AER - Response to AusNet Services - Request for extension of 2022-27 revenue proposal due date - 7 July 2020

On 20 May 2020, AusNet Services wrote to us requesting a 3 month delay for the submission of its 2022-27 revenue proposal, highlighting the potential impacts of COVID-19, in particular, the potential impact on AusNet Services’ short- and medium-term transmission investment plans.

Our view is that it may take some time for the potential impacts of COVID-19 to become clear and this could extend beyond AusNet Services' proposed submission date of 31 January 2021. If subsequent adjustments are needed this would be problematic in a shortened review period.

As such, our preferred approach is for AusNet Services to lodge its proposal as scheduled by 31 October 2020. 

By operating under the original timeline we expect there will be more capacity to consider any subsequent adjustments that may be proposed. Stakeholders can be confident they will have opportunity for input on COVID-19 effects throughout the process. Please see the indicative timetable above for dates for key milestones in the decision making process.