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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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.

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.

Gas distribution network tariffs review 2023

Reviews
Gas
Open
The AER determines network tariff structures and tariff levels for gas distribution networks in NSW, Victoria, SA and the ACT.

Pipeline Information Disclosure Guidelines

Guidelines
Gas
Current
The gas pipeline information disclosure guidelines, price reporting guidelines and accompanying templates are required under the new Part 10 & 18A of the NGR.