The AER has today released a decision to grant ring-fencing waivers to both Ausnet and Jemena from clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 of the Ring-fencing guideline (electricity distribution).
Ausnet and Jemena submitted ring-fencing waiver applications on 3 and 7 July 2026, respectively, for the provision of distribution asset rental services for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The applications sought waivers from the guideline’s requirements for office and staff separation and prohibition on cross-promotion.
As part of the Victorian distribution determinations for 2026–31, the AER classified the rental of distribution assets for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and associated facilitation services, as negotiated distribution services. Under the Ring-fencing guideline (electricity distribution), negotiated distribution services are subject to functional separation requirements, including office and staff separation and restrictions on branding and cross-promotion.
On 7 September 2026, the AER decided to grant the waivers, allowing to Jemena and AusNet to provide distribution asset rental services to third parties for electric vehicle charging infrastructure without separating their staff, offices and branding. Jemena and AusNet will continue to own, operate and maintain the distribution assets, while third parties will own and operate the charging assets.
The decisions align with the National Electricity Objective because the waivers allow Jemena and AusNet to use their existing staff, systems and expertise in network asset management and safety, to provide the services, avoiding the additional costs of establishing separate arrangements. This may reduce the cost of providing the services and support access to distribution poles for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The waivers are valid until 30 June 2031, aligning with Jemena and AusNet’s current regulatory control period.