5MS and GS metering and metering data changes

Key sources of detailed information on implementing metering and metering data changes are: 

• 5MS/GS metering procedure updates: the necessary metering procedural changes that give effect to the 5MS and GS rule changes.
• 5MS/GS metering technical specification updates: provides details of the changes to AEMO’s market-facing metering management systems and the information required for industry or vendors to make the consequent changes to their own systems.
• Metering Transition Plan: outlines the expected responsibilities, activities, dependencies and timeframes for completion for elements of the metering transition to 5MS and GS.
• MSP Accreditation update plan: sets out the timing and process for MSPs to apply for accreditation updates where necessary and as a result of 5MS and GS implementation activities. MSPs that require re-accreditation need to be appropriately re-accredited before they implement system and process changes for 5MS and GS.

Five-minute settlement relies on certain NEM meters recording and providing 5-minute metering data from 1 October 2021. The 5MS rule also introduced an obligation for new and replacement type 4 and type 4A meters to transition to providing 5-minute metering data by 1 December 2022 at the latest. These changes mean that meter providers, supported by metering coordinators, must install or reconfigure these meters in accordance with the 5MS rule.

The table below sets out the 5MS rule requirements for different meter types in the NEM. The requirements reflect the wording in the final 5MS rule and determination. It also shows the Metering Transition Plan (MTP) dates for completing these changes. The timeframes for undertaking MTP activities are earlier than the rule dates. This reflects that preparing for a smooth transition to 5MS and GS means that readiness activities need to be planned and executed by the formal commencement dates.

Type 4 metering installations at a:

• Transmission network connection point; or 
• Distribution network connection point where the relevant financially responsible Market Participant is a Market Generator or Small Generation Aggregator

Under the 5MS rule, AEMO may grant an exemption where a type 1, 2, 3 or subset of type 4 meter is not quite capable of storing 35 days of metering data (i.e. 30-34 days) if it is reasonably satisfied that the Metering Provider will be able to otherwise satisfy the requirements of Chapter 7.

Five-minute settlement requires MDPs to deliver 5-minute data in accordance with the 5MS rule, as set out below. The GS rule and subsequent 5MS and GS implementation rule also require non-contestable unmetered load data to be calculated and provided to AEMO and participants. The table also shows the Metering Transition Plan (MTP) dates for completing these changes. The timeframes for undertaking MTP activities are earlier than the rule dates. This reflects that preparing for a smooth transition to 5MS and GS means that readiness activities need to be planned and executed by the formal commencement dates.

In consultation with participants, AEMO made procedure changes relating to MDPs’ metering data delivery requirements that support 5MS and GS implementation. 

These requirements need to be completed by the 5MS commencement date (1 October 2021) to support 5MS and GS implementation from 5MS commencement.

In consultation with participants, AEMO made procedure changes relating to standing data creation and maintenance requirements in MSATS to support 5MS and GS implementation. MDPs are responsible for implementing these changes. 

*Subset of type 4 meters definition from 5MS rule:

Type 4 metering installations at a:

• Transmission network connection point; or 
• Distribution network connection point where the relevant financially responsible Market Participant is a Market Generator or Small Generation Aggregator.

The following activities must be completed to enable the appropriate calculation of ‘unaccounted for energy’ (UFE) required by the GS rule. Responsibility for MSATS standing data creation and maintenance varies depending on the change and is set out in the tables below. 

Descriptions of new NMI classification codes

MPs and MDPs will likely need an update to their NEM accreditation where, as a result of the 5MS and/or GS rule changes, they have a change to their:

• Processes
• Systems, and/or
• Personnel. 

The 5MS/GS Metering Service Provider (MSP) accreditation update plan sets out the process and timing for:

• MSPs to assess the need for an accreditation update
• MSPs to apply for an accreditation update where necessary
• AEMO to process the accreditation update applications.