Closed
Provision of Minimum System Load Transitional Services - NEM wide
Tender ID: 602623
Tender Details
Organisation:
Tender #:
-
Status:
Closed
Publish Date:
13 December 2025
Closing Date:
30 January 2026
Tender Description
On 27 November 2025, AEMO published the following Statements of Need (SON) in accordance with clause 3.11.12(a) of the National Electricity Rules to acquire Minimum System Load (MSL) Transitional Services in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland:
Statement of Need – MSL Transitional Service – Type 1; andStatement of Need – MSL Transitional Services – Type 2.
Under the Australian Energy Market Commission’s Improving Security Frameworks rule change (National Electricity Rule 3.11.11(b)), AEMO can procure transitional services where:
“1. the services are required for power system security and cannot otherwise be provided by an inertia network service, a system strength service, a market ancillary service or a NMAS; or
2. the services are acquired for the purpose of trialing new technologies, or a new application of existing technologies, for the management of power system security in a low- or zero-emissions power system where the particular application of the technology employed through the transitional services has not been used to provide services to manage power system security prior to 28 March 2024.”
The transitional services framework, guidelines and objectives are outlined in AEMO’s Transition Plan for System Security, a plan to maintain power system security through the energy transition to a low- or zero-emissions power system.
Between now and February 2026, AEMO is seeking to engage with parties who are currently able to, plan to be able to, or are interested in providing MSL Transitional Services.
The procurement of MSL Transitional Services by AEMO is to address power system security risks arising during MSL conditions and enable improved management by AEMO of minimum system load conditions.
AEMO will initially conduct a market engagement process and issue an Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI) seeking responses from potential MSL Transitional Services providers. The EOI process will incorporate both Type 1 and Type 2 MSL Transitional Services security needs.
Following application of the principles in the Transitional Services Guidelines, AEMO will assess responses to the Invitation for EOI to determine the outcome of the EOI process and the most appropriate and efficient next procurement strategy. As discussed in the relevant SON (refer below links), AEMO may seek to procure MSL Transitional Services using either of the following processes:
- Conduct a competitive tender, where multiple service providers may be able to meet the security need, or the level of service offered is likely to exceed the need; or
- Issue direct Requests for Offer (RFOs), where AEMO determines this process is more appropriate, for example:
- where sharing details of a new technology or application may pose a risk to the negotiation process and discourage future innovation; or
- in cases involving clearly identified service providers or time-sensitive needs.
AEMO’s indicative plan for the procurement MSL Transitional Service is as follows:
| Activity | Timeline |
| Market engagement (EOI) | December 2025 – February 2026 |
| Assessment of EOI responses | February – March 2026 |
| Competitive tender or direct Request for Offer | April 2026 |
| AEMO assessment of offers and contract negotiations | June – August 2026 |
| Contracts awarded | August 2026 |
| Contracts start | September 2026 onwards |
How to engage
For any questions or to arrange a meeting to discuss this opportunity and the potential supply of MSL Transitional Services, please contact AEMO at transitional.services@aemo.com.au with the subject line:
Procurement of MSL Transitional Service.
Process for engagement is open until 30 January 2026.
Location
New South Wales
:
Central West
:
Far North Coast
:
Far West
:
Hunter
:
Illawarra
:
Mid North Coast
:
Murray
:
New England
:
Orana
:
Riverina
:
Southern Highlands
:
Sydney
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North