The AER is updating the Annual Information Orders applying to electricity distribution and transmission networks, and interconnectors and the Annual Information Notice applying to PWC. 

The current Annual Information Instruments apply for the 2024-25 to the 2027-28 regulatory years. The AER's update will apply to the 2026-27 and 2027-28 regulatory years. 

Timeline

The AER will release, for consultation,  draft Annual Information Instruments by 31 March 2026.

Network service providers (NSPs) will be given at least 30 business days to provide feedback to the AER on its draft position.

The AER will take into account all relevant submissions and publish its final Annual Information Instruments for 2026-27 to 2027-28 by 30 June 2026.

Background

The purpose of this update is to respond to issues raised by NSPs during the collection of 2024-25 data (the first year of data collection under the new Annual Information Instruments). Updates to the Orders and Notice will focus on:

• Updating instruction documents to incorporate guidance materials
• Incorporating references to the data reporting tables
• Resolving errors
• Reissuing the Glossary
• Updating the AER's data use case file
• Amending Transmission Pricing Information to reflect recent rule changes

A full review of the Orders including scope, timing and an update to information requirements will take place when the AER develops the Annual Information Orders 2028-29 to 2031-32, with consultation beginning late 2027.