Change to Rule 4.4.4

This page provides full details of the proposed change, relevant dates and decisions.

What is the issue?

Rule 4.4.4 was identified as a high priority area for change by CMAG Members. CMAG Members highlighted that Rule 4.4.4 is unclear as to what is considered ‘configuration’ and therefore it is not understood what changes a Capacity Provider can make to the Generating Units that comprise their Capacity Market Unit (CMU) to ensure delivery. Rule 4.4.4 was further identified as a possible barrier to net zero, as older plants cannot change Generating Units within their CMU to adopt new, low carbon technologies on site.

This is viewed as a larger issue for storage CMUs, which may need to change their configuration over time to account for battery degradation. A CMAG Member also noted Rule 4.4.4 has a particularly severe impact when aggregating small generating units; in the event that a single generating unit becomes unavailable, the whole CMU may be terminated as a result.

What is the proposed solution?

To amend Rule 4.4.4 to allow a CMU to change its configuration after prequalification, so long as it does not lower its derated capacity, and continues to meet its Auction Acquired Capacity Obligation (AACO).