Distribution pipelines and electricity networks link the transmission systems to end users. Regulation of distribution companies, except for gas distribution in the Northern Territory, is undertaken by state regulators (see our Links page for more detail).
About gas distribution
Distribution pipelines convey gas from the transmission line to users within a market.
At this time, the AER and ACCC have no regulatory role in the economic regulation of distribution networks other than in the Northern Territory.
About electricity distribution
The national electricity market includes the distribution networks that serve end-users of electricity. These distribution networks consist of network assets distributing electricity at nominal voltages up to 66kV. However in some circumstances assets operating at nominal voltages between 66kV and 220kV may be deemed to be part of the distribution network upon agreement between the AER, the relevant jurisdictional regulator and the relevant network operator.
The AER commenced economic regulation of electricity distribution networks on 1 January 2008.