On 12 June 2026, Evoenergy submitted an application for a waiver from clauses 4.2.1(a), 4.2.2(a) and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution). The waiver was requested to allow Evoenergy to provide services to the Williamsdale battery energy storage system (BESS) using its existing staff, offices, systems and branding.
Evoenergy applied for the waiver because negotiated transmission services provided to the BESS through Evoenergy's dual function assets are deemed to be negotiated distribution services under the National Electricity Rules. As a result, those services are treated as contestable electricity services under the guideline and are subject to functional separation requirements. Without a waiver, Evoenergy would be required to duplicate staff, offices, systems and branding to provide services that can only be delivered through its network.
On 7 September 2026, the AER granted Evoenergy a waiver from clauses 4.2.1(a), 4.2.2(a) and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing Guideline (electricity distribution). The waiver, valid until 30 June 2041, allows Evoenergy to use its existing staff, offices, systems and branding when providing negotiated distribution services to the Williamsdale BESS through dual function assets near Williamsdale.