On 7 July 2026, Jemena Electricity Networks (Vic) Ltd (Jemena) 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 requested for the purposes of allowing Jemena to provide distribution asset rental services for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) using its existing staff, offices, systems and customer-facing channels.
Jemena has applied for a waiver because the service involves leasing Jemena-owned distribution assets, primarily poles, to third parties for the installation of EVCI. This is because only Jemena can provide access to, and continue to own, operate and maintain, the distribution assets required for the service. Without a waiver, Jemena would be required to establish separate staff, offices, branding and systems to provide a service that can only be delivered using Jemena-owned distribution assets. This would impose additional costs on the provision of the service to downstream EVCI providers.
On 7 September 2026, the AER decided to grant a waiver to Jemenafrom its obligations under clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the guideline until 30 June 2031.