On 18 December 2013 the AER issued its Preliminary positions paper, Framework and approach for Energex for the regulatory control period of 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020.

Submissions closed on 19 February 2014.

The Queensland Consumers' Association was not able to make a formal submissions, but in email correspondence to the AER on 19 February 2014, emphasised the following:

• closely scrutinise distributor demand forecasts
• review adequacy of the current distribution charging zones, especially Ergon Energy's easter zone, to make more cost reflective on a geographical basis, where economical to do so.
• require more emphasis on incentive schemes for demand management, including direct load control of small customer air conditioners.
• if not included in the Queensland Competition Authority standards, review need for service standards for low voltage, brownouts and other quality parameters.
• ensure consumer capital contribution arrangements for all classes of consumers are fair and are being properly implemented.

On 30 April 2014, the AER published its Final framework and approach for Energex and Ergon Energy for the regulatory control period commencing 1 July 2015.