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.

Search guidelines

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.

Search schemes

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.

Search models

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. 

Search reviews

Network visibility

Reviews
Electricity
Gas
Open
The Network Visibility project seeks to optimise the benefits of CER (Consumer Energy Resources) and network assets for all customers.

Networks information requirements review

Reviews
Electricity
Open
The Networks Information Requirements Review is about driving improvements in the quality of the information about regulated networks that we use and share.

Rate of Return annual updates 2023–26

Guidelines
Electricity
Gas
Current
The intent of the rate of return annual updates is to provide stakeholders with information on rate of return data, particularly time series market data, showing changes since the publication of the 2022 Instrument.

Review of the AER exemptions framework for embedded networks

Reviews
Electricity
Open
The AER is undertaking a Review of the AER exemptions framework for embedded networks.

Pipeline Access Dispute Guide

Guidelines
Gas
Current
The Pipeline Access Dispute Guide is intended to provide guidance about the access dispute resolution process under the NGL and NGR.

Annual benchmarking reports 2023

Reviews
Electricity
Current
We examine the relative efficiency of the distribution and transmission electricity network service providers in 2023.