The AEMC has commenced consultation on a rule change request from the Standing Council on Energy and Resources relating to network service provider expenditure objectives in chapter 6 and chapter 6A of the National Electricity Rules.

In particular, the rule change request seeks to clarify that network service providers should only be able to seek sufficient expenditure for reliability in their regulatory proposals to comply with jurisdictional standards. The rule change request also considers whether similar clarification in the NER is required in relation to expenditure for quality and security of supply and the safety of the network.

Submissions on the first round of consultation will close on 7 March 2013.