On 3 July 2026, AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd submitted an application for a waiver from clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution) ('the guideline'). The waiver was sought in relation to the provision of distribution asset rental services for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI).
AusNet applied for a waiver because the service involves leasing AusNet-owned distribution assets, primarily poles, to third parties for the installation of EVCI. This is because only AusNet can provide access to, and continue to own, operate and maintain, the distribution assets required for the service. Without a waiver, AusNet would be required to establish separate staff, offices, branding and systems to provide a service that can only be delivered using AusNet-owned distribution assets. This would impose additional costs in the provision of the service to downstream EVCI providers.