The *Basics* of How Project Energy Connect Will Appear in NEM Data

Key Takeaways

• deSide® software gets PEC data first, ez2view follows
• NSW1‑SA1 is the official AEMO code for the new interconnector
• PEC Stage 2 goes live on 1 Oct 2026, replacing temporary VIC‑SA boost
• Early visibility in PASA and Predispatch forecasts precedes full go‑live
• Increased interconnection capacity may retire high‑cost firming assets in SA

Pulse Analysis

Project Energy Connect (PEC) is poised to become a visible element of the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) data set by early 2026, with the official go‑live slated for 1 October 2026. The new NSW1‑SA1 interconnector links South Australia and New South Wales, superseding the temporary capacity augmentation on the VIC‑SA corridor that AEMO used during PEC Stage 1. By integrating PEC data into forecasting tools such as PASA and Predispatch, market participants will gain earlier insight into cross‑border flows, enabling more accurate scheduling and risk management.

WattClarity is leading the rollout, prioritising its deSide® platform for large energy users who rely on demand‑response strategies. Subsequent updates to ez2view and NEMwatch will introduce dedicated widgets—like the Interconnector Dashboard and Trends Engine—automatically reflecting PEC’s operational status. This phased software upgrade ensures that analysts and traders can monitor the interconnector’s performance as it ramps up, while still allowing manual configuration for more complex visualisations. The clear naming convention (NSW1‑SA1) helps standardise reporting across AEMO’s systems, reducing confusion that previously arose from the colloquial "PEC" label.

The market impact of PEC’s activation is substantial. Increased transmission capacity between SA and NSW is expected to lower wholesale price volatility in South Australia, potentially rendering some high‑cost firming generation uneconomical. This shift could accelerate the retirement of older coal and gas assets, aligning with Australia’s broader decarbonisation goals. Moreover, the enhanced inter‑regional connectivity supports greater renewable integration, as excess generation in one region can be exported more efficiently. Stakeholders—from utilities to large industrial consumers—should prepare for revised pricing dynamics, updated congestion management protocols, and new opportunities for arbitrage across the expanded network.