Model Standing Offer (MSO) contracts

The Model Standing Offer (MSO) outlines the terms and conditions for solar customers and us as the network operator.

The MSO is our contract with every customer who installs what we call a micro embedded generator. This includes technologies like rooftop solar, batteries or other generators you would ordinarily find in a household.

Solar installers typically act as an agent on behalf of the customer to coordinate the information required for the MSO.

The contract registers the solar connection and confirms:

• The system has been installed in a way that is safe and complies with all the conditions of the MSO

• The system is set to export the maximum amount of power approved in our solar export pre-approval

• The obligations of the owner of the ‘micro embedded generator’ that is exporting power into our network

• Our rights to access the property or remotely access the system so that we can check it is operating in line with the agreed conditions

The conditions in the MSO are important to maintain power quality, security and reliability for everyone.

Rooftop solar falls under the umbrella term ‘distributed energy resources’, or DER. This describes technologies that generate electricity on the customer’s side of their electricity meter.

The Australian Energy Market Operator manages a register of distributed energy resources; known as the DER Register.

Via the MSO, networks collect detailed information on the make and model of all distributed energy resources and provide this to AEMO for inclusion in the register.

The register helps AEMO and network operators like us to manage the electricity system and support customers to get the most value from their investments.