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 is seeking 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.

In addition to the waiver application, the AER has published an initiation notice which sets out several of the key issues on which the AER would like to hear from stakeholders.

If approved, the waiver would permit the training academy to operate under this model until 2034.

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.