The AEMC has started a review of regulatory arrangements for embedded networks at the request of the COAG Energy Council.
Embedded networks can include caravan parks, apartment buildings or shopping centres. They are private networks which serve multiple premises and are located within, and connected to, a distribution or transmission system in the national electricity market through a parent connection point.
The review will explore a range of retail market issues including whether electricity customers in embedded networks have appropriate customer protections.
It was recommended by the commission’s final determination of the embedded networks rule change request (December 2015). The review will identify and assess any issues for embedded network customers under the National Energy Retail Law and National Energy Retail Rules and identify appropriate solutions.
Issues considered will include:
- the exemption framework for exempt network service providers and exempt retailers
- customer protections for embedded network customers
- barriers to embedded network customers accessing competitive retail energy offers.
The review will be informed by the experiences of embedded network customers. The AEMC will be publishing a consultation paper in April 2017, which will outline key issues and questions for stakeholders and will call for written submissions.
Media: Prudence Anderson 0404 821 935 or DL (02) 8296 7817