Changes to new, upgraded and replacement roof-top solar systems from 1 Oct 2024  

Demand for renewable energy continues to grow at an increasing rate, with Victorians installing renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar, in greater numbers than ever before. 

Over the next 10 years, we expect Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions* to halve and electricity consumption and peak demand to double.  It’s safe to say that by 2035, our electricity network will look very different to how it does today. 

In preparation for this, we need to ensure our electricity system remains secure so customers can continue to rely on a stable supply well into the future.

That’s why the Victorian Government has introduced measures to help maintain network reliability during periods of minimum demand. This is known as the Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM).

*Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions includes emissions from the use of air conditioning units, emissions from fuels and production of electrcity from burning coal.

What is the Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM)?

The EBM means network service providers (such as Jemena) can remotely turn down or switch off rooftop solar systems if directed to do so by the Australian Electricity Market Operator (AEMO).

The ability to stop energy being fed back into the grid (or solar being generated) at certain times will help to maintain power system stability and avoid having too much power in the grid which can lead to electricity blackouts. It’s important to note that this measure will only be used as a last resort in emergency situations. 

How does the EBM work?

During periods where solar exports to the grid are high, but consumption from the grid is low (such as a mild, sunny day in Spring), there may be too much electricity going  back into the grid. If this is the case, AEMO may issue a directive to Distribution Network Service Providers like Jemena to remotely turn down or switch off rooftop solar systems for a short amount of time.

This process will be managed by Jemena and be performed remotely. It will not affect the supply of electricity to your home.

If AEMO issues an emergency order, Jemena will issue a notification on the home page of our website.

When are the changes being introduced?

The new requirements have been/are being introduced in two stages:

• Stage 1 - 25 October 2023 for large systems greater than 200kW (complete);
• Stage 2 - 1 October 2024 (revised from 1 July) for small and medium systems up to and including 200kW

Who will be affected by the EBM?

The EBM applies to all newly installed, upgraded and replacement solar photovoltaic systems based on the effective date shown above.

I have a system that was installed before 1 October 2024. How will I be impacted?

If you have an existing rooftop solar system installed before 1 October 2024, these changes won't impact you.

What does this mean for customers who are installing a new, upgraded or replacement system from 1 October 2024?

All new, upgraded and replacement solar systems will need to be EBM enabled.  To support this, customers will need:

1.  A compatible inverter – this means that the export and generation from the inverter is capable of being remotely managed ¹; and
2. A reliable internet connection that will allow Jemena to communicate with the inverter ²

If a non-compatible inverter is installed or there is no internet connection, a lower export limit will be applied. 

¹   Please refer to the Clean Energy Council’s list of approved inverters (refer to section ‘Inverters with Software Communication Clients”).  This will show a CEC list of approved AS 4777.2, CSIP-AUS compliant inverters. In addition, Jemena will continue to verify inverter manufacturers to ensure connectivity to Jemena systems.  This list (coming soon) will be updated regularly.   

² If your inverter cannot connect to the internet (or you choose not to), a lower export limit will be placed on how much energy you can export to the grid.  If internet becomes available you can apply to have the lower export limit removed

Links to additional customer information:

Victorian Government Energy, Environment & Climate Action website. This page also includes a customer fact sheet.

Note:  More information on Embedded Generation, including the EBM technical documents, specifications and guidelines can be found on the Jemena Embedded Generation page.