On 3 July 2026, AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd (AusNet) submitted an application for a waiver from clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution). The waiver was requested for the purposes of allowing AusNet to provide distribution asset rental services for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) using its existing staff, offices and branding.

AusNet requested that the AER grant this waiver because the service involves leasing AusNet-owned distribution assets, primarily poles, to third parties for the installation of EVCI. Without a waiver, AusNet would be required to establish separate staff, offices, branding and systems to provide a service that can only be delivered using AusNet-owned distribution assets, resulting in additional costs in providing the service.