Demand Response Programs
Emergency Demand Response
Emergency Demand Response programs are critical for maintaining grid stability during extreme events like generator outages, severe weather, or transmission line failures. AEMO can activate these programs to prevent blackouts and ensure system reliability.
Some programs operate year-round to support the grid and the energy transition, while others are activated on short notice to address forecast supply shortfalls or emergency situations.
Seasonal and short notice programs
Reliability and Emergency Reserves Trader (RERT)
RERT provides AEMO with last-resort capacity reserves to help maintain grid reliability. It's open to organisations that can respond on short notice when a grid emergency occurs. Participants are paid for the amount of energy reduced for each event.
Interim Reliability Reserves (IRR)
IRR is similar to RERT but involves a fixed commitment to always be available, with clear performance and testing requirements. Participants are paid both for committing to be available and for the amount of energy reduced during each event.
Participation
Enel X will invite eligible customers to join RERT or IRR when the programs are open - usually for short periods over summer to support the community and keep the lights on. These programs can't be combined with the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism, but offer pre-agreed payments triggered by specific conditions.
Year-round Firming Capacity program NSW
The NSW Firming Capacity program supports your organisation’s sustainability goals while contributing to grid stability and the renewable energy transition, specifically in NSW. The program incentivises participants to enter the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism and respond during grid emergencies by offering an additional standby payment.
- Earn regular payments for your standby capacity provided, 365 days per year
- Gives access to the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism (WDRM) for additional market value
- Suitable for a wide range of flexible assets: industrial loads, refrigeration, HVAC, batteries, solar, and backup generation
- Exclusively accessible via Enel X
Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism (WDRM)
Full Market Access for Ongoing Earnings
Enel X bids your flexible demand into the energy market through the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism (WDRM), just like a generator. By reducing or shifting usage during peak periods, you earn a share of high market prices, without the need to change your electricity retail structure or retailer. This helps stabilise the grid and puts downward pressure on prices, while generating ongoing value for your business.
Enel X was the first aggregator to participate in the WDRM.
Small Resource Aggregator (SRA)
Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS)
AEMO works to continuously maintain the grid's frequency close to 50Hz by balancing supply and demand at all times. When supply and demand fall out of balance, the grid risks system instability or blackouts.
The Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) program provides a rapid-response mechanism to correct frequency when it moves outside its normal operating band. Through the Enel X VPP, your site can automatically reduce or increase energy use within seconds as required to help restore grid stability. Events are seldom and brief, typically lasting from a few seconds to a maximum of 10 minutes. Businesses are paid for every hour they're available, regardless of events occuring.
Enel X was the first aggregator to participate in the FCAS market.
