SCADA Lite

Request a SCADA Lite connection

For existing NEM participants, we invite you to request a SCADA Lite connection by emailing support.hub@aemo.com.au. For new participants, please register as a new NEM participant so that your eligibility can be assessed. All stakeholders will undergo an eligibility assessment, followed by connectivity configuration and testing to ensure seamless integration with AEMO systems.

For detailed information about how to connect with SCADA Lite, please visit AEMO’s ‘Network Connections’ page.

What is SCADA Lite?

SCADA Lite enables smaller participants – such as operators of small generators, batteries, virtual power plants and other energy resource aggregations to exchange real-time operational data — such as telemetry and control signals — directly to AEMO through a secure connection.

The solution has been designed specifically for NEM Participants that cannot exchange operational information with AEMO via a Network Service Provider (NSP):

• Demand Response Service Providers (DRSPs)
• VPPs (Virtual Power Plants)
• SRAs (Small Resource Aggregators)
• Operators of remote grid scale assets (e.g., solar and wind farms)
• Voluntary Scheduled Resource Providers (VSRPs) *(starting May 2027 onwards)

Traditionally, real-time data exchange with AEMO has been limited to larger entities due to cost and technology options, posing challenges for smaller generators and demand-side resources. SCADA Lite changes that by offering a secure, streamlined, and direct alternative for connecting to AEMO — saving costs and simplifying the path for participation.

What are the SCADA Lite features?

• A secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional SCADA systems when connecting to AEMO.
• Supports ICCP & DNP3 communication protocols.
• A fully integrated SCADA front end within AEMO’s Energy Management System (EMS), accessible via secure private network.
• Flexible connection options via an Australian Cloud provider OR secure data center
• Real-time telemetry to support forecasting and system operations.
• SCADA Lite solution will deliver the requirements defined in both the WDR Guidelines (Version 1.0, Effective Date: 24 June 2021) and Power System Data Communication Standard (Version 3.0, Effective Date: 3 April 2023)

Why is it important?

Unlocks market participation: By lowering the barrier to entry, non-NSP participants can now send telemetry data to AEMO which means a wider range of energy resources can play more of an active role in the NEM.

Improves real-time grid visibility: The exchange of real-time operation data will support AEMO in providing more accurate forecasting and system operations, contributing to a more resilient and responsive grid.

Enables future reforms: SCADA Lite is a foundational component of one of AEMO’s largest upcoming reforms, Integrating Price Responsive Resources (IPRR). Participating in IPRR will require either a traditional SCADA or a SCADA Lite connection, with flow on benefits to improving efficiency, reducing reserve reliance, and lowering system costs.

SCADA Lite is a key step toward a more resilient and responsive power system.

Industry engagement

This initiative forms part of NEM Reform Program and market participants can get involved by visiting:

Further information

For further information please contact NEMReform@aemo.com.au.