Australian Energy Regulator

Community and industry engagement is a vital part of our approach to regulation. We welcome your input to better inform the decisions that we make. Today, we released an issues paper on the 2025-26 Default Market Offer (DMO 7) price determination, highlighting proposed updates to our pricing methodology. Your voice matters - help shape the way we calculate the DMO. 🗓️ Submissions are open until 8 November 2024. Have your say and learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/ggt4ZUWf #DMO #DefaultMarketOffer #Engagement #Stakeholders

🌟 Shaping the future of energy in South Australia 🌟   Yesterday our Adelaide team had the privilege of exploring the SA Power Networks Innovation Centre - a groundbreaking facility at the forefront of testing and trialling cutting-edge energy technologies. With a world-leading uptake of Consumer Energy Resources, like rooftop solar, South Australia is blazing a trail towards a renewable future.   One project that really caught our attention is the Energy Masters Trial - a $13.8 million initiative that will have a meaningful impact in 500 local homes! Not only will it help Australian families save on their energy bills, but it’s also redefining how we optimise energy use to support a smarter, more reliable grid. ⚡️🏡   We’re proud to be a part of a community that’s embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy sector! Thank you to James Brown and Liam Mallamo for having us.   #Innovation #EnergyFuture #Sustainability #Renewables #WeAreAER

Today we’ve released a draft decision on our form of regulation review of the South West Queensland Pipeline. This review made the news earlier this year as it was chosen as the first in a series of self-initiated reviews we are doing to investigate whether current levels of regulation of gas pipelines were providing the best outcome for consumers. Owned and operated by APA Group, the South West Queensland Pipeline is currently lightly regulated. It was the first pipeline to be put under the spotlight because of its importance to the east coast gas system in transporting gas between northern and southern states. We've looked at what prices and terms and conditions of access to the pipeline might be like if lighter regulation continues, or if a fuller form of regulation was applied. Our draft decision keeps the lighter form of regulation as the benefits of fuller regulation don't appear to outweigh the costs. We are keen to know what you think. We invite submissions on this proposed outcome by 8 November 2024. Read our draft decision here >> https://lnkd.in/dqQzMMeS

We are pleased to announce the release of the first in a series of focus reports on efficiency and competition in the east coast gas markets as part of our new gas market monitoring powers established in May this year. Our wholesale gas ‘Day Ahead Auction’ focus report delves into the performance of this important trading platform that was set up in 2019 to open up access to contracted but unused capacity in gas pipelines. We look at whether the auction is meeting its objectives in driving competition and efficiency to get gas to where it is needed the most. And we also put the spotlight on the conduct of shippers winning capacity at the auction. This is the first report in the lead up to our new biennial east coast wholesale gas market competition report, due in May 2026. Take a look at our analysis and key findings >> https://lnkd.in/dH9NfhqC

We exist to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market and this week the AER took enforcement actions by issuing four infringement notices totalling $271,200, underscoring our commitment to holding energy retailers accountable and ensuring industry compliance with energy laws. Origin Energy was issued infringement notices for alleged breaches of overcharging rules, failing to notify customers promptly during a major IT upgrade. Two customers were overcharged a total of $7,202. AER Deputy Chair Justin Oliver emphasised "With ongoing cost-of-living pressures impacting many households, infringement notices are a crucial tool in ensuring that energy retailers act swiftly to rectify errors and keep customers informed.” Locality Planning Energy also faced enforcement action for operating embedded networks without proper registration or exemption, potentially leaving over 100 consumers without essential protections. Justin noted “This outcome is a timely reminder that owners and operators must meet their obligations to consumers by ensuring they have the relevant registration or exemption in place.” Infringement notices play an important role in our regulatory toolbox, supporting our commitment to compliance and enforcement as we work together to build trust in Australia’s energy system. By encouraging adherence to energy laws, we help ensure that consumers and market participants feel confident that their rights are respected and protected - which is their right. Listen to Deputy Chair Justin Oliver as he shares his insights on these outcomes, and explains the rationale behind the Regulator's actions. And don't forget to keep informed by subscribing to our news updates: https://lnkd.in/gxWGwMNX #Energy #ConsumerProtection #Compliance #CostOfLiving #WeAreAER

📢 Accelerating smart meter deployment: what does it mean for energy consumers? The AER recently lodged a submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on its directions paper, and we caught up with AER Board Member Lynne Gallagher who shared key insights. 💡 The AER supports faster smart meter deployment, but only with strong consumer protections in place to ensure fair outcomes. Read the Q&A here to understand how we’re advocating for safeguards that protect consumers, while paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy system. #EnergyTransition #SmartMeters #ConsumerProtection

With extreme weather events on the rise, understanding customer expectations around resilience is crucial. This ensures that investments are aligned with the needs of Australians, keeping energy supply secure even during challenging times 🌩️⚡ The AER has published our final decision on the Value of Network Resilience (VNR) - a significant step forward in enhancing network planning for prolonged electricity outages. This is the first time we’ve undertaken this review, responding to a request from the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) earlier this year. Our decision outlines how different customer groups value reliable electricity supply during extended outages of more than 12 hours. The initial value will be applied to the upcoming Victorian electricity distribution determinations (2026-2031), where distribution businesses will use this to inform their resilience investment proposals. But we’re not done yet! We’ll be working closely with the community throughout 2025 to develop a more enduring approach. Your continued engagement will be key to shaping this important work 💬 Read more >> https://lnkd.in/gF9SHzta #Energy #Resilience #ClimateChange #NetworkPlanning #Electricity #WeAreAER

We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Justin Oliver to the AER Board for an additional five years. Since Justin's initial appointment in 2020 and his elevation to Deputy Chair in June 2024, he has been instrumental in guiding our organisation through the evolving energy landscape. AER Chair Clare Savage emphasised the importance of Justin's leadership, sharing, “His continued presence provides a strong foundation for the AER and its Board to ensure consumers are better off now and into the future. We’re delighted that Justin will continue to contribute his leadership and significant experience as the energy transition progresses." Please join us in congratulating Justin. https://lnkd.in/gntnTYHf #WeAreAER #EnergyRegulation #Leadership #ConsumerProtection

Today we’ve opened up consultation on two draft decisions that go to the heart of what the AER does in ensuring consumers pay no more than necessary for the poles and wires bringing electricity to the home. We have assessed the revenue proposals submitted by SA Power Networks and transmission interconnector Directlink for the upcoming 2025-2030 regulatory period. These proposals represent the amount of money they can earn from their customer base over this five-year period. Our draft decisions allow for expected revenues of $5.14B for SA Power Networks and $123.8M for Directlink and are based on ensuring there is cost-efficient investment in safe, reliable networks that meets consumer needs and contributes to the energy transition. We are holding online public forums on these draft decisions on 14 October 2024. We welcome written feedback on these draft decisions and any revised proposals from the businesses by 17 January 2025. Read the draft decisions and register for the stakeholder forums here >> https://lnkd.in/dGP6SGAq #electricity #energy #consultation #consumers

✨ We’re excited to announce that the AER, in partnership with the ACCC, has achieved Bronze Tier status in the 2024 Pride in Diversity Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)! ✨ This achievement demonstrates our strong commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is a priority. We are proud of the collaborative efforts of our Pride Network, the Human Resources team and all employees who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels supported, respected and empowered to be themselves. As our CEO Anthea Harris shared: "Together with the ACCC we are incredibly proud to have achieved bronze tier status in the AWEI submission. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture across both organisations, where every individual is respected and valued. It reflects the hard work of our Pride Network and the dedication of our employees who strive to make our workplace a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Together, we will continue to champion diversity, inclusivity, and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination." Our Pride Network has championed diversity and inclusion, building on policies that support: 💙 LGBTQIA+ employees and allies 💜 Trans and gender diverse inclusion 🧡 Zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment 💛 Professional development and training on LGBTQIA+ issues We believe diversity makes us stronger, and we’re continuously looking to improve. We invite you to follow us for more updates and keep an eye on upcoming job opportunities. If you’re passionate about being part of an inclusive organisation, the AER could be the perfect place for you! 🔗 Visit the Careers area of our website (under About 🙌) or follow this space for upcoming vacancies! #PrideAtWork #PrideInDiversity #InclusiveWorkplace #AWEI2024 #WeAreAER #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployerOfChoice