Electricity access disputes

The AER is the dispute resolution body for access disputes between access seekers and electricity distributors for negotiated distribution services, under chapter 10 of the National Electricity Law.

Our role

The AER makes determinations on customer connection disputes with electricity distribution businesses under Part 10 of the National Electricity Law.

Disputes arise when a customer is unable to reach agreement with a distribution business on the terms and conditions of connecting to the network.

In addition, the National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 makes the AER responsible for resolving disputes under that Act and the Electricity Industry Act 2000, and for making assessments under distribution business’ licence conditions.

South Australian public lighting dispute

On 2 May 2017, HWL Ebsworth wrote to the AER stating that it represented 61 local councils, and the Government of South Australia (the Public Lighting Customers (PLC)), in respect of an access dispute with South Australian Power Networks (SAPN).

The PLCs requested that the AER determine the access dispute between the PLCs and SAPN under section 128 of the National Electricity Law.

The AER set out a proposal for the scope of the access dispute on 22 June 2017 which the parties agreed to.

The process the AER undertook to make this determination is comprehensive and included an oral hearing, draft determination and opportunity for the parties to make submissions at each stage.