The AER is seeking written submissions on Essential Energy's application and the initiation notice for a ring-fencing waiver which seeks approval to establish and operate a dedicated training academy offering training programs for both internal staff and external participants across the electricity sector.
On 15 May 2025, Essential Energy applied for a ring-fencing waiver to deliver additional contestable (technical and safety) training courses to the electricity industry, and to establish a training academy with hubs in regional areas of NSW (Parkes, Grafton, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Goulburn).
Essential Energy is seeking a waiver from clauses 3.1(b), 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution), which would enable Essential Energy to offer two certificate IV courses from 2025 to meet immediate industry demand, ahead of establishing a full training academy by 2027. The training academy is proposed to provide accredited training to a broader range of electricity sector participants and help build workforce capability in regional NSW by offering programs relevant to evolving industry needs.
In addition to the waiver application, the AER has published an initiation notice, which describes the information on which the AER would like to hear from stakeholders. If approved, the waiver would permit the training academy to operate under this model until 2034.
