Embedded Network Manager

Embedded networks

Embedded networks are private electricity networks that distributes electricity to multiple businesses within a specific property or area and are connected to the national grid through a parent connection point and assigned a National Metering Identifier (NMI). The NMI identifies every connection in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and each site has their own unique NMI. Without a NMI, a customer cannot access and purchase electricity from their retailer of choice i.e. they cannot become on-market customers.

The operator of an embedded network, an Exempt Embedded Network Service Provider (EENSP), buys electricity in bulk and then on-sells the electricity to each connection (tenant) within the embedded network (off-market tenants) where the EENSP must have a network exemption.

As of 1 December 2017, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) introduced the Power of Choice (PoC) regulations, where any customer within an embedded network are able to access an electricity retailer of choice.

A number of amendments to the National Electricity Rules (NER) were made in regards to these reforms and a new accredited role was created called the Embedded Network Manager (ENM) where the EENSP must appoint an ENM when specific conditions are met.

Watts Energy is an accredited ENM with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) where the ENM’s role is to complete the market interface functions for embedded network customers so they can become “on-market’ customers and access offers from a retailer of their choice.  

The ENM is responsible for creating and maintaining a Child NMI for a tenant within the Embedded Network and also to accurately record details of the configuration of metering installations for both the Child NMI and Parent NMI (the Embedded Network’s main meter connection point).

Do you need to appoint an ENM?

An embedded network in the NEM with 30 or more customers and falls within the Activity Classes set by the AER: ND10, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR5 and NR6 must have a network exemption and must appoint and ENM. However, an ENM appointment may be delayed for small embedded networks (less than 30 customers) or certain classes of network exemption (e.g. caravan parks) until a customer within the embedded network notifies the EENSP that they wish to access retail competition; the customer rejects an offer from the EENSP to stay within the embedded network; and, the market retail contract cooling off period has expired.
The Network Service Provider Registration Exemption Guideline details the complete requirements as to when a network exemption holder must appoint or become an ENM. Watts Energy is an accredited ENM with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). If you require further information regarding your obligations and/or requirements with the PoC or need to appoint an accredited ENM, please contact us.