The Mildura Distribution System is a distribution network located in north-west Victoria. The network is owned by Australian Gas Networks (AGN – formerly known as Envestra Limited), who outsources the operation of the network to the APA Group.
The Mildura Distribution System consists of approximately 100 km of pipeline delivering gas to around 900 customers. The distribution system delivers approximately 254 TJ/year. It covers Mildura and nearby towns of Merbein, Red Cliffs and Irymple in north-west Victoria. The Mildura Distribution System is connected to the Mildura Pipeline which in turn is connected to the Riverland Pipeline in South Australia.
The Mildura Distribution System is currently a non-scheme distribution network, and is subject to the access regime for non-scheme pipelines under Part 10 of the National Gas Rules (NGR). It was previously subject to the access regime for non-scheme pipelines under the former Part 23 of the NGR, which was replaced by Part 10.
The AER has granted the following exemptions for the Mildura Distribution System:
- On 13 December 2017, a five year Category 2 and Category 3 exemption under Part 23 of the NGR.
- On 30 November 2022, a five year Category 2 and Category 3 exemption under Part 23 of the NGR. Due to reforms to the NGR, the exemptions transitioned to a Category 2 exemption under Part 10 of the NGR.
In June 1999, an Access Arrangement Proposal submitted by Envestra was approved by the Office of the Regulator General of Victoria (ORG) under the Victorian Third Party Access Code. The Victorian Code was an interim instrument until the National Access code came into effect. Coverage of the Mildura Distribution System under the Gas Code was revoked in December 2002.
