Market & Power Systems

Day to day operation of Australian energy markets involves dynamic trading between energy generators, wholesalers and retailers based on variable pricing levels that reflect current levels of demand. AEMO maintains the systems through which prices are set and transactions carried out and provides accurate and timely market data to participants. In some markets, AEMO also acts as the clearing house for market transactions.

Market operation involves systems operation, metering and settlements, market performance reporting, incident analysis and emergency management.

Ancillary Services

Ancillary services are used by AEMO to manage the power system safely, securely and reliably. These services maintain the technical characteristics of the system including standards for frequency, voltage, network loading and system restart processes.

Dispatch

AEMO conducts the NEM through a centrally coordinated dispatch process that includes management of bidding scheduling and dispatch of generators

Energy Adequacy Assessment Projection (EAAP)

Reports investigating the potential impact of the drought (within eastern and south-eastern Australia) on electricity supplies in the National Electricity Market.

Generator Performance Standards

AEMO is responsible for maintaining a register of the Generator Performance Standards. AEMO also monitors compliance to the Registered Standards to ensure that Power System Security is maintained whilst working with participants to resolve each non-compliance.

Loss Factors & Regional Boundaries

The impact of network losses on spot prices is mathematically represented as transmissions and distribution loss factors. Loss factors are calculated and fixed annually to facilitate efficient scheduling and settlement processes in the NEM.

2011 Power System Adequacy – Two Year Outlook

The PSA looks at scenarios which assess key aspects of the power system’s capability and takes into account the Commonwealth Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan announced on 10 July 2011.

NEM Reports

AEMO publishes a number of reports on market and system incidents and events.

Reserve Management

AEMO's reserve management role is part of maintaining the power system in a reliable operating state.

System Operating Procedures

AEMO's system operating procedures are developed primarily for AEMO operations staff to provide information related to the management of the NEM and security of the power system.

Settlement Residue Auction

Settlements Residue Auctions (SRAs) give eligible Registered Participants access to inter-regional settlements residue (IRSR) by enabling them to bid for entitlements to a proportion of the total IRSR.