Transmission system operational capability framework

The TSOCF has been developed as a voluntary framework to provide a common industry reference point without creating new obligations or duplicating existing regulatory processes. This allows AEMO and TNSPs to progressively assess and improve operational capability while preserving flexibility in implementation approaches and investment decisions.

The TSOCF is primarily intended for AEMO and TNSPs that perform transmission system operator (TSO) functions. These are generally the primary TNSP in each jurisdiction, who are usually also delegated some system operator functions by AEMO. The framework is not intended to apply to all transmission asset owners or emerging non-incumbent TNSPs where they do not perform TSO functions. Rather, capability expectations should be considered in the context of the operational responsibilities assigned to the organisation.

The TSOCF supports greater clarity, consistency and coordination across organisations responsible for transmission system operations, while recognising that responsibilities and capability requirements may differ depending on jurisdictions and operating models.

The TSOCF does not identify capability expectations for network service providers or asset owners that do not perform TSO functions. However, these organisations may be indirectly affected where they interact with TSO functions through operational coordination, data exchange, outage planning, SCADA, or shared operational processes. The TSOCF provides a common reference for these interfaces, helping to improve clarity, consistency and coordination while maintaining capability expectations that are proportionate to each organisation’s assigned operational responsibilities.

The TSOCF is intended to support capability assessment, planning and prioritisation rather than prescribe specific implementation requirements. TNSPs are expected to undertake their own maturity assessments.

Feedback received through consultation highlighted the value of additional guidance on maturity expectations, target states and examples of good practice. AEMO has added a worked example to show how the framework can be used in practice. Additional guidance may be developed through future framework iterations if required.

The TSOCF describes the capabilities that may be required to support future transmission system operation, but it does not prescribe how individual organisations must deliver those capabilities. TNSPs retain flexibility to select implementation approaches that best suit their networks, operating environments, technologies and customer needs. Capability uplift decisions remain the responsibility of each organisation.

The TSOCF is not intended to establish new market disclosure requirements.

The TSOCF provides a considered, consistent and transparent view of the transmission system operational capabilities needed to support the energy transition and an increasingly complex operating environment. It is intended to support AEMO and transmission network service providers to assess, prioritise and progressively improve operational coordination, capability and maturity. By supporting the capability to operate the transmission system securely, reliably and efficiently into the future, the framework is ultimately intended to contribute to better outcomes for consumers and communities.

A new table (“Table 2 Descriptions of primary capability domains” in Section 3) has been added to the TSOCF Overview document to provide additional details with regards to the expected consumer benefits, organised per capability domain.

The TSOCF is intended to be a living framework that evolves alongside changes in technology, operating practices and power system conditions. Ongoing engagement with TNSPs, consumers, regulators and other stakeholders will be an important part of maintaining its relevance as a practical and consistent operational guide. Future revisions will allow the framework to adapt to emerging operational challenges and evolving industry needs.

The framework will also continue to evolve in alignment with broader industry initiatives and reform programs that influence transmission system operations. This includes initiatives such as the National CER Roadmap (including the Transmission-Distribution Coordination program) and other industry workstreams that may reshape operational roles, responsibilities, coordination requirements and capability expectations over time.

The TSOCF indirectly accounts for the evolving DSO role (sections 2.4 and 5.1 of TSCOF Overview document). It acknowledges that the framework should be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with the operating environment, emerging power system needs and related policy, regulatory and industry initiatives (such as the Transmission-Distribution Coordination program).

The TSOCF does not change existing operational responsibilities established under energy legislation, including transmission system operation functions delegated by AEMO to TNSPs through formal instruments of delegation agreed between AEMO and the TNSP. The framework is intended to support capability development within those existing roles and responsibilities.

The TSCOF aims to establish a common language and consistent capability expectations while avoiding prescription of specific technologies, systems or delivery models. This allows individual organisations to pursue innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions while maintaining alignment on the underlying operational outcomes being sought.

AEMO will engage with TNSPs and other relevant stakeholders on an ongoing basis to understand how the TSOCF is being used and whether its application is supporting its intended outcomes. AEMO may provide an annual description of the framework’s adoption and application in an appropriate publication, such as the Transition Plan for System Security, informed by ongoing engagement with TNSPs. This may describe how the framework is being used, the extent to which it is supporting operational readiness and coordination, and any emerging capability concerns identified through AEMO’s engagement with TNSPs. Together, these insights will help AEMO and industry assess whether the framework is contributing to meaningful operational capability uplift and identify opportunities to improve the framework over time.