Network Technical Code review
Power and Water is commencing a review of the Network Technical Code (NTC) and seeks industry feedback on issues and proposed improvements to the NTC. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to shaping the outcomes of the review.
This review covers Part B 'Network Technical Code' only. It excludes the generator performance standards in Section 3.3, which are expected to be reviewed separately under Territory Electricity Market (TEM) Reform. Part C 'Network Planning Criteria' will be reviewed later, once any potential interdependencies with the NTESMO planning function are well defined.
Purpose and approach of review
Purpose of review
Good Regulatory Practice
Consistent with good regulatory practice, and in accordance with clause 1.8(e) of the NTC, Power and Water aims to review and update the NTC every 5 years to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Alignment to Territory Electricity Market (TEM) Reform
The Northern Territory is undergoing significant electricity market reforms under the Territory Electricity Market (TEM) framework. The primary objective of TEM Reform is to introduce new central planning and procurement activities to coordinate the development of new electricity infrastructure in the regulated electricity systems. A key enabler for coordinated development activities is the requirement to manage access to the network. This may necessitate changes to the NTC.
Approach to review
The review presents an opportunity to improve the efficiency of the NTC by removing or amending unnecessary or inefficient obligations, enabling Power and Water and network users to invest more efficiently in both network infrastructure and connected equipment. A more streamlined and contemporary NTC will also support more efficient network operations.
The NTC came into effect in April 2000, with the Network Planning Criteria added in December 2013. Since then, multiple amendments have been made, resulting in a disjointed document that no longer aligns with industry-standard approaches. It is also not structurally consistent with the National Electricity Rules. This review therefore provides an opportunity to restructure the NTC, clarify obligations and improve readability, ultimately supporting better compliance and governance.
Considering the above, Power and Water has defined three primary objectives for the NTC review:
- 1
Modernise and improve the efficiency of the NTC
- 2
Update and simplify the structure of the NTC
- 3
Make changes necessary to implement TEM Reform
A consultative approach will be adopted for this review, recognising that those who use the NTC are best placed to identify opportunities to improve its efficiency and practical application. This includes subject matter experts within Power and Water, as well as industry stakeholders. Power and Water also intends to engage a consultant with experience across other jurisdictions, in addition to the Northern Territory, to provide advice on where the NTC could be enhanced to reflect contemporary application of good electricity industry practice in technical codes.
As part of this review Power and Water will assess how proposed amendments to the NTC contribute to the achievement of the National Electricity Objective (NEO), which focuses on the long-term interests of customers.
The NEO is:
to promote efficient investment in, and efficient operation and use of, electricity services for the long-term interests of consumers of electricity with respect to:
- price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of electricity; and
- the reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system; and
- the achievement of targets set by a participating jurisdiction— (i) for reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions; or (ii) that are likely to contribute to reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Where changes to the NTC are required as a result of TEM Reform, updates to the NTC will be completed as a part of the TEM reform program. Other updates to NTC will follow the existing regulatory framework where the Utilities Commission’s approval will be sought.
Scope
This review covers Part B 'Network Technical Code' only. It excludes the generator performance standards in Section 3.3, which are expected to be reviewed separately under TEM Reform. Part C 'Network Planning Criteria' will be reviewed later, once any potential interdependencies with the NTESMO planning function are well defined.
Industry consultation
Working with industry to modernise the NTC
Power and Water is seeking industry feedback on issues and proposed improvements to the NTC. Stakeholder input is essential to ensure the NTC remains practical, contemporary and aligned with the evolving needs of the electricity industry.
To ensure submissions can be assessed efficiently, respondents are encouraged to reference specific clauses or sections of the NTC and, where possible, outline suggested amendments or alternative wording.
Submissions that offer practical solutions, rather than only identifying issues, will greatly assist in developing a more effective and contemporary NTC.
All feedback will be considered in the development of draft amendments, which will be circulated for further consultation before any changes are finalised.
Consultation timeline
The indicative consultation timeline for the review is outlined below. Timeframes may be adjusted to ensure continued alignment with the development of the TEM Rules.
Dec 25 - Jan 26
First Industry Consultation – Approach Paper
Seek industry feedback on issues and proposed improvements to the NTC for consideration in the review.
Apr 26 – Aug 26
Second Industry Consultation – TEM Reform Industry Reference Group
Engage with Industry Reference Group on specific issues and development of amendments to the NTC.
Sep 26 – Oct 26
Third Industry Consultation – Draft NTC
Consult with the industry on proposed amendments to the NTC.
Dec 26 – May 27
Utilities Commission Approval
Under Section 37F of the Electricity Reform Act 2000, any amendment to the NTC must be approved by the Utilities Commission.
Documents and related resources
Network Technical Code review approach paper
Power and Water Corporation is reviewing the Network Technical Code (NTC), which sets the technical standards for the Northern Territory’s regulated electricity networks. This approach paper outlines the review’s purpose, scope, consultation process and indicative timeline, and invites industry feedback on issues, improvements and proposed amendments to the NTC.
Network Technical Code and Network Planning Criteria (Version 4, 30 March 2020)
The Network Technical Code and Network Planning Criteria set out the technical, operational and planning requirements for Power and Water Corporation’s regulated electricity networks in the Northern Territory. The Code defines performance standards, connection and protection requirements, testing and commissioning obligations, and arrangements for generators, loads and small inverter energy systems. The Planning Criteria describe how the network is planned and reinforced, including contingency, stability, quality of supply, construction and environmental criteria, to ensure the safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to customers.
Electricity Reform Act 2000
Electricity Reform (Administration) Regulations 2000
The Electricity Reform (Administration) Regulations 2000 sit under the Electricity Reform Act 2000 and spell out many of the detailed “how it works in practice” rules for the NT electricity supply industry. They define key terms, clarify what kinds of generation and sales fall inside or outside the Act, and expand the functions of the Utilities Commission around system control, monitoring and enforcement of technical codes, and dispute resolution between electricity entities.
How to provide feedback
- Read our Network Technical Code review approach paper PDF, 0.5 MB
- Review Part B 'Network Technical Code' of the Network Technical Code and Network Planning Criteria (Version 4, 30 March 2020) PDF, 2.84 MB
- Submissions to this review should be made by Monday, 26 January 2026 via email ntc.review@powerwater.com.au .
Requests for a discussion should also be made to this mailbox.
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