Power quality monitoring in Australia is undergoing significant changes with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) implementing new Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) compliance requirements for 2026.
These changes, mandated through National Electricity Rules (NER) 7.16.6C, establish minimum requirements for voltage, current and phase angle monitoring across the National Electricity Market (NEM). For organisations managing electricity assets, understanding these requirements is essential for operational excellence and compliance.
This guide examines the components of BPQD compliance, relevant standards and the technical specifications required for implementation.
Understanding AEMO's Basic Power Quality Data Requirements
The BPQD program stems from AEMO’s responsibility to maintain power system security and manage voltage control across the National Electricity Market. Following recommendations from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), the NER was amended to introduce clause 7.16.6C, which mandates the collection and reporting of voltage, current and phase angle data.
This rule change establishes minimum monitoring requirements for Metering Coordinators and Market Participants. Under the new requirements, compliant devices should record average voltage magnitudes, current magnitudes and phase angles across all phases at trading intervals.
These measurements should be captured at designated connection points, with data reported to AEMO through established channels. The collected data supports critical power system management functions including network planning, operational forecasting and contingency analysis.
Key Technical Standards for BPQD Compliance
Meeting BPQD compliance requirements necessitates understanding the technical standards that govern power quality monitoring equipment. These standards specify measurement accuracy, data formats and communication protocols essential for AEMO reporting.
Monitoring devices should measure voltage and current with sufficient precision to support grid stability analysis while meeting Australian regulatory frameworks.
The following standards provide the foundation for compliant power quality monitoring systems:
Basic Power Quality vs Advanced Power Quality
Addressing power quality monitoring can come in various formats from basic to advanced power quality. Standards such as AS 61000.4.30 define algorithms and methods for measuring and interpreting power quality parameters. Measurement performance is categorised into two classes, Class A and Class S.
For BPQD compliance, measuring instruments are recommended to ensure sufficient accuracy. The standard specifies measurement methods for voltage magnitude, current magnitude and phase angles, being parameters for BPQD reporting.
These measurements will need to be reported during the trading intervals per AEMO specifications.
AS 62053-22 - Static Metering for Active Energy (Classes 0.2S and 0.5S)
AS 62053-22 specifies requirements for static watt-hour meters with accuracy Classes 0.2S and 0.5S.
These accuracy classes are particularly relevant for monitoring equipment deployed at connection points where BPQD reporting is required. The standard defines testing procedures, accuracy limits and influence quantities that affect measurement quality.
For BPQD compliance, metering equipment should maintain the relevant accuracy requirements per installation types. The standard specifies accuracy requirements across different load conditions, ensuring measurements remain reliable under variable operating circumstances.
Voltage and Current Measurement Techniques for Compliance
Accurate voltage and current measurement forms the foundation of BPQD compliance. Monitoring equipment should capture true RMS values across all phases, with sampling rates sufficient to detect variations that might affect power system security.
Voltage transformers (VTs) and current transformers (CTs) where applicable, for measurements should be appropriately rated and regularly calibrated to maintain accuracy.
The measurement chain, from sensors through signal conditioning to analogue-digital conversion, should maintain overall accuracy for system compliance performance. Equipment specifications should account for harmonic content in the measured signals, as harmonics can affect the accuracy of RMS calculations.
Measurement uncertainty should be documented and included in compliance reporting to AEMO. NATA accredited calibration of monitoring equipment is required to ensure traceable measurement accuracy and demonstrates due diligence in compliance efforts.
Preparing for BPQD Compliance: Next Steps
With the 2026 deadline approaching, organisations should begin preparing for BPQD compliance by assessing their current monitoring capabilities against AEMO requirements. This assessment should identify gaps in measurement coverage, accuracy, or reporting capabilities that need addressing.
A phased implementation plan can help manage the financial and operational impacts of compliance activities. Organisations should engage with metering providers and consultants experienced in power quality monitoring to develop appropriate solutions.
SATEC Australia provides advanced metering solutions that meet AEMO BPQD compliance requirements. Our range of NMI approved advanced metering complying with measurement standards , comprehensive phase angle monitoring and flexible reporting capabilities.
SATEC products integrate seamlessly with existing energy management systems and support industry standard communication protocols for efficient data collection and API integration.
For more information on SATEC’s BPQD-compliant solutions, please contact our support team or visit our website.
FAQs - AEMO BPQD Compliance
What is AEMO’s Basic Power Quality Data (BPQD) program?
BPQD is AEMO’s new framework under NER 7.16.6C that mandates minimum monitoring, collection and reporting of voltage, current and phase angle data at key connection points across the NEM from 2026.
Who needs to comply with BPQD and by when?
Metering Coordinators and relevant Market Participants in the NEM must ensure their monitoring and reporting arrangements are BPQD-compliant ahead of AEMO’s 2026 implementation deadline.
What measurements and intervals are required for BPQD compliance?
Compliant devices must record average voltage magnitudes, current magnitudes and phase angles on all phases at trading intervals and report this data to AEMO via approved channels.
How can SATEC help organisations meet BPQD requirements?
SATEC Australia can comply with BPQD with our NMI approved advanced metering solutions for accurate voltage, current and phase angle measurement plus flexible data and communications options to support AEMO BPQD reporting.
