitoring Plan by no later than 31 July 2022 (unless an extension is agreed).
The process for agreeing registered GPS and Generator Monitoring plans for existing generations is outlined in sections 1.39 – 1.42 of the WEM Rules.
A dispute resolution mechanism is available to support these transition arrangements where, despite the process above, an Existing Generator cannot reach agreement with Western Power in relation to GPS to be registered, or with AEMO in relation to a Generator Monitoring Plan.
The dispute resolution process is bespoke, noting the technical nature of GPS and the time limitations on the registration of GPS and Generator Monitoring Plans.
To establish the dispute resolution mechanism, the Coordinator of Energy (Coordinator) must appoint Generator Arbitrators (one Primary and at least two Secondary) to hear disputes and an independent panel of experts that may be called upon to provide technical assistance to the Generator Arbitrators. The Coordinator must also develop a WEM Procedure that sets out the mechanism in further detail.
The information below is published to fulfil the Coordinator’s obligations under cl. 1.42.3, 1.42.10 and 1.42.28 of the WEM Rules.
