NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism

The NSW Government’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism is set to commence in late-2026. It is a last resort safety measure, required by the Australian Energy Market Operator, to protect the electricity grid during rare emergency conditions.

Protecting the grid from Minimum System Load

In response to advice from the Australian Energy Market Operator, the NSW Government had amended Ausgrid’s operating licence conditions to introduce the NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism.

The NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism is a last resort response to keep the power system secure under emergency conditions, known as Minimum System Load events. It will only be actioned to keep the lights on if nothing else is working. An emergency backstop is expected to be a rare event.

Download Ausgrid fact sheet: Supporting Rooftop Solar in NSW to find out more about how Ausgrid is partnering with the NSW Government to support rooftop solar in NSW.

Ausgrid is developing a new connections application portal called Ausgrid Connect to help support implementing these changes. More information can be found on how we are enhancing your solar connections experience.

Systems that need to be emergency backstop enabled

The NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism requirements will be phased in from November 2026, in parallel with the launch of the NSW Government’s Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Installer Portal, through which all new and upgrading solar systems up to 200 kW will be registered and commissioned.

Ausgrid has updated its Permission to Connect for solar installations to manage the phased transition of incoming requirements. Solar installers are responsible for installing rooftop solar systems in accordance with the approved Connection Contract and the Schedule of Site-Specific Conditions, which include: 

This incoming initiative will require installers to:

• Installing equipment that is compliant with the Australian Standard ‘Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia’ (CSIP-AUS).
• Conducting a short capability test at the time of installation, confirming connectivity to Ausgrid’s utility server via the internet. The test is conducted using the NSW CER Installer Portal.

These requirements will not apply to existing rooftop solar systems. Exemptions will also apply to embedded network customers or those seeking a like-for like replacement (e.g. under a manufacturer’s warranty).

Where a premises lacks reliable internet connectivity, the new equipment must still be CSIP-AUS compliant. However, a low static export limit of 1.5kW per site must be configured by the installer at the time of installation, which will apply until connectivity is available. 

To find out more information about these initiatives, visit the NSW Government’s Emergency Backstop Mechanism and CER Installer Portal webpages.

Preparing industry for these changes

Ausgrid recognises these initiatives represent significant changes to the way CER is installed in NSW. We are committed to working closely with the NSW Government and other NSW distribution networks to provide industry with appropriate information and training opportunities before these requirements are introduced in late-2026.

The NSW Government and Clean Energy Council, in collaboration with NSW distribution networks, have prepared a short online training course outlining the challenges facing our grid and about these incoming obligations. Industry professionals can earn 20 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for completing the course. You can access this training for free through the Clean Energy Council website.

You are also able to complete the NSW Emergency Backstop course through Solar Accreditation Australia for additional 20 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Members can access this training for free through the Solar Accreditation Australia website.

Further information, training and resources will be made available progressively throughout 2026.