Model Standing Offer (MSO) contracts

The Model Standing Offer (MSO) outlines the terms and conditions for solar customers and the network operator.  

The MSO is our contract with every customer who installs what we call a micro embedded generator. This includes rooftop solar, batteries or other generators commonly found in a household.  

Solar installers typically act as an agent on behalf of the customer. They coordinate the information required for the MSO.  

The contract registers the solar connection and confirms:  

• The system has been installed in a way that is safe and complies with all the conditions of the MSO  
• The system is set to export the maximum amount of power approved in our solar export pre-approval  
• The obligations of the homeowner that is exporting power into our network  
• Our rights to access the property or remotely access the system to check it complies with the agreed conditions.

The MSO conditions protect power quality, security and reliability for everybody. 

Distributed energy resources (DER)

Rooftop solar falls under the umbrella term ‘distributed energy resources’, or DER. These technologies generate electricity on the customer’s side of their electricity meter.

The Australian Energy Market Operator manages a register of distributed energy resources. This is known as the DER Register.

Networks collect information on the make and model of all DER as part of an alternation request. This information is provided to AEMO for inclusion in the register.

The register helps AEMO and network operators to manage the electricity system. This includes supporting customers to get the most value from their investments. 

New terms to the MSO

On 1 October 2024, new terms were introduced to our Model Standing Offer. The new terms apply to rooftop solar systems subject to the Victorian Government’s emergency backstop mechanism.

The new terms include a requirement for customers to ensure their solar system:

• maintains connectivity with our utility server  
• remains compliant with our technical standards, including CSIP-AUS.

For more information, please refer to the current version of the MSO below. We’ve also provided a document summarising the most recent changes.