Guidelines for networks

The AER develops guidelines for network providers in response to new rules, or changes to rules, announced by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).

Our guidelines provide instructions to market participants on how we expect them to comply with the rules.

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Incentive schemes 

Incentive schemes form an important part of our approach to regulating national monopoly electricity and gas networks in Australia.

They seek to incentivise regulated network service providers to run an efficient business so that consumers pay no more than necessary for services that they value the most.

The National Electricity Rules establishes the following incentive schemes:

  • Efficiency benefit sharing scheme (EBSS)
  • Capital expenditure sharing scheme (CESS)
  • Service target performance incentive scheme (STPIS)
  • Demand management incentive scheme (and demand management innovation allowance)
  • Small scale incentive scheme.

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Models

We have developed a series of financial models to be used by network businesses in gas and electricity revenue determinations.

Using standardised models streamlines our assessment processes and improve the efficiency, accuracy and transparency of our determinations.

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Reviews

We periodically review and update our guidelines, schemes and models to ensure they are fit-for-purpose in the current regulatory environment. We also review other regulatory functions and publish issues papers to address challenges, consider new ideas and discover potential ways forward. 

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Revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects

Our guideline explains the Transmission Efficiency Test and how we determine revenue for network operators authorised to carry out non-contestable projects.
Type
Guidelines
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

Revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects - December 2025

The AER has published an updated version of the Revenue determination Guideline for NSW non-contestable projects.
Type
Reviews
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

Bulloo Interlink Pipeline – Greenfields incentive determination

Assessment of APA's application for a Greenfields incentive determination for the Bulloo Interlink.
Type
Reviews
Sector
Gas
Status
Current

Annual benchmarking reports 2025

We examine the relative efficiency of the distribution and transmission electricity network service providers
Type
Reviews
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

Guidance note on the AER’s EII Assessment Approach for Non-contestable revenue determinations

The AER has released a guidance note on the AER’s assessment approach for use in non-contestable revenue determinations.
Type
Guidelines
Sector
Electricity
Status
Current

Capital Expenditure Guideline Review 2025

On 26 May, we published our final amendments to the Capital Expenditure Incentive Guidelines (Guidelines).
Type
Reviews
Sector
Electricity
Gas
Status
Current