The Economic Regulation Authority must annually determine the Benchmark Reserve Capacity Prices (BRCP) according to a WEM Procedure.
The BRCPs reflect the fixed costs incurred in developing and operating a hypothetical capacity provider, which is meant to reflect the most efficient, least cost new entry technology expected to enter the WEM to provide system security and reliability.
The ERA is updating the Procedure to reflect the Coordinator’s determination of the Benchmark Capacity Providers as lithium battery energy storage system with 200 MW injection and 1,200 MWh (6-hour) energy storage and a 330 kV connection located on the Clean Energy Link – North.
The ERA must determine the BRCPs prior to 16 March 2026 for the 2026 Reserve Capacity Cycle. As a result, the ERA is reviewing the existing WEM Procedure so that it can be applied to the ERA’s 2026 BRCP determination.
On 13 November, the ERA published a procedure change proposal and draft WEM Procedure for consultation.
The ERA is seeking feedback by 11 December 2025. Papers related to this procedure change process are provided below.