Type
Communications
Sector
Electricity
Segment
Distribution
REZ
Transmission
Issue date
AER reference
AER24009593

Today, we commenced consultation on Ausgrid’s revenue proposal for the Hunter-Central Coast REZ non-contestable network infrastructure project (HCC RNIP) for the 2026-31 period. 

We are taking a staged approach in making a determination for this proposal in accordance with the Revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects. This includes a:

  • first round of consultation to help identify the most material and/or contentious issues for the preliminary position paper (to be released in August)
  • second round consultation including a public forum to hear stakeholders’ feedback on the preliminary position paper and Ausgrid’s revenue proposal.

Under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (EII Act), we are required to make revenue determinations for network operators such as Ausgrid who are authorised or directed to undertake the network infrastructure projects. 

As Ausgrid’s revenue proposal was submitted under the non-contestable framework, we have 126 business days from receiving a compliant revenue proposal to make a revenue determination. Our role is to ensure that Ausgrid only recovers the prudent, efficient, and reasonable capital costs for undertaking the network project. 

We expect to make our final decision in November 2025.


 

All submissions will be made publicly available to facilitate an informed and transparent consultative process, unless otherwise requested. For further information regarding the AER's use and disclosure of information provided to it, see the ACCC/AER Information Policy.

Background

Ausgrid’s proposal aims to deliver 1 gigawatt of network capacity to support connection of renewable energy generation and storage within the Hunter-Central Coast REZ. It includes the rebuild of existing network lines, new switching stations, augmentation of existing substations and other works.

We will make our determination in accordance with the EII Act, the EII Regulations and our Revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects.