Minimum System Load (MSL) - Type 2 transitional services
AEMO is publishing a Statement of Need under clause 3.11.12(a) of the National Electricity Rules to acquire Type 2 Transitional Services for the purpose of managing Minimum System Load conditions.
Australians continue to invest in Distributed Photovoltaics (DPV), batteries and other consumer energy resources at world-leading levels. More than one third of homes across the country now host rooftop solar systems, helping households and businesses reduce their energy bills and directly contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system. A concerted effort is required to ensure these consumer energy resources are effectively integrated into the power system as uptake increases, in a way that supports the secure and reliable delivery of electricity to all consumers now and into the future.
At present, the power system relies on large-scale plant to deliver a range of essential system security services, including fault current, voltage waveform stability, inertia, and voltage and frequency management. To provide these services, large-scale plant must operate above their minimum safe operating levels. With increasing daytime generation from DPV, operational demand on the transmission network is falling. During these periods, it may not be possible to dispatch enough large-scale plant above their minimum safe operating levels to deliver these essential security services.
AEMO is seeking potential service providers to trial new technologies, or new applications of existing technologies, that can expand the range of solutions available for Minimum System Load (MSL) management in addition to Type 1 Transitional Services.
The Expression of Interest period closed on 30 January 2026.
On 24 April 2026, AEMO issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the Provision of MSL Type 2 Transitional Services via an open competitive process. To apply, please refer to the MSL Type 2 information on the tender website: AEMO | Provision of Minimum System Load Transitional Services - NEM wide
AEMO’s plan for the procurement of the trial is the following:
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Market engagement (EOI) | December 2025 – February 2026 |
| Assessment of EOI responses | February – March 2026 |
| Type 2 – Competitive Invitation to Tender (ITT) | 24 April to 22 May 2026 |
| Type 2 – AEMO assessment of Tenders and contract negotiations | May – June 2026 |
| Type 2 – Contracts awarded | June– August 2026 |
| Type 2 – Contracts start | 1 September 2026 onwards |
For any questions or to arrange a meeting to discuss the potential supply of MSL Transitional Services please contact AEMO via email at [email protected].
Industry Briefing session
AEMO will host a one-hour on-line Industry Briefing session on Thursday, 7 May 2026 (10:00am AEST), covering the recent release of the ITT for Minimum System Load (MSL) Type 2 Transitional Services.
Please click here to register to attend this Industry Briefing session.