The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is seeking emergency powers to turn off or reduce rooftop solar systems across the country in extreme situations.
In a new report the Operator said it wanted the ability to reduce or turn off residential roof top solar systems to deal with the security of the grid.
It has these powers in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and parts of Queensland but AEMO is calling for it to be urgently extended to all states by next year as solar energy generation continues to rapidly grow.
The report said rising solar output was threatening the safety and security of the grid when it pushes out all other forms of generation needed to help keep the system stable.
More than four million rooftop solar systems are installed across the country on households and businesses.
"The emergency periods where this kind of intervention is required should remain infrequent, but essential for maintaining a secure and reliable supply of electricity for customers," AEMO wrote in the report.
“The ability to restore the system following a black system event may also be compromised at times of very high distributed PV (rooftop solar) generation.”