On 22 September 2011, the Commission published its Approach Paper in relation to the Ministerial Council on Energy's (MCE) Request for Advice regarding Energy Market Arrangements for Electric (EVs) and Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs).
Submissions on the Approach Paper are due by 27 October 2011.
The Approach Paper:
describes the Commission's analytical framework, which it will apply to this Request for Advice;
provides an indication of some of the issues pertinent to this Request for Advice; and
requests that stakeholders respond to a series of questions for consultation.
The proposed time line for this Request for Advice is as follows:
Publication Milestone
Proposed Date of Publication
Directions Paper December 2011
Draft Advice May 2012
Final Advice September 2012
Background
On 28 July 2011, the Commission received a Request for Advice from the MCE in relation to identifying the energy market regulatory arrangements, which would facilitate the economically efficient uptake of EVs and NGVs.
The Commission is required to provide its advice in a manner that promotes the National Electricity Objective and National Gas Objective. This will require the Commission to identify the costs and high level benefits on the energy market frameworks brought about by the efficient uptake of EVs and NGVs.
This Request for Advice applies to EVs that connect to the electricity system; namely, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. This Request for Advice also applies to NGVs; namely, vehicles that rely upon compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.
The Commission is to separately consider the electricity and gas markets, including Western Australia's electricity market, while noting any overlapping energy market issues. The technological, environmental and economic aspects of EVs and NGVs are not expected to be addressed unless considered necessary.
The Commission notes that this Request for Advice will interact in parallel with its Power of Choice review .

Publication Milestone
Proposed Date of Publication
Directions Paper December 2011
Draft Advice May 2012
Final Advice September 2012

Citerank: (20) 134081Advanced Metering Infrastructure24D3B8AB, 137018Smart Networks Committee8FFB597, 145204Public Works Act amendmentsThe Department of Regional Development and Lands is proposing to amend Section 2 (Definitions) of the Public Works Act to now include power generation, transmission and distribution for gas, electricity, wind, solar and other sources of power. 34FFE699, 146651Daniel MercerDaniel Mercer, The West Australian2600BFFF, 146652Peter Kerr Peter Kerr, Australian Financial Review2600BFFF, 146652Peter Kerr Peter Kerr, Australian Financial Review2600BFFF, 146654Giles Parkinson2600BFFF, 146657Collie Mail 2600BFFF, 146658Josh Nyman2600BFFF, 146659Brett McCarthyBrett McCarthy, Editor at the West Australian2600BFFF, 146661Steve LewisSteve Lewis, Daily Telegraph2600BFFF, 146662Simon BensonSimon Benson, Daily Telegraph2600BFFF, 146663Beatrice ThomasBeatrice Thomas, The West Australian, 28 March 2012, page 162600BFFF, 146663Beatrice ThomasBeatrice Thomas, The West Australian, 28 March 2012, page 162600BFFF, 146665Paul ArmstrongPaul Armstrong, 6PR2600BFFF, 146666Gary AdsheadGary Adshead2600BFFF, 147025Paul MurrayPaul Murray, radio presenter on 6PR2600BFFF, 155212Inquiry into the Efficiency of Synergy's Costs and Electricity Tariffs
the ERA is to consider and develop findings on:

¦the efficiency of Synergy’s operating and capital expenditure;
¦the efficiency of Synergy’s procurement of wholesale electricity; and
¦the efficiency of Synergy’s renewable energy certificates.
8FFB597, 155212Inquiry into the Efficiency of Synergy's Costs and Electricity Tariffs
the ERA is to consider and develop findings on:

¦the efficiency of Synergy’s operating and capital expenditure;
¦the efficiency of Synergy’s procurement of wholesale electricity; and
¦the efficiency of Synergy’s renewable energy certificates.
8FFB597, 156753Streetlight TariffsThis discussion paper outlines issues raised by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) in meetings with representatives of the Public Utilities Office (PUO) and Western Power regarding the provision of street lighting in local government areas in Western Australia. 8FFB597

See DM 8714983 for Western Power's submission to this review

On 18 January 2012, the AEMC published its Issues Paper in relation to the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) Request for Advice regarding Energy Market Arrangements for Electric and Natural Gas Vehicles. Submissions on the Issues Paper are due by 23 February 2012.

AEMC staff will be holding an industry workshop on metering arrangements for Electric Vehicles in early March. Details on the date and venue plus registration procedures will be circulated soon.