The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today became a standalone Non-Corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCCE).
The AER has always made independent regulatory decisions, with its own Chair, Board and funding. Until now, however, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been responsible for staffing and corporate services under the legislation that established the AER.
From today, those responsibilities sit directly with the AER.
AER Chair Clare Savage said the change is a natural next step, but it does not change the AER's responsibilities or its focus on consumers.
"Today is a milestone for the AER, but it is not a change in direction. Our focus remains on consumers, making sure they are better off now and in the future.”
"Today's change reflects the AER's established role in Australia's energy system. It gives us direct responsibility for the people and operations that support our work, while preserving the independent decision-making that has always been central to our role."
The AER will continue to regulate energy networks, monitor wholesale and retail energy markets, and administer key consumer protections, including the Default Market Offer.
Background
The AER and ACCC are two separate bodies established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 that existed as a single entity under the accountable authority of the ACCC Chair.
From 1 July 2026, the AER and ACCC are separate non-corporate Commonwealth entities for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and separate agencies for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999.
The separation was implemented through the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent from the Governor General on 6 November.