Powerlink's response to questions raised by the EUAA - 12 May 2006

The AER held a public forum on Powerlink Queensland’s (Powerlink) revenue cap reset application on Thursday, 20 April 2006.  AER chairman, Mr Steve Edwell outlined to the forum the AER’s processes for considering Powerlink’s revenue cap application. Powerlink provided an overview of its application. Participants were invited to comment on Powerlink’s application and/or ask questions at the public forum.

Revenue cap reset process

• Receive Powerlink’s application—3 April 2006
• Public forum on Powerlink’s application—20 April 2006
• Submissions close on the application—1 June 2006
• Release the AER’s draft decision and consultant’s report*—September 2006
• Submissions close on the draft decision and consultant’s report—October 2006
• Release the AER’s final decision—December 2006.

* The AER will engage consultants to assist with reviewing Powerlink’s application.

Background

Under the National Electricity Rules, the AER is responsible for regulating the revenues associated with the non-contestable elements of the transmission services provided by Powerlink. The AER will set Powerlink’s revenue cap for a five year period from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2012.

Prior to the formation of the AER, the ACCC was responsible for regulating Powerlink’s revenues. The ACCC set a revenue cap for a five and a half year period from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2007.

Powerlink is a government owned corporation that owns, develops, operates and maintains Queensland’s high voltage electricity transmission network. This network is used to transport high voltage electricity from generators to electricity distribution networks and directly to large business customers in Queensland.