The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a draft determination suggesting a five-year authorization for Energy Networks Australia, Synergy, and other parties to collaborate on a national public key infrastructure (PKI) service. This initiative aims to facilitate secure communication between consumer energy resources (CER), such as solar panels and electric vehicles, and the energy grid.

ACCC Commissioner Dr. Philip Williams emphasized that the PKI service would enable distribution network service providers to manage electricity exports from CER during periods of excess production, thereby preventing potential grid instability and blackouts. The proposed service is intended to create a unified national approach to managing CER devices, addressing the current fragmented system where each provider independently manages its PKI solutions.

The establishment of a national PKI is part of a broader national reform priority agreed upon by federal and state governments in 2024. This reform aims to create a regulatory framework for CER that includes technical standards and oversight. The ACCC believes that the proposed collaboration will yield public benefits, including interoperability, cost savings, and increased consumer choice, although it may also reduce competition in the PKI services market.

To mitigate potential public detriment from reduced competition and lack of oversight, the ACCC is considering conditions for regular reporting on the operations of the national PKI. Interim authorization has been granted to allow Energy Networks Australia and Synergy to begin initial phases of the project while the ACCC reviews the substantive application. Public submissions on the proposal are open until June 2, 2025, with a final determination expected in July 2025.