BATTERIES AND THE LAW
Graeme Dennis
5 April 2016
© Clayton Utz
DISCUSSION POINTS
Batteries
- regulatory status
Networks using storage
Sale methodologies
Network tariff reform
Ownership of batteries
Re-possessing a battery
THE LAW OF CONSERVATION
OF ENERGY
 Energy
can neither be created nor destroyed;
rather, it transforms from one form of energy to
another.
 Wind turbine: converts thermal to mechanical to
electric energy.
 Gas turbine: converts chemical energy to thermal
energy to mechanical energy to electric energy.
 Hydro: converts potential energy to kinetic energy
to mechanical energy to electric energy.
 Pump hydro: converts electric energy to
mechanical energy to potential energy, and back.
RE-CHARGEABLE BATTERY CELL
Converts
electric energy into chemical
energy (storage);
Converts chemical energy into electric
energy (discharge).
It is the initial consumption of electric
energy, and the subsequent generation
of electric energy from chemical energy.
It is a form of electric generation.
NEM RULES
Generation:
The production of electrical
power by converting another form of
energy in a generating unit.
Generating unit: The actual "generator"
of electricity and all the related
equipment essential to its functioning as
a single entity.
Surely a battery unit is a generating unit?
NETWORKS USING STORAGE
Ring-fencing
guidelines distinguish
between direct control services provided
by distributors and transmission
operators, and their other businesses.
Should networks be allowed to own and
operate storage systems as other
businesses?
What is the advantage or synergy to be
obtained if they are ring-fenced anyway?
SALE METHODOLOGIES
Self-use
behind meter?
Export to retailer?
Export to small generation aggregator?
Export to neighbour?
Strata corporation to building occupants?
See particularly retailing exemption R8 sales to customers with a grid
connection.
NETWORK TARIFF REFORM
Move
to cost-reflective pricing.
Move away from usage based pricing.
Greater TOU emphasis will give value for
storage.
Peak demand charging also gives
storage an avoided network charge
value.
THE TESLA POWERWALL
WHO OWNS THE BATTERY?
Where
»
»
»
»
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the battery is:
Inside a motor vehicle;
Plugged into a power socket;
Screwed onto the wall;
Wired into the building network;
Integrated into the building walls?
What
if the property is tenanted,
mortgaged or sold?
RE-POSSESSING A BATTERY
Can
you re-enter premises to remove
your battery (and meter)?
If you are given a licence to enter by the
original customer, does that bind their
landlord, mortgagee, successor in title?
Does ownership of a battery "run with
the land"?
Do we need statutory rights of re-entry
for batteries and meters?
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