On 10 July 2020, AusNet Services submitted an application under clause 6A.7.3 of the National Electricity Rules to the AER for a positive pass through of costs related to a 500kV transmission line tower collapse that occurred in January 2020. AusNet Services’ application submitted that the amount it will recover (positive pass through) from electricity users through an increase in transmission charges, in the year ending 31 March 2022, will be $2.3 million. The pass through amount constitutes a small proportion of the actual costs of the event ($25.8 million), as the capital costs incurred will be recovered over the life of these long lived assets.

Energy consumers and other interested parties were invited to make submissions on AusNet Services’ 500kV transmission line tower collapse cost pass through application by 31 July 2020. We received three submissions.  

We took these submissions into account in making our determination on AusNet Services’ application.