ESM Low Load Event and Testing FAQs

How will you decide when to turn off rooftop solar systems for an ESM low load event or test?

AEMO will inform Western Power and Synergy of emergency operating conditions. Then, as instructed by Western Power, Synergy will remotely turn off rooftop solar systems to manage supply and demand in the grid in these emergency operating conditions.

Synergy will also periodically test that the onsite hardware for rooftop solar systems can be remotely managed to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken in an ESM low load event. Synergy is committed to ensuring any testing is as unobtrusive as possible.

Will you conduct tests on my rooftop solar system to ensure it is compliant with ESM requirements?

Synergy will periodically test that the onsite hardware for rooftop solar systems can be remotely managed to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken in an ESM low load event.

• For rooftop solar systems using the API cloud solution, Synergy will check that the customer’s inverter is connected to the internet and commissioned on to the inverter manufacturer’s portal. 
• For rooftop solar systems using the metering solution, Synergy will check that the customer’s inverter is wired correctly to the meter in line with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements. 

Regular and ongoing testing is critical to the ESM implementation to ensure that in emergency conditions widespread electricity interruptions in the grid can be mitigated. Testing highlights any issues with inverters or other potential system issues impacting remote management under ESM arrangements. 

Synergy is committed to ensuring any testing is as unobtrusive as possible. Customers should understand that it is normal for their inverters to be switched off periodically for short periods of time to enable ESM testing. Given the short duration of testing intervals, ESM tests are not anticipated to have any significant financial impact on households with rooftop solar systems.

Information relating to when a rooftop solar system was impacted by an ESM low load event or test on or after 1 January 2023 is also available in My Account. 

Will customers be compensated for having their solar turned off?

ESM arrangements are not anticipated to have any significant financial impact on households with rooftop solar systems. Customers will not be compensated when their rooftop solar system is turned off under an ESM event. ESM is intended to only be used as a last resort to maintain system security and avoid the risk of an electricity supply interruptions in the grid.

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), including the buyback rate for excess electricity exported to the network will, if applicable, continues to apply to rooftop solar systems subject to ESM.  During periods where a rooftop solar system is affected by an ESM low load event or test the system will be unable to export to the grid. DEBS eligibility could be impacted if a rooftop solar system subject to ESM is not compliant with ESM requirements as per the DEBS Terms and Conditions. 

What if my inverter fails to turn back on after an ESM low load event or test?

Synergy will work closely with inverter manufacturers and solar installers to ensure inverters can revert to their usual programming as soon as practical following completion of an ESM low load event or test.

Although it is expected to be rare, there may be times when a customer’s inverter fails to restart or reconnect due to an issue or fault outside of Synergy’s control. 

Depending on the type of rooftop solar system you have, you may be able to see if your is on or off via the monitoring platform or website set up by your solar installer when your system was installed. Although the solar installer is generally the first point of technical support for customers, you might wish to restart your inverter by following the shut-down and start-up procedure noted on the inverter to see if that first corrects the issue. It may take up to an hour for the inverter to revert to usual programming following the conclusion of an ESM low load event or test.

What action should I take if my inverter is not working and there was no ESM low load event or test that occurred?

You should contact your solar installer if there are any technical issues with your rooftop solar system at any stage.