New Entrants in the Electricity Market and Echoes of Past Insolvencies

In August, AEMO reported an influx of new participants into the electricity retail market, with Tesla Energy Ventures Australia Pty Ltd leading the spotlight. Though Tesla has already marked its presence in the energy sectors internationally, its aggressive expansion in Australia is notable.

But here’s the catch – Tesla isn’t the only one. Since 2020, the AER has clocked in 22 new electricity retail licence applications. Names like Ampol Energy, Smartest, and Telstra join the race.

For SMEs, this means more options and potentially competitive rates. But there’s a flip side: competition doesn’t always translate to stability. The UK’s energy sector is a case in point. They’ve witnessed the collapse of over 27 energy suppliers since January 2021. Many of these were pegged as “low cost”, but their limited risk management strategies impacted the entire market, causing disruption and affecting consumer trust.

The concern for SMEs is genuine. If you partner with a new energy supplier, where does the buck stop if things go south? The ongoing debate around the ‘Retailer of Last Resort’ scheme means businesses could bear the brunt of market failures, even if they haven’t directly partnered with failing companies.

Looking ahead, Australia’s energy landscape will be tested. We are expected to have significant volatility this summer, with potential power shortages in Victoria and South Australia. Climatic factors such as El Niño and the increase in demand that puts pressure on the National Electricity Market (NEM) contribute to predicting this volatility.

As we navigate this electrically charged journey, these emerging retailers are still finding their footing in the vast expanse of the market. The coming summer promises to shine a light on the resilience and adaptability of these newcomers. It’s a defining moment that could guide the course of regulatory adaptation and industry evolution. Yet, as with all dynamic sectors, the future remains unwritten.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

Save Big on Energy with Edge Utilities! We’re your experts in tapping into the strength of bulk purchasing, aiming to significantly cut down your energy costs without any added expense to your business. Committed to assisting SMEs, we’re here to source the best rates for you. Reach out to us at save@edgeutilities.com.au or give us a ring at 1800 334 336. Let’s start your journey to effortless savings!

Renewable Revolution or Risky Gamble? Australia’s Bold Energy Transition Plan

Edge Utilities_Energy Transition Plan

The Australian Federal Government, led by Chris Bowen, has announced a bold move to support renewable energy, the energy transition plan will add an extra 550 megawatts (MW) of firming generation in New South Wales (NSW). This strategy aims to ensure grid reliability and security and attract nearly AUD 10 billion in investment, thereby contributing to an estimated 6 gigawatts (GW) of additional power. The energy transition plan is designed to offset the projected power shortages following the anticipated shutdown of various fossil fuel generators across the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Despite the optimism, there are challenges. It remains uncertain whether the proposed measures, largely based on large-scale battery and pumped hydro storage, can compensate for the power shortage following the phasing out of fossil fuel generators. Further concerns have been raised following the delays to the Snowy 2.0 project, with doubts about the NEM’s ability to maintain a stable electricity supply and prevent a spike in power prices. The reliability of renewable energy during periods of calm weather and low sunshine is also under scrutiny.

These uncertainties lead to an important question: will this ambitious plan become a successful blueprint for the future, or a cautionary tale of overambitious planning and under-delivery? The outcomes will have significant implications for the future of renewable energy, not just in Australia, but globally. As Australia embarks on this renewable energy journey, the world watches closely.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Is It Time for Australia to Bring Renewable Energy Manufacturing Home?

Edge Utilities_Renewable Energy_Wind Turbines

Australia’s renewable energy sector is facing a litany of challenges, with a number of recent wind project delays marking just the tip of the iceberg. The halt in investment for the Karara Wind Farm, due to delays in turbine parts and escalating costs, highlights a broader problem. Queensland’s ambitions of generating 50 per cent of new renewable energy within the state now hang in the balance, a setback that underlines the pressing need for an overhaul in our approach to green energy.

As the Conference of Parties (COP 28) approaches in November, and with Australia seemingly off-course to meet its 2030 climate targets, international pressure is increasing. Engie Australia’s CEO, Rik De Buyserie, suggests that to even approach the 2030 climate targets, Australia would need 10,000km of new transmission, 44GW of new renewables, and 15GW of firming capacity.

Key figures in the industry, such as Markus Brokhof, COO of AGL, and De Buyserie have been vocal about the urgency of the situation. They argue that the current investment in renewable electricity is woefully inadequate to compensate for the looming closure of coal generation. Brokhof posits that it might be time for Australia to not just invest more, but to also bring the manufacturing of renewable energy components home.

The notion of upskilling our workforce and developing our own green manufacturing industry is a compelling one. With the logistical challenges of imports, scarcity of components, and rising costs, it may be the most feasible path towards our 2030 climate targets. Thus, echoing the sentiment of the famous 1996 football anthem, it might indeed be time to bring renewable energy ‘home’, transitioning Australia towards a self-reliant, green energy future.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Unpacking the Impact of AEMO’s Scheduling Error Post Liddell Shutdown: A Peek into the Energy Market Dynamics

Light Bulb - Electricity

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently confirmed a scheduling error involving the Liddell Power Station, which led to considerable disruptions in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the futures market on May 1, 2023. The closures of the last three units of the Liddell Power Station towards the end of April should have been integrated into the AEO dispatch system. However, a data mismatch within the system kept these units active, leading to market inconsistencies.

This oversight originated from a disparity within the NEM Dispatch Engine (NEMDE) utilized by AEMO. While a portion of the system correctly acknowledged the shutdown of the Liddell units, another part, responsible for handling constraints, continued to count them at their initial 500MW capacity rather than the actual zero. The resultant 1500MW drop in capacity from the system’s balancing equation led to adjustments in the power distribution across states.

To rectify this situation, AEMO reduced power flow from Victoria to New South Wales and moderated power generation by approximately 173MW. The resulting market response was a surge in electricity prices, pushing the daily average price up by around 30%.

In the aftermath of the Liddell shutdown, the market has been on high alert, responding to the smallest of disturbances. This sensitivity was evident as the futures market reacted positively, experiencing a rise in the Q3 2023 close price across QLD, VIC, and NSW, and a notable increase in SA.

In the following weeks, the power market continued to be volatile due to various outages and unexpected factors such as a tube leak at Bayswater 2, outages at Kogan Creek, Eraring 2, and Tarong, the delay of Callide’s return, and unexpected interest rate hikes. This scenario led traders to act on the price differences between states, resulting in a rise in NEM prices. It is suggested that this sensitivity and rapid reaction of the market is likely to continue for some time. Despite the quick adjustments in the spot market, the futures market appears to be retaining its value.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

“Rewiring the Nation” project to invest $20 billion

Gala sitting on electrical wire

Australia is undertaking a significant “Rewiring the Nation” project to invest $20 billion to transform its energy sector. Spearheaded by Chris Bowen, the initiative focuses on developing and constructing 10,000 kilometres of transmission lines by 2030. Bowen stresses the importance of obtaining social acceptance for this transition. To that end, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) governments offer landowners affected by the infrastructure projects generous incentives of $200,000 per kilometre. These measures aim to establish strong stakeholder relationships in the regulatory investment test process.

To meet its ambitious renewable energy targets, Australia requires roughly 29GW of large-scale renewables, equivalent to installing about 3.6GW annually. However, the country only added 2.3GW of large-scale solar and wind capacity in the previous year, and progress in developing essential transmission lines has been slow, posing a significant challenge to achieving these goals. AEMO‘s Chief Executive, Daniel Westerman, highlights that the curtailment of solar and wind generation is due to inadequate transmission capacity. Though renewable energy integration is at record highs, with an average of 37% and a peak of 66% in the grid during Q1, the closure of 14GW of coal-powered generation capacity by 2030 surpasses the 8GW of announced renewable projects.

The government plans to address these concerns by introducing a new Capacity scheme and examining potential extensions to existing infrastructure. In addition, as the VIC-NSW West Interconnector’s final drafts and Humelink’s approval are expected, the transition to new transmission systems is underway. There are still questions, however, over whether the government will be able to reach its renewable energy goals in the allotted time. Further updates will provide information on the advancement and difficulties encountered along the road as Australia works to attain its clean energy ambitions. Australia’s energy environment is continually changing.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

AEMO’s MLF assessment reveals solar and wind farms as big losers

Solar Panel

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently released its final Marginal Loss Factors (MLFs) assessment, highlighting solar and wind farms as the big losers. The MLFs determine how much energy is lost between the generator and the region reference node in each state, and the changes in the new MLF forecasts were primarily driven by changes in availability due to the closure of Liddell, revised return to service dates for Callide C, revised demand forecasts, and the increased penetration of solar and wind generation into the grid.

The lower MLFs impact the amount of revenue generators can make, and many of the intermittent generators have been impacted by changes to the grid and the closure of thermal generators. The location of renewable generation is becoming increasingly important for the success of a project, with unfavourable MLFs potentially reducing the revenue for generators and impacting the renewable energy available to the market.

While a 3% drop in solar farm generation may not seem significant, some solar farms in the New England region have experienced drops that are greater than this. These changes can affect the success of a project and reduce the renewable energy available to the market, potentially leaving end-users with less renewable energy than they signed up for. The final MLF assessment from AEMO underscores the importance of carefully considering the location of renewable energy projects for successful implementation and revenue generation.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

The team Edge Utilities are passionate about renewables and sustainability, we are energy brokers with an eye on the planet. We are committed to helping councils and business communities reach their net zero goals through renewable power purchasing agreements (PPAs) and smart portfolio management.
To discuss options and plans for your community contact us at save@edgeutilities.com.au  or call us on 1800 334 336 to discuss. 

Forecasted gas supply “gaps” this winter

gas fireplace winter

A report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned of a potential gas supply gaps on the country’s east coast this winter unless the LNG exporters in Gladstone divert shipments from export to domestic customers.

The report estimated a supply “gap” of up to 33 petajoules assuming three Queensland LGN ventures exported all their uncontracted gas this year. However, Santos’ GLNG joint venture has spoken out against the forecast, saying that all three Queensland LNG ventures have committed to making all the domestic gas expected to be needed this year available. GLNG said it had already sold more than 15 petajoules of gas to wholesalers, retailers and power generators between May and September to alleviate critical peak winter demand in east coast gas and electricity markets.

Additionally, the other two Queensland LGN ventures had offered more than 20 petajoules of domestic gas for sale, and there had been no spot LNG export from Gladstone in 2023, the company said. Despite this, on April 1st, the Federal Resources Minister is due to decide whether to curb LGN exports from Gladstone on a quarterly basis if required to avoid shortfalls in the domestic market.

Industry gas executives are currently arguing for some relaxation of the rules to allow new projects to go ahead to meet demand and remove barriers to new gas supply investment on the east coast.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article here: https://edge2020.com.au/edge-news/dispute-over-forecasted-supply-gap-in-east-coast-gas-market/

Edge Utilities offer market leading services for business and strata energy users. We help you navigate the ever-changing energy landscape, focus on renewables and save on your power bills through our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio. Reach out, we would love to assist you: info@edge2020.com.au or call on:1800 334 336

NSW progress in a bid to replace their last 5 coal-fired generators

NSW Waratah

AEMO Services recently conducted its first round of tenders for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements and Renewable Energy Zone Access Rights to support the transition to renewables in NSW. 16 projects were shortlisted, totaling 4.3 GW of generation and storage in its first auction.

To enable the transition from coal to renewables, investment in NSW is likely to be over $32B to allow renewables to fill the gap as the last 5 coal fired generators in the state retire over the next 10 years. AEMO Services will be running two auctions per year until 2030 to source a total of 14 GW. The next auction is likely in July 2023.

Replacing the last five coal generators with renewables and storage should lead to lower energy prices in the long run because:

  1. Renewable energy sources are plentiful in Australia, which should eventually lead to price stability and security of supply.
  2. The use of renewable energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are subject to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
  3. The deployment of energy storage technologies such as batteries can help aggregate renewable energy sources better, making it easier to mix them to meet NSW’s energy needs.

The 16 selected projects will have to submit their financial bids to AEMO Services by 10th February, with unsuccessful projects able to resubmit in future rounds.

We are looking forward to seeing more projects reach financial close to bring more renewable energy to the grid as this will enable our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio to access renewables at more competitive prices for our customers.

If you would like a strategy to ensure your company procures energy to support sustainability and growth in renewables, please reach out to discuss your options.  To save on electricity spend, you can also join our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio, read more: https://edgeutilities.com.au/edge-utilities-power-portfolio/ or call us on: 1800 334 336 to discuss.  

When will businesses see the recent reduction in wholesale electricity prices?

Although wholesale electricity prices have reduced in recent months, it is unlikely that households and businesses will see these benefits in their electricity bills until 2024.

In late December the Federal government stepped into the energy market and intervened, placing a price cap on wholesale gas and the price of coal, essentially disconnecting the domestic energy market from the international energy market. Moreover, the Federal treasury analysed the wholesale electricity market in November 2022, comparing it with the prices we saw in December. After Federal intervention the price caps on coal and gas have dropped prices in QLD by 44% and 38% for NSW.

Following these caps being put in place, the domestic electricity market corrected and both spot and futures contracts dropped to match an underlying cost of production for electricity based on these new capped fuel prices.

However, does this mean electricity bills are going to drop a similar amount? Well, the bad news is no. Retail bills are normally locked in well in advance so many large users have locked in pricing for 2023. The underlying energy costs are only part of the retail bill as other costs include transmission, distribution and AEMO charges which unfortunately have not decreased and have the potential to increase as the market evolves.

While the underlying cost of electricity will drop with more renewable energy entering the market, the other costs on the electricity bills will now represent a higher proportion and are likely to increase.

Renewable energy requires more transmission lines to connect the generators to the grid, they require specialised services to maintain the security of the grid and will also require a higher cost generation or storage to provide firming for around the clock supply.

Edge Utilities offer market leading services for business and strata energy users. We help you navigate the ever-changing energy landscape, focus on renewables and save on your power bills through our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio (https://edgeutilities.com.au/edge-utilities-power-portfolio/). Reach out, we would love to assist you: info@edge2020.com.au or call on:1800 334 336

Market operator develops road to renewables

Just a week after reporting on a slowing of renewable energy projects to an all-time low, this week the Australia Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has published the engineering roadmap that is required to get the NEM to 100% renewables. While the roadmap doesn’t guarantee the NEM will be powered by renewables 24 hours a day all year round, the roadmap is designed to allow the NEM to be powered by renewables for hours or days at a time.

The roadmap to 100% renewables raises new challenges including the variability of output from wind and solar generation and the change required to these technologies to work with a system designed for one-way electricity flow from large synchronous generators to firm the transition away from coal-fired generators.

For years the market has seen the potential for high levels of renewables to cause system problems, this is due to the variability of output causing large swings in spot prices and lower system strength leading to a less stable network.

South Australia is a world leader in renewable energy generation, and in order to maintain system security they use synchronous condensers which maintain inertia and in doing so improves system strength, allowing for higher levels of wind and solar to operate. The transition may require more synchronous condensers to maintain system security, however newer installations are integrating these technologies to provide a similar service which may mitigate the demand.

In addition, high levels of renewable energy puts pressure on coal generators. Forcing coal-fired generators to run at minimum load while they wait for anticipated higher prices over the evening and into the night. However, the longer the spot price remains lower during the day, coal-fired generators will need higher evening spot prices to break even. At some point, the economics will not add up, and the coal-fired units will be mothballed or permanently retired. The shutting down of coal-fired generators will require large amounts of storage for countries to achieve their renewable energy targets of 83% by 2030.

While coal-fired generation is the big loser in the new world, 100% renewables combined with storage will put a lower reliance on gas-fired generation for firming or covering the peak electricity needs during the day.

If you would like a strategy to ensure your company procures energy to support sustainability and growth in renewables  please reach out to discuss your options.  To save on electricity spend, you can also join our Edge Utilities Power Portfolio, read more: https://edgeutilities.com.au/edge-utilities-power-portfolio/ or call us on: 1800 334 336 to discuss.