A collation of reforms relating to frequency control (including, but not limited to, FCAS)
In the final part of this series, David Scott asks whether MPFR and FPP-Reg-FCAS Recovery have delivered on their goals, then uses the data to explore how AEMO might procure Regulation FCAS more dynamically and tune AGC to make better use of it.
In part three of this series, David Scott examines the first year of FPP-Reg-FCAS Recovery settlements, revealing which technologies paid and which were paid, and showing how semi-scheduled wind and solar farms, scheduled generators and batteries have each responded to the new incentives.
In part two of this series, David Scott dives into AEMO's 4-second FPP data to show how dispatch errors are classified as good or bad, how Regulation FCAS usage is measured, and how these calculations translate into FPP payments and Reg-FCAS Recovery charges.
In the first of this four-part series, David Scott explains how loosening frequency control in the NEM led to Mandatory Primary Frequency Response in 2020, and how that problem resurfaced as a settlements issue behind 2025's Frequency Performance Payments and Regulation FCAS reforms.
Guest author (Dr Julian de Hoog) provides some analysis of what has unfolded over the first year of operation of the new Frequency Performance Payments, (FPP) regime - with a particular focus on solar farms.
As at 4th May 2026 we publish what we know of the Primary Frequency Response (PFR) registration status of the fleet of Semi-Scheduled (i.e. Solar and Wind) units.
Allan O'Neil unpacks a proposal under consideration by the AEMC to apply “runway” cost allocation to contingency FCAS, explaining how this could materially change who pays for frequency security in the NEM.
On 20 November 2025, the AEMC published one consultation paper in relation to two Rule Change Proposals relating to contingency FCAS (size, and cost allocation).
Worth noting, as I've just become aware, that submissions close tomorrow on AEMO's consultation on Primary Frequency Response (PFR) Test Guidelines for Semi-Scheduled Plant
Categories with a longer bar left of zero are losing more of their spot energy market revenue to regulation and PFR costs.
An initial review of payment and cost outcomes of the first 44 days of financial operation of the FPP arrangements.
Yesterday (Sunday 8th June 2025) saw the commencement of the new Frequency Performance Payments (a.k.a. FPP) method.
We've facilitated a number of articles on WattClarity relating to the looming FPP changes (now 10 weeks away). Here's two images I've drawn up to (hopefully) illustrate my understanding of what these changes represent.
In his third article, Jack Fox uses the Non Financial Operation (NFO) data to take a look at some VRE units, and how they would have performed under FPP.
In his second article, Jack Fox uses the Non Financial Operation (NFO) data to take a look specifically at batteries, and how they would have performed under FPP.
In his first article, Jack Fox reports some initial observations from a review of the Non Financial Operations (NFO) data that's been published since Dec 2024.
Various authors have shared articles about frequency, frequency control and Regulation FCAS in recent times (including 6 from Linton). Here's three things that jumped out to me in these pieces of analysis.
The faster-moving nature of the FM, with the introduction of FPP, removes predictability in the indicator for frequency performance.
Full financial operation commences 8 June 2025.
The implementation of the Primary frequency response incentive arrangements rule is driving change in how system frequency is controlled and paid-for. The changes stem from how the NEM will incentivise primary frequency response. 6 Years in the making The rule change proposal was initiated July...