On 3 November 2011, the AEMC gave notice under section 93(1)(a) of the NEL to consolidate the process for a rule change received from an Energy Users Committee representing Amcor, Australian Paper, Rio Tinto, Simplot, Wesfarmers, Westfield and Woolworths (the Energy Users Committee) with the Economic Regulation of Network Service Providers Rule request proposed by the Australian Energy Regulator. The Energy Users' Committee's rule change request related to the calculation of the cost of debt for electricity network businesses. Part of the AER rule change request also deals with similar subject matter.

The AEMC has initiated and commenced assessment of the consolidated rule change request. The process and timetable for the new consolidated rule change request will be the same as that which was established for the AER rule change requests on Economic Regulation of Network Service Providers, and the related but separate, rule change request on the Price and Revenue Regulation of Gas Services under the National Gas Law (NGL). Submissions on the consolidated rule change request will close on 8 December 2011. The AEMC will also be holding a public forum in Brisbane on 23 November 2011 to facilitate discussion on the proposals. Further details and registration for the public forum is available on the AEMC's website.

Due to the complex nature of the consolidated rule proposed, the AEMC has also extended the period of time for the making of the draft rule determination on this rule change request to 26 July 2012.