The dispute framework
The National Electricity Rules (NER) and the National Gas Rules (NGR) include frameworks for the non-litigious management of disputes between energy market participants, and between energy market participants and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
These frameworks, set out in Chapter 8 of the NER and Part 15C of the NGR, provide an opportunity to work through disputes in two stages:
- Stage 1 encourages the exploration and joint resolution of the disputes by direct commercial negotiation, or assistance through a facilitated, or non-binding expert process
- Stage 2 is geared towards a binding decision by a panel of one or more experts.
Matters that can be managed through these frameworks are set out in clause 8.2.1 of the NER, and clause 135F of the NGR.
Dispute resolution under these frameworks is, to the extent possible, intended to:
- be simple, quick and inexpensive
- preserve or enhance the relationship between the parties to the dispute
- place emphasis on conflict avoidance, and
- encourage resolution of disputes without legal representation or undue legal formality.
The dispute resolution adviser
Both frameworks are administered by an independent Wholesale Energy Market Dispute Resolution Adviser (WEMDRA), who is appointed by the AER.
The current WEMDRA is Resolve Advisors.
The AER has appointed Resolution Institute as the WEMDRA from 1 July 2025.
The WEMDRA website contains all information on the dispute resolution frameworks administered by the WEMDRA and resources to assist you in accessing that framework.
Contact the adviser
Until 30 June 2025: Resolve Advisors
Toll-free:1800 189 479
Email: shirli
resolveadvisors [dot] com [dot] au (shirli[at]resolveadvisors[dot]com[dot]au)
From 1 July 2025: Resolution Institute
Contact details: TBA
WEMDRA quarterly reports
The WEMDRA reports to the market and the AER every quarter.
Panel determinations
View past decisions made by the expert panels in Stage 2 of the dispute resolution process.
View electricity panel determinations
User material
View Electricity disputes user material (National Electricity Rules Ch.8)
View Gas disputes user material (National Gas Rules Part 15C)
