Emergency backstop for minimum system load events
Emergency backstop for minimum system load events
As more Victorians install rooftop solar, we are changing the way we operate our network.
Victoria has one of the strongest uptakes of rooftop solar in Australia. During the day, all that solar provides abundant, low-cost energy for all consumers. But when demand for energy is low, this can create imbalances in the electricity network.
The Victorian Government has mandated that network operators manage this risk. This requires new and upgrading solar customers to install a system that allows solar exports to be remotely reduced or for generation to be stopped. This is only done in emergency situations when there’s an excess of energy in the network.
This capability, known as an emergency backstop, was introduced in two stages. Stage 1 was activated in October 2023 for systems larger than 200kVA. Stage 2 began on 1 October 2024 and covers systems up to 200kVA.
The backstop helps to provide a secure, reliable supply of energy to all customers. It is also allowing more renewable energy to connect to the network.
What this means
The backstop applies to customers installing, upgrading or replacing solar systems.
It only applies to systems with 200kVA or less of capacity that are installed after 1 October 2024. Existing solar customers are not affected unless they upgrade their current system.
The emergency backstop allows us to remotely reduce or stop exports from solar systems if there is excess energy in the network. These customers are required to install an internet-connected solar inverter and provide a stable internet connection.
The backstop will only be used under direction from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) when there are imbalances in the network. In these rare events, we will initially reduce solar exports so customers can continue to self-consume the electricity they generate. If the grid is still not secure, we may turn off solar generation, but only ever as a last resort.
For more information on how we may respond see our minimum system load event web page.
What you need to know
Meeting the new government requirements has resulted in changes to the processes that customers, solar installers and equipment manufacturers follow. For specific information visit our Rooftop Solar and Solar Installer Resources web pages, and see the frequently asked questions below.
General FAQs
The Victorian Government requires network operators to manage exports from rooftop solar connections. To comply, we developed technology that changes the way solar customers are connected.
The changes help to manage rare occasions when solar generation is high and demand for energy is low. The changes help to provide reliable, stable power to all customers and connect more renewable energy to the network.
The backstop helps to:
- unlock capacity for more renewable energy to connect to the network
- achieve our emissions reduction targets
- ensure customers have access to stable and reliable power supplies.
The systems enabling the backstop are also unlocking new consumer energy resources (CER) opportunities.
Legacy solar inverters are systems of 200kVA (or less) that were applied for before the introduction of emergency backstop on 1 October 2024.
Legacy solar inverters are exempt from the emergency backstop. If an application to connect a solar inverter was made after 1 October 2024, it must comply with the emergency backstop.
Solar customer FAQs
The change only applies to new solar inverters (200kW or less) connected after 1 October 2024. This includes:
- new solar systems
- upgraded systems
- some existing systems with a replacement inverter.
Impacts will vary for different households. The Victorian Government predicts the changes will cost solar households between $4 and $7 per year.
Approved inverters can be connected to the internet with an ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Customers need a reliable internet connection, as exports will be restricted during periods of non-connectivity.
If a modem or password is changed, the inverter will need to be reconnected. As per the CSIP-AUS protocol, until this is done, the inverter will be limited to 0kW of export.
Yes. Customers can install solar but will receive a 0kW export limit if they don't provide an internet connection. This is needed for exports to be reduced or stopped during emergency events.
Solar installer FAQs
Yes, there are some changes to the way rooftop solar is installed and configured. Solar installers now must ensure:
- A compatible inverter is installed: this allows the export and generation from the inverter to be remotely managed.
- There is a reliable internet connection: this ensures we can communicate with the inverter.
- They undertake a commissioning process: this will ensure solar generation can be turned down or switched off in an emergency.
See our Solar Installer Resources page for information and resources.
Yes. Only approved inverters and software communication device technologies can connect to our server.
Click here for a list of inverters that have been tested and approved to connect to our network.
Please check this list regularly to ensure you are up to date with the latest devices.
CSIP-AUS refers to the Common Smart Inverter Profile for Australia protocol. These devices have inbuilt communication capabilities so they can receive signals. This allows these solar installations to comply with the emergency backstop mechanism.
Solar applications approved prior to 1 October 2024 are not subject to the backstop. New, upgrading and replacement solar connections (200kW or less) approved after 1 October 2024 must comply.
The installer is able to re-trigger the testing process if the testing has failed. If the system has been connected to the internet correctly and the appropriate settings configured, this can be completed remotely.
Our troubleshooting guide (opens external site in a new window) explores the steps solar installers can take to successfully register and test rooftop solar systems.
See our Solar Installer Resources page for information and resources.
Our New Energy Services team are the first point of contact for solar installers.
Contact them at newenergyservices@powercor.com.au or on 1800 772 940 (8am-4pm, Monday to Friday).
The Victorian Government has published information about the new requirements on its website. (opens external site in a new window)