We are proposing targeted amendments to our NSW Electricity Infrastructure Fund Contribution Determination Guideline and associated Contribution Determination Model. The draft amendments are intended to improve the operation, transparency and predictability of the contribution determination framework as the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap evolves.

The proposed changes are intended to provide greater clarity on:

• the methodology for calculating the minimum prudent cash balance for the Electricity Infrastructure Fund;
• the methodology for calculating the percentage of the contribution determination that relates to generation long-term energy service agreements under clause 36 of the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Regulation 2021 (NSW);
• additional process steps for Consumer Trustee engagement on the Scheme Financial Vehicle's minimum prudent cash balance proposal;
• the roles and responsibilities of scheme entities, including the information they are required to provide to support annual contribution determinations;
• how non-disclosure claims relating to contribution determinations will be handled; and
• minor administrative updates to improve clarity and reflect legislative amendments.

The Guideline is currently in draft form, and we are seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed amendments.

We invite stakeholders to make submissions on the draft amendments to the Guideline by 19 August 2026.

Submissions should be emailed to: rezaer [dot] gov [dot] au (subject: Contribution%20Determination%20Guideline%202026%20review%20%E2%80%93%20submission) (rez[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au) with an email title of ‘Contribution Determination Guideline 2026 review – submission’.

Alternatively, submissions may be sent to: 

Mr Scott Haig 
Acting General Manager, 
Renewable Energy Zones Branch, Networks Regulation 
Australian Energy Regulator 
GPO Box 3131 
CANBERRA  ACT 2601 

We prefer written submissions to be publicly available to facilitate an informed and transparent consultation process. We will treat submissions as public documents unless confidentiality is requested and accepted. We will publish all non-confidential submissions on the AER's website. For further information on the AER's use and disclosure of information provided to it, see the AER Information Policy.

We request parties wishing to submit confidential information to: 

• clearly identify the information that is the subject of the confidentiality claim
• provide a non-confidential version of the submission in a form suitable for publication on the AER’s website.