Submission to the AEMC on its Integrated Distribution System Planning - Directions Paper (ERC0410)

We support the objectives of the proposed rule change and see it as critical to enabling consumer energy resources (CER) uptake and virtual power plant (VPP) services by reducing uncertainty, improving hosting capacity visibility and lowering risk of stranded or constrained rooftop solar and home battery assets.

Regardless of which approach is adopted to improve distribution planning, we highlight critical policy elements for the Australian Energy Market Commission to consider regardless of the adopted approach, including biennial integrated distribution system planning, broader stakeholder consultation, clear export signals and integration as well as a transition roadmap and regulatory oversight.