The ACCC has issued a determination granting authorisation to Energy Networks Australia, Synergy, and other specified parties to allow for the procurement and implementation of a national public key infrastructure service. The public key infrastructure service would manage secure communication between consumer energy resources and parties in the energy grid. Examples of consumer energy resources include rooftop solar cells, batteries and electric vehicles.
The ACCC is satisfied that the proposed conduct is likely to result in a public benefit that would outweigh any public detriment that is likely to result, if:
- the conduct to be authorised is limited to the provision of public key infrastructure services to securely manage communications using the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia standard
- authorisation be made with:
- a governance condition ensuring independent directors on the National Energy Public Key Infrastructure Limited (NEPKI) board include a breadth of significant experience from the consumer energy resources sector, electricity market sector and original equipment manufacturer sector
- a condition requiring regular reporting of NEPKI's operations.
The ACCC has decided to grant authorisation until 30 June 2030.
Further information about the ACCC’s decision is available on the ACCC public register.