Overview
About WEMDRA
A dispute resolution adviser is required under each of the National Electricity Rules and National Gas Rules. The combined role has created and been named the Wholesale Energy Market Dispute Resolution Adviser (WEMDRA).
Resolution Institute is the current WEMDRA.
As the peak dispute resolution membership organisation in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, we offer extensive membership benefits and services, industry-leading training and accreditation, the best of online learning and continuing professional development options, as well as wide-ranging nominations services. We are a recognised mediator accreditation body in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. At the same time, we are an Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) in all Australian states (except Queensland) for Security of Payment disputes. We advocate with authority on members’ behalf as a default nominating body for various industry schemes and the preferred dispute resolver written into contracts.
To learn more about Resolution Institute, you can read more here.
Who should use this website
WEMDRA can be consulted by participants in the wholesale energy market to assess whether an issue they are having is covered by the process.
If you are a consumer or small business, please consult our resources page for links to appropriate ombuds in your State. The WEMDRA processes do not apply.
Dispute resolution architecture
The Rules also provide for market participants to nominate a dispute management contact known a DMS in electricity and DMC in gas.
This website contains documents and information to assist with a dispute or scheduling error process under the relevant Rules. There are similarities and also some differences between the legislative provisions in gas and electricity. We have two sections gas and electricity and these differences are reflected in the notices and practice notes under each section. User material that is specific to either Part 15C of the NGR or Chapter 8 of the NER then appears under the respective heading.
The joint resources include the WEMDRA quarterly reports to the market, and the pool which is the details of the pool of experts from which the dispute resolution panels will be selected.
Process Overview
Both Chapter 8 NER and Part 15C NGR dispute resolution process are divided into two stages
Stage 1
Encourages the exploration and joint resolution of the disputes by direct commercial negotiation, or assistance through a facilitated, or non binding expert process
Stage 2
Geared towards a binding decision by a panel of one or more experts.
WEMDRA is available to answer any questions you may have in relation to both stages of the process or to assist parties with specific disputes. This assistance can include facilitating and guiding the process in stage 1 and case management in stage 2. The level of assistance required will depend on the nature of the dispute and the type of process.
Joint resources
- Adviser reports to the WEM
- Pool of experts from which dispute resolution panels are selected
- Useful links
Electricity
In Electricity, Chapter 8 of the NER requires participants to develop an internal dispute management system (‘DMS’) and appoint a DMS contact person.
Resources
DMS contact information
Guidance notes for a DMS under the NER
Stage 1 – dispute management system referral notice
Stage 2 – adviser referral notice
Guidelines and application for compensation for a scheduling error
Dispute resolution panel determinations
Gas
In Gas there is no specific DMS process mandated for organisations. Participants are required to nominate a contact point (DMC contact), who should be used as a contact in a dispute.
Resources
DMC contact information
Stage 1 – Dispute resolution notice
Stage 2 – Dispute resolution notice
Adviser guideline and application for compensation for unexpected scheduling result (USR)
Application for compensation for a USR where AEMO have made a determination confirming a USR
Dispute resolution panel determinations
Feedback
Feedback on any aspect of dispute resolution is appreciated to ensure that we can continuously improve the process and the documents and make the information relevant to the users.
Contact information for WEMDRA
Resolution Institute
Wholesale Energy Market Dispute Resolution Adviser
Freephone: 1800 651 650 (select menu #5)
Email: wemdra@resolution.institute