Call for Expressions of Interest for Essential System Services

AEMO is required by clause 3.15B.1 of the Electricity System and Market (ESM) Rules to conduct a Frequency Co-optimised Essential System Service (FCESS) expressions of interest (EOI) process at least once every two years from the New Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) Commencement Day, 1 October 2023.

The purpose of this EOI information request is to inform the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) of the services which may be provided. The ERA can use this information in carrying out its monitoring and review functions under the ESM Rules, including its monitoring pursuant to clause 2.16.9, and in deciding whether to trigger the Supplementary Essential System Service Mechanism (SESSM) in accordance with clause 3.15A.2. This includes:

(a) the criteria and processes used by AEMO for the procurement of Essential System Services through the Real-Time Market, the SESSM, and under any contracts entered into by AEMO; and

(b) inappropriate and anomalous market behaviour, including behaviour related to market power and the exploitation of shortcomings in the ESM Rules or WEM Procedures by Rule Participants.

AEMO published the Call for Submissions on VendorPanel seeking submissions from new or existing providers of FCESS to accredit additional FCESS quantities. The EOI requests details including lead time required to develop and commission the facility or capability, location, quantity of FCESS which could be made available and costs.

All submissions:

1. Must be provided in good faith but are not binding on the respondent (clause 3.15B.6)

2. Are Confidential Information under the ESM Rules (clause 3.15B.7), subject to the requirement to provide the EOI forms and supporting information to the ERA

3. Will be provided to the ERA as soon as practicable following the closing date for the EOI (clause 3.15B.8)

4. May be used by the ERA as indicated above (clause 3.15B.9).

Submissions must be provided in accordance with the Call for Submissions Form by 5.00pm AWST on Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Interested stakeholders should register through our tendering portal in advance to be notified when any supporting documentation, such as clarifications to questions, is published.

Queries should be submitted by email to WA.FutureSystemDesign@aemo.com.au.

Kind regards

AEMO