AER revokes APTNT’s exemption from gas ring-fencing requirements

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has published its final decision to revoke an exemption granted to APT Pipelines (NT) Pty Ltd (APTNT) from ring-fencing requirements under section 140 of the National Gas Law.

On 14 November 2024, APTNT applied to revoke its exemption. Its subsidiary, NT Gas Distribution Pty Ltd was no longer taking part in a related business from 31 December 2024.   

As APTNT no longer requires an exemption from section 140 of the National Gas Law, there are no associated costs of compliance with that provision and therefore we consider that it no longer meets the exemption criterion.

The revocation takes effect from 30 May 2025. Consequently, from today, APTNT is required to comply with the ring-fencing requirements under section 140 of the NGL. It can no longer share marketing staff with any related business.

Background

The ring-fencing framework set out in Part 2 of Chapter 4 of the National Gas Law provides for the specific requirements applicable to gas pipeline service providers. The provisions ensure that related businesses do not gain a competitive advantage by virtue of their common ownership or operation with pipelines.

Service providers may apply to the AER for an exemption from the ring-fencing provisions under rule 34 of the National Gas Rules. 

Learn more about ring-fencing

The AER has published a Compliance bulletin – new obligations on gas pipeline, compression and storage service providers and a Gas ring-fencing decision guide.