Weekly Dispatch

Week 42

12 to 18 October 2026

The NEM weekly average rose 15.0 per cent against the prior week. The federal government amended its proposed gas reservation policy to allow domestic supply obligations below 20 per cent. AEMO opened consultation on the draft 2027 General Power System Risk Review approach paper.

News

New South Wales battery storage assets generated $5.63 million in revenue during a two-hour price event on 12 October 2026. Energy-Storage.News
The federal government amended its proposed gas reservation policy, allowing the Resources Minister to set domestic supply obligations below 20 per cent. The Energy Co
Australian renewable energy final investment decisions reached 5GW for the first nine months of 2024, with 2.1GW approved in the third quarter. The Energy Co
VicGrid appointed ACCIONA as the development partner for the Gippsland offshore wind transmission project. Utility Magazine
AER revised revenue determinations for the 850MW Waratah Super Battery, extending its operational term. Energy-Storage.News
The Victorian Government approved the 1.5GW Warracknabeal Energy Park, advancing the project to the federal assessment stage. Energy Source & Distribution

Policy

AEMO published the draft 2027 General Power System Risk Review approach paper for consultation, with submissions closing 12 November 2026. AEMO
AEMO released a discussion paper on dispatch algorithm formulation, accepting submissions until 12 November 2026. AEMO
AEMO opened consultation on proposed changes to the compensation methodology for hybrid facilities, with submissions due 13 November 2026. AEMO
The AER published a draft decision to grant Australian Gas Networks exemptions from gas ring-fencing obligations for hydrogen trial projects in South Australia and Gladstone. AER

Market

The NEM weekly average rose 15.0 per cent to $78.10/MWh, with New South Wales recording the largest increase at 40.2 per cent. NEM recap 18 Oct
The highest price of the week was $23,107/MWh in New South Wales at 14:20 on 12 October 2026. AEMO issued a forecast lack of reserve level 1 notice for the region at 12:55. NEM recap 12 Oct
South Australia recorded 127.5 hours of negative prices, representing 75.9 per cent of the week, while New South Wales recorded 0.3 cap hours. NEM recap 18 Oct
Total FCAS costs were $1.22 million, an increase of 104.9 per cent against the prior week, and renewables reached a peak of 77.0 per cent of generation at 11:10 on 17 October 2026. NEM recap 18 Oct

Commodities

Brent Crude rose 4.9 per cent to US$109.86 a barrel, and Newcastle Coal increased 1.0 per cent to US$150.40/t.
TTF Gas rose 7.5 per cent to EUR87.55/MWh, while Natural Gas fell 3.1 per cent to US$3.12/mmbtu.