The AER commenced operations on 1 July 2005 as a constituent part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The AER is established under the new Part IIIAA of the Trade Practices Act. In accordance with section 44AE, the AER is established as a separate legal entity.
As set out in Part IIIAA, the AER comprises three statutorily appointed members. A full time chairperson (Steve Edwell), and two part time members, one of whom is also required to be a full time ACCC Commissioner (Ed Willett) and a State/Territory Member (Geoff Swier).
The AER will perform its electricity transmission regulatory functions in accordance with the National Electricity Law and the National Electricity Rules.