On 26 September 2019, the AER approved Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd's application for an individual exemption from the requirement to hold a retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law.
The AER also approved Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd's application for an exemption from the requirement to register as a network service provider and the operation of Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules.
Background
On 2 July 2019, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) accepted an application from Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd (previously A.C.N. 626 950 829 Pty Ltd) for an individual exemption from the requirement to hold a retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law to sell energy at Iron Knob and Pimba.
The AER also accepted an application from Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd for an exemption from the requirement to register as a network service provider and the operation of Chapter 5 of the National Electricity Rules.
The AER sought submissions from interested stakeholders. Submissions closed on 31 July 2019. Two submissions were received.
Variation of conditions 2023
On 5 May 2023 the AER proposed to vary the conditions of Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd's retail exemption. Submissions from interested stakeholders on the variation closed 8 June 2023. No submissions were received.
On 4 September 2023 the AER varied Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd's exemption conditions to include a new condition.
Proposed variation of conditions 2025
In August 2025, the AER released its revised Retail Exempt Selling Guideline (version 7), to include a family violence condition and a notification requirement condition. Retail exemption holders that sell energy to residential customers must now develop and implement a family violence policy. Additionally, retail exemption holders must comply with new notification requirements.
The AER intends to apply these conditions to relevant individual exemptions that were approved before August 2025.