The AEMC is extending the date for publishing the draft determination on rule change requests from the New South Wales distribution network businesses (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy) and ActewAGL which would allow any revenue adjustments to be ‘smoothed’ and recovered from customers over several years, rather than in a single regulatory period.

The draft determination will now be made on 27 April 2017. The AEMC considers the extension necessary to enable additional consultation on the complex issues raised by stakeholders about implementation, if the rule is made.

In March 2016 the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) applied to the Federal Court for a judicial review of the Australian Competition Tribunal’s decisions on the NSW and ACT distribution businesses’ revenue determinations for the period 2014-2019. The rule change requests propose that any adjustments to the revenue allowances that may result from these proceedings be recovered over two regulatory periods, to minimise the volatility of customers’ electricity bills.

A consultation paper was published on 17 November 2016 and stakeholder submissions closed on 15 December 2016.

Media: Prudence Anderson 0404 821 935 or DL (02) 8296 7817