The inclusion of an emissions objective would require a shift in how statutory entities exercise their respective functions under the National Electricity Law, as well as consideration of how an emissions benefit should be quantified to allow comparison against other priorities.

After significant delay, the AER has now recommenced its review into the ring-fencing arrangements for Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs). The AER’s initial views on ringfencing requirements reflect a changing market, highlighted by: new technologies; potential for increased competition; and the need for continued innovation.

The AER has released its final Better Bills Guideline released in December 2021. The final Guideline contains new requirements for the layout and mandatory inclusion of information on bills by retailers for customers using less than 100MWh per annum

Regulators are only now grasping the full extent of the challenges and opportunities brought by the proliferation of DER, including the need for remote, dynamic device communication. Flowing on from this is the need for interoperability standards and a good governance model.

The AER has released details of the 26 submissions received on the Draft Better Bills Guideline released in December 2021. The Draft Guideline contains new requirements for the layout and mandatory inclusion information on bills by retailers for customers using less than 100MWh per annum.

The AER has released its draft determination for retail electricity default market offer (DMO) prices to apply from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 (DMO 4). The DMO is the maximum price an electricity retailer can charge a standing offer customer each year.

The AER has released draft Export Tariff Guidelines for consultation, which provide guidance about how distributors should define the basic export level for distributed energy resources (such as solar PV), and how they should develop and justify proposals for export pricing.

The Australian Energy Regulator released its 2022 Rate of Return Instrument Information Paper on 17 December 2021, which is the next step toward the final 2022 Instrument (due for publication in December 2022). It sets out six priority issues for further analysis and stakeholder feedback.

The AER is developing new guidance for DNSPs following the AEMC’s final determination on access, pricing and incentive arrangements for DER. The guidelines are intended to guide efficient levels of DER export investment and appropriate two-way price signals

The AER is consulting on its proposed regulatory sandbox toolkit following the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) regulatory sandbox recommendations to the COAG Energy Council on 26 September 2019, and further advice on rule changes on 26 March 2020.

What is the Ring-Fencing Guideline change and how does it affect you?