Guidelines for networks

The AER develops guidelines for network providers in response to new rules, or changes to rules, announced by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).

Our guidelines provide instructions to market participants on how we expect them to comply with the rules.

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Incentive schemes 

Incentive schemes form an important part of our approach to regulating national monopoly electricity and gas networks in Australia.

They seek to incentivise regulated network service providers to run an efficient business so that consumers pay no more than necessary for services that they value the most.

The National Electricity Rules establishes the following incentive schemes:

  • Efficiency benefit sharing scheme (EBSS)
  • Capital expenditure sharing scheme (CESS)
  • Service target performance incentive scheme (STPIS)
  • Demand management incentive scheme (and demand management innovation allowance)
  • Small scale incentive scheme.

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Models

We have developed a series of financial models to be used by network businesses in gas and electricity revenue determinations.

Using standardised models streamlines our assessment processes and improve the efficiency, accuracy and transparency of our determinations.

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Reviews

We periodically review and update our guidelines, schemes and models to ensure they are fit-for-purpose in the current regulatory environment. We also review other regulatory functions and publish issues papers to address challenges, consider new ideas and discover potential ways forward. 

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Compliance procedures and guidelines - 2024 update

We are reviewing our compliance procedures and guidelines. Submissions on the draft Guidelines are invited from interested stakeholders by 19 April 2024.
Type
Guidelines
Sector
Electricity
Gas
Status
Open

Day ahead auction record keeping guideline 2023

This guideline sets out how transportation facility operators should record and maintain nomination and renomination data relevant to the AER’s monitoring funct
Type
Guidelines
Sector
Gas
Status
Current

2024 cost thresholds review for the regulatory investment test

On 12 November 2024, the AER published a final determination on the 2024 cost threshold review for regulatory investment tests and annual price reports.
Type
Reviews
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

South West Queensland Pipeline form of regulation review

We've conducted a form of regulation review of the South West Queensland Pipeline, which is owned and operated by APA Group.
Type
Reviews
Sector
Gas
Status
Current

System Security Network Support Payment Guideline

The Guideline assists TNSPs to better understand how they can apply for AER review of significant draft SSNS contracts.
Type
Guidelines
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

Annual benchmarking reports 2024

We examine the relative efficiency of the distribution and transmission electricity network service providers in 2024.
Type
Reviews
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current