On 14 March 2025, Ergon Energy Network applied to the AER for a waiver from clause 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution), which would allow Ergon Energy Network to continue to use similar naming and branding to Ergon Energy Retail (a contestable service business in retail market).
The AER consulted on Ergon Energy Network's ring-fencing waiver application and submissions to this consultation closed on 13 June 2025. The AER did not receive any submissions from stakeholders.
On 27 June 2025, the AER decided to grant a waiver to Ergon Energy Network from clause 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution) to allow Ergon Energy Network to continue to use similar naming and branding to Ergon Energy Retail (a contestable service business in retail market). The waiver is granted on the condition that Ergon Energy Retail will use its brand only to offer standard retail contracts and will need to establish a separate brand if they were to offer other contestable services.
Ergon Energy Network and Ergon Energy Retail are both Queensland Government Owned Corporations (GOCs), and thus naming arrangements are determined by the Queensland Government. We consider by waiving clause 4.2.3 related to branding and cross-promotion contributes to the long-term interests of consumers, aligns with the principles of NEO by saving time and expenditure to build a new brand and create consumer awareness.
This waiver will expire on 30 June 2035, unless varied or revoked sooner.