3 minute read
clean energy regulator review
Standards Australia has commenced the process to review and update AS/NZS 3835 earth potential rise – Protection of telecommunications network users, personnel and plant. This standard specifies the means of identifying and minimising hazards to telecommunications personnel, users, and plant from earth potential rise (ePr) arising from earth faults on high voltage alternating current (Ac) power systems. AS/NZS 3835 has not been reviewed or revised in over 14 years, and during this time, there have been a number of changes in the telecommunications industry such as the national broadband network (NbN), the Internet of Things (IoT), networked substations, etc. As a result, this standard may not provide accurate guidance on identifying and minimising ePr hazards for life-safety.
The current standard also does not take into account changes introduced last year through AS/cA S009:2020, the wiring rules for the data and telecommunications industry. The net-benefit of reviewing and revising AS/NZS 3835 will be improved identification and treatment to manage and minimise ePr hazards to life, safety and equipment. Updates to AS/NZS 3835 will also take into account new equipment and technology, providing measurable assurance benefits for the telecommunications community.
An ePr event may expose personnel, users and structures to hazardous voltages. by revising this standard, the likelihood of related injuries from ePr hazards such as electric shocks or fires will be significantly decreased. NecA will keep our data and telecommunications members fully informed throughout the review process.
In September 2021, the Federal minister for energy and emissions reduction released a government report conducted by the clean energy regulator (cer) into the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) sector. This was in response to a range of issues relating to defective installations, misuse of accreditation details, safety and quality concerns and consumer complaints. The Federal Government endorsed some 12 out of the 13 recommendations (and noted one on payment installments) in regard to its Small-scale renewable energy Scheme (SreS), in the areas of: ½ eligibility requirements for installers; ½ eligibility requirements for solar panels and inverters; and ½ placing greater obligations on solar retailers.
In addition, the Federal Government has allocated some $19.2 million in 2021/22 to effectively implement the recommendations.
CER recommendations to be implemented
In a nutshell, the government has agreed to the cer being given full responsibility for setting the rules and framework for a new installer accreditation scheme, and to conduct a competitive market tender to allow for one or more bodies to be selected to administer the scheme going forward. That being said, the government has announced that the current accreditation scheme with the clean energy council (cec) remains in place, as is, until the cer develops the new rules and goes to tender. This is likely to be some time in 2022.
In order to allow this to occur, the government will develop the necessary regulatory amendments to enable implementation of the new eligibility rules, and ensure the new regulations will allow for adequate transitional arrangements from the existing cec scheme. Other recommendations endorsed for implementation are to: ½ provide better clarity to installers on their obligations under the SreS; ½ mandate the training required to enable accreditation; ½ boost the compliance powers of the cer; and ½ require that accredited installers are on site during installation.
The recommendations for solar equipment will provide the cer with a direct role in: ½ setting the requirements for solar PV components; ½ how PV products are listed for public and installer information (could be cer or a third party); ½ ensuring all PV components are given and marked with a serial number; and ½ providing greater compliance powers to the cer for audits and actions against manufacturers, importers and suppliers.
The recommendations aim to improve customer outcomes and include: ½ increasing retailer accountability for the written statements they make on solar PV systems’ performance; and ½ providing powers to the cer where retailers are found to be doing the wrong thing.
The government has also asked the cer to consult with relevant state and territory bodies and industry groups in developing the new installer accreditation requirements. NecA has already had discussions with the cer and will be part of this consultation process. NecA will keep members informed throughout.
