Streamlined Connection Process

The Streamlined Connection Process (SCP) workstream was created to address the challenge industry faces in enabling a significant volume of new connections (as forecast by the Integrated System Plan). Under the guidance of the CRI, AEMO is project managing the review of the connection process and working with industry to co-design several focus areas within the connections process. The principles that underpin the SCP include:

• a connections process that is consistent, predictable and improves investment certainty
• a process that is time-efficient and reduces costs, without compromising system security and operability
• fit-for-purpose scoping and assessment
• a collaborative approach between generators and developers, NSP and AEMO
• a collective commitment to problem-solving to facilitate outcomes.

The SCP is being developed through several industry working groups, project trials, industry led initiatives, in addition to ongoing process improvement. The various inputs currently being incorporated into the process are detailed below.

In 2023 a review of Commissioning Practices within the NEM was completed by independent consultant, Avoca Energy. Following industry engagement and initiative reviews, the consultant reviewed and collated the feedback and learnings connected to commissioning practices. Independent consultant, DIgSILENT, was then engaged to collate the data and identify where efficiencies and/or improvement opportunities existed for incorporation into the connection process map.

The independent review of Commissioning Practices can be found here:

The ideas and opportunities are being socialised across industry through various engagement channels and have formed the foundation for the focus areas of the workstream. The feedback received is continuously incorporated into the SCP Map, as the connection process is shaped through industry co-design activities.

Please access the current draft SCP Map link below. The map is updated on a quarterly basis as ideas and opportunities are incorporated.

Identified focus areas for the workstream:

The SCP workstream has progressed into the implementation phase of the initiative. As a result of industry engagement and the completion of the Independent Commissioning Review, three focus areas were highlighted for detailed design.

• Optional Pre-application phase – To explore the introduction of an optional stage prior to application, to encourage stakeholders to engage in early project collaboration with AEMO and to identify potential project issues early.
• R1 Assessment – To build on the R1 Investment Certainty work, this focus area seeks to establish a process for an R1 connection assessment which applies a risk-based approach to assess the materiality of changes between R0 and R1 stages. It also will update the registration information resource and guidelines, as required by the AEMC’s Enhancing investment certainty in the R1 Process rule. 
• Commissioning Guideline – To implement changes to the commissioning process that enable plants to reach full output quickly and efficiently, without compromising system security or reliability. It will be based on a series of principles with clear testing outcomes and will provide flexibility to generators and developers.