NCESS for Reliability Services 2025-27 (WA)

Summary and scope

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has issued the Call for Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) Submissions on the VendorPanel in accordance with clause 3.11B.6 of the WEM Rules. This follows the Coordinator of Energy’s determination to trigger the NCESS procurement process 23 October 2023. AEMO is seeking submissions from providers with the capability to increase Injection or decrease Withdrawal at time of supply shortfall in the South West Interconnected System. This procurement process will be for the expected utilisation of up to 436 MW of Reliability Services during the 2025-2027 Capacity Years. Given the size of the identified risks, AEMO will require that each service be operationally dispatchable and will therefore set a minimum service size of 1 MW. AEMO received submissions in the order of 1 GW. Of these, several would not maximise value for money to consumers. AEMO would like to thank stakeholders who responded to the Expressions of Interest with feedback to the draft Service Specifications which helped us to understand any economic or technical benefits associated with a different contract duration or a change to the commencement date. Key changes to the NCESS Service Specification following the Expressions of Interest include: an increase of the Service Quantity to 436 MW; a modified treatment of Intermittent Generating Systems (e.g., solar photovoltaics or wind) to more clearly specify parameters for participation; and an ability to offer either a one-year or two-year contract duration. Submissions must be submitted via VendorPanel in accordance with the Call for Submissions Form by 5.00pm AWST on Wednesday 24 January 2024. Queries may be submitted by email to WA.FutureSystemDesign@aemo.com.au.