Emergency Backstop Mechanism
Summary of feedback and next steps
We provided further details on the backstop mechanism and the proposed implementation arrangements in the consultation paper in late 2022.
You can also read a summary of the submissions and our responses.
Following the consultation process and reviewing the feedback, the final Emergency Backstop mechanism arrangements were finalised and implemented as of 6th February 2023. We provided details of the implementation arrangements in an industry webinar on 24th January 2023.
You can view the webinar recording and see full details on the implementation arrangements, including the revised Connection Standards, guidance on purchasing and installing a GSD, customer factsheets and frequently asked questions on the Ergon Network and Energex web pages.
Thank you for your time.
Consultation Information:
The solar challenge
In Queensland, our customers are leading the way with connections of rooftop solar energy systems. Customer generation is reaching combined levels where it is having an impact on the whole power network.
Analysis by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), shows Queensland’s electricity network is now at risk of what is referred to as an emergency minimum system load event.
Minimum system load refers to the lowest level of demand for electricity from the grid in any given day, week or year. When this occurs at the same time as an emergency event, such as loss of key network infrastructure, it can result in an extreme imbalance between supply and demand, which can cause wide-spread black outs.
This risk will reduce with an increase in the connection of batteries and electric vehicles to the grid but there is an immediate risk that minimum demand will continue to grow as we connect more solar to the network.
Our response
We are undertaking a range of initiatives to respond to minimum system load and minimise this risk, including our Local Network Battery Plan, allowing dynamic connections, progressing tariff reform, and changing the way we use the load we already have under control through our economy tariffs.
In addition to these, Energex and Ergon Energy Network have been working with the Queensland Government, and other stakeholders, to introduce an emergency backstop control measure for selected new and replacement inverter energy systems.
This mechanism will allow for rooftop solar systems to continue to be connected to the network but also to be managed in an emergency, at the direction of AEMO, to help support system security and keep the lights on when there is a risk of extreme imbalance between supply and demand.
Check out the animation that explains the reasons for the measure and how it will work:
Want to hear from our team? Catch up on the webinar we held 14 September 2022:
*We would like to clarify an answer to a question raised at 56:55 into regarding the minimum threshold for Backstop, being 10kVa in aggregate, or 10kVa per phase. The answer, as per the Consultation Document, is that it applies to 10kVA in aggregate, not 10kVa per phase.
