Overview

Initiation
Decision

Application

On 15 May 2025, Essential Energy applied for a ring-fencing waiver to deliver additional contestable (technical and safety) training courses to the electricity industry, and to establish a training academy with hubs in regional areas of NSW (Parkes, Grafton, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Goulburn). 

Essential Energy sought a waiver from clauses 3.1(b), 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution), which would enable Essential Energy to offer two certificate IV courses from 2025 to meet immediate industry demand, ahead of establishing a full training academy by 2027. The facility is proposed to provide accredited training to a broader range of electricity sector participants in regional NSW and help build workforce capability in regional NSW and offer programs relevant to evolving industry needs.

The waiver was requested until 30 June 2034.

Essential Energy - Ring-fencing waiver - May 2025
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Authors
Essential Energy
Document

Initiation Notice
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Authors
AER
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Submissions

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The AER has published the submissions received from stakeholders to the consultation on Essential's ring-fencing training waiver application. We thank the stakeholders for their time in responding to the consultation and sharing valuable insights.

Armidale Regional Council - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Armidale Regional Council
Document

Boschetti - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Boschetti
Document

Business NSW - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Business NSW
Document

Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA)
Document

Cotton Australia - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Cotton Australia
Document

DCCEEW - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - NSW
Document

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development- Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Document

Electrical Trades Union - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Electrical Trades Union (ETU)
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Farms Renewable Consulting - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Farms Renewables Consulting
Document

Gunnedah Shire Council - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Gunnedah Shire Council
Document

JLG Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
JLG Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd
Document

Joblink Plus - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Joblink Plus
Document

Justice and Equity Centre - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
PDF (270.43KB) View details

Authors
Justice and Equity Centre
Document

Liam Squire (Apprentice to Essential Energy) - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Liam Squire
Document

Workforce Australia - New England and North West - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Workforce Australia - New England and North West
Document

Marie Russell AM - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Marie Russell AM
Document

NECA - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
NECA
Document

Regional Development Australia - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland
Document

Ronny Onggo - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Ronny Onggo
Document

Seek + Deploy - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Seek + Deploy
Document

Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO)
Document

Tamworth Regional Council - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Tamworth Regional Council
Document

Tenants Union of NSW - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Tenants' Union of NSW
Document

Uralla Shire Council - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Uralla Shire Council
Document

Whitehaven Coal - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Whitehaven Coal
Document

Essential Energy - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Authors
Essential Energy
Document

Stride Renewables - Submission to Essential Energy ring-fencing waiver for training academy
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Document