The AER is required to make revenue determinations for network operators who are authorised or directed to undertake network infrastructure projects. We undertake this role as a Regulator under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (EII Act).
Throughout 2022 and 2023, NSW Energy Corporation (EnergyCo), as the Infrastructure Planner for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ), undertook a competitive assessment process to select a network operator for the main CWO REZ network project (Project). ACEREZ Partnership (ACEREZ) was the successful tenderer.
On 4 June 2024, AusEnergy Services Ltd (the NSW Consumer Trustee) authorised ACEREZ as the network operator to develop, construct, own, control and operate the Project.
Initial determination - December 2024
On 24 October 2024, ACEREZ submitted a revenue proposal to the AER seeking to recover the costs established through the competitive assessment process for the Project.
We made a contestable revenue determination for the Project on 13 December 2024.
Under the EII Act, ACEREZ is required to be paid by the Scheme Financial Vehicle (SFV) in accordance with our determination. The SFV recovers these costs (and other NSW Roadmap costs) from NSW electricity distributors, who in turn recover these costs from NSW electricity customers via their retail bills.
Remade determination - June 2025
ACEREZ may propose adjustments to the determination through an annual or ad hoc process if the adjustment is consistent with one or more of the adjustment mechanisms in its determination.
On 7 May 2025, the AER received an adjustment proposal from ACEREZ for the Project. The proposed adjustments reflect the final agreed Project Deed, and the revenue and costs set at Financial Close for the Project.
On 27 June 2025, the AER decided to review and remake the contestable revenue determination for the Project to reflect ACEREZ’s adjustment proposal. We published a summary report on our remade determination.
Annual adjustments
On 2 July 2026, ACEREZ submitted an annual adjustment proposal to the AER seeking to amend the amounts payable to it under its determination. The AER has approved the adjustment proposal and updated the schedule of quarterly payments.