From 1 December 2019 Evoenergy will be required to provide information on every Distributed Energy Resource (DER) connected to our distribution network to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to feed into their DER Register.
Australia is the world’s fastest adopter of rooftop solar power (photovoltaics or PV) and new technologies, such as batteries and electric vehicles, are quickly emerging. These Distributed Energy Resources have been so successful in Australia that their combined effect is leading to an increasingly decentralised energy system, where a significant amount of electricity is generated at a smaller scale by our customers.
Knowing the locations and specifications of all the DER connected to the electricity grid is critical for sustaining a secure and reliable electricity supply for all Australians. AEMO is establishing an online DER (administered by distributors) Register to record and hold this data. The DER Register will assist AEMO to safely and effectively integrate all DER devices into the electricity grid and market. The coordination of these resources is vital in helping energy consumers to optimise their financial benefit and allow the electricity grid to efficiently manage the two-way power flow.
Important update: Date change to full implementation of AEMO DER Register portal
AEMO has advised that the full implementation of the DER Register has been delayed, with installer access to the DER Register delayed until further notice. Technical issues have delayed the commencement of testing by Network Service Providers and installer testing of the register. AEMO apologises for any inconvenience caused.
What does this mean?
Installers should continue to follow the current process and complete the SCR form available on the Evoenergy website. You will still also need to complete Evoenergy’s RFS form to connect to the network.
When will the full implementation of the DER register go live?
We are continuing to work collaboratively with AEMO. At this stage, installer access to the DER Register will be delayed until further notice. We will continue to update you on the progress of testing and when you will be required to provide data to AEMO through their DER Register portal or through your mobile apps.
Frequently asked questions
What's a DER?
DER stands for Distributed Energy Resource. The DER Register will record all small grid-connected generating systems totaling up to 30 MW at a premises, including:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, whether on the building or the ground
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Small wind turbines
Small hydro-electric turbines
Other renewable energy generating systems
Gas turbines
Diesel or petrol generators (grid-connected)
Electric vehicles configured with Vehicle-to-Home/Vehicle-to-Grid capability.
Why do we need a DER Register?
The Register will give AEMO and Evoenergy better visibility of the collective generation capacity of DER's, which will enable them to run the electricity grid well for the benefit of all Australians. It will also enable us to:
Forecast, plan and operate the grid more efficiently, ensuring the system and market can deliver energy at an efficient price for all customers
Be more prepared for major disruptions to the system with a greater understanding of how DER assets will behave during these events
Prepare the grid for major innovations with DER such as virtual power plants, and enabling customers to consider and participate in new markets with their DER, and
Allow networks to make better informed decisions about network investment options in the future as demand changes and DER increases
What is changing?
Evoenergy is making changes to our special connection request application form to collect the mandatory DER information, for both new installations and changes to existing installations. This will come into effect from 1 December 2019.
Examples of the additional DER data to be entered (when relevant) are:
Panel type, manufacturer and model number
Number of panels
Battery type, manufacturer and model number
Power quality response modes
Non-inverter generator information.
How will this change affect me?
We’ll need to ask more technical questions about any solar (or other embedded generation) connection you apply for through the special connection request. This information will then provided to AEMO.
At the time of commissioning, complete the Evoenergy RFS form and you will now be required to log into the AEMO portal or one of the Smartphone applications you currently use (Form Bay, KickstartAgile, Solar Scope), using Evoenergy’s installer job number and record that the system has been commissioned.
AEMO will generate a confirmation receipt once the DER installation is registered in the DER Register. This confirmation receipt will be issued to installers and Evoenergy within 20 business days of the installation being turned on.
What is the new process for DER connections with Evoenergy?
Installers should continue to follow the current process and complete the SCR form available on the Evoenergy website. You will still also need to complete Evoenergy’s RFS form to connect to the network.
When will the full implementation of the DER register go live?
We are continuing to work collaboratively with AEMO. At this stage, installer access to the DER Register will be delayed until further notice. We will continue to update you on the progress of testing and when you will be required to provide data to AEMO through their DER Register portal or through your mobile apps.
What is not changing?
The collection of the additional DER data does not impact or change:
Our Embedded Generational application processes, associated fees or timelines.
Evoenergy applications greater than 30kW. You are still required to submit an Enquiry before the request for a connection can be made.
You must complete an RFS form to connect to Evoenergy’s network.
The issuing of Contracts. Contracts will continue to be granted after satisfactory assessment of your application, when relevant.
The applicant’s obligations to lodge a new Connect application if any attribute of the proposed installation changes, and await our approval before proceeding to install.
Download the Evoenergy DER Fact Sheet (PDF) for information about the register.
More information about the DER Register
More information can be found on the AEMO DER Register webpage or you can email us at embeddedgeneration@evoenergy.com.au