The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is proposing to grant conditional approval to Energy Networks Australia, Synergy, and other parties to jointly procure and implement a national public key infrastructure (PKI) service, according to a Monday statement by the regulator.
APA Group (ASX:APA) is a member of Energy Networks Australia, which represents electricity transmission and distribution network providers, per the industry body's website.
The PKI would enable secure communication between consumer energy resources (CER), including rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles, and the energy grid.
The approval would allow Synergy to remotely limit or prevent electricity exports from CERs during periods of excess generation, the regulator said.
The proposed national service would allow a single provider to deliver the PKI, replacing the current fragmented system where each network operator manages its infrastructure, the regulator added.
The ACCC emphasized that while the initiative could enhance grid stability, cost savings, and reduce the risk of blackouts, it also raised concerns about reduced competition in the PKI market and a lack of formal external oversight.
To address these concerns, the ACCC has proposed a condition requiring regular reporting on the PKI's performance.
Submissions on the draft determination are due by June 2.
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