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In reply to the Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (24 November 2020). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining): I have been advised:

The regulations preserve the ability of a battery system to be charged by the customer's solar generation and discharge to supply the household when the grid is unavailable. Battery backup arrangements were first discussed at the July stakeholder forum between officials and stakeholders. The stakeholder view expressed at the forum was that the wiring guideline could ensure battery backup was not impacted.

Accordingly, the Office of the Technical Regulator worked collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the wiring guideline included smart meter wiring options which enable a battery to be charged by the customer's solar generation and discharged to supply the household when the grid is unavailable, whilst still meeting the standards implemented on 28 September 2020. It is up to the installer as to how they configure the battery backup arrangements. I am advised that there are numerous options or arrangements that are possible, depending on the equipment used and the customer's needs.