New demand response requirements for select products
On 22 November 2019, the COAG Energy Council agreed to the introduction of demand response capability requirements for a number of products.
These products include air conditioners, electric storage water heaters (resistive), devices controlling swimming pool pump units and electric vehicle charger/discharger controllers.
This decision follows the recommendations outlined in Option 3 of the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for Decision: ‘Smart’ Demand Response Capabilities for Selected Appliances.
The Decision RIS incorporated a number of amendments from recommendations featured in the Consultation RIS, primarily in response to the submissions received. These include:
- delaying the commencement date of the new requirements by 12 months;
- permitting a new compliance option for air conditioners via an older, withdrawn version of the relevant demand response standard for a limited period of time;
- reducing the number of demand response ‘modes’ to be required for water heaters; and
- permitting an alternative compliance option for electric vehicles via an International Standard, if it can be determined that there is one that provides equivalent capabilities to the relevant Australian Standard.
Further engagement with stakeholders will be undertaken as the Determinations are developed.