Queensland's emergency backstop mechanism

All new and replacement inverter energy systems (like rooftop solar PV and batteries), with aggregated capacity of 10 kilovolt amperes (kVA) and above must be fitted with a generation signalling device.

This device enables Ergon Energy and Energex to reduce the risk of state-wide power outages by switching these systems off for a short time in an energy emergency situation.

Queensland’s emergency backstop mechanism has not been used to date. It can only be activated as a last resort at the direction of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The decision will be in line with AEMO’s minimum system load market notification framework, which sets out pre-agreed steps and actions that AEMO can issue to electricity networks in response to a declared energy emergency.

Why Queensland needs a backstop

As more renewable energy is integrated into the grid, we need to ensure the electricity system remains secure so all Queenslanders can continue to depend on it.

Electricity networks operate at their best when supply aligns with customer demand. When solar generation is high and demand falls too low, it poses a risk to system security. When this occurs, it is called a ‘minimum system load‘ event.

The emergency backstop mechanism is helping Queensland’s transition to a more coordinated electricity system and allowing more households and businesses to enjoy the benefits of rooftop solar and batteries.

This means our distribution networks can continue to connect consumer’s renewable energy at the same impressive rates as recent years without affecting the safe and reliable supply of power to all customers.