On 20 June 2024, AusNet Services submitted an application to the AER under clause 6.6.1 (a1)(5) of the National Electricity Rules for a positive pass through of costs related to the 13 February 2024 storm in Victoria. 

AusNet Services incurred total costs of $32.7 million ($2021), including $17.3 million in Guaranteed Service Level payments to affected customers, and $15.4 million for emergency response. 

AusNet Services’ application proposes to recover $26.5 million ($2021, smoothed) from electricity users through an increase in distribution prices in the remaining year of this regulatory period (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) and early in the 2026-31 regulatory period. 

We invited energy consumers and other interested parties to make submissions on AusNet Services' 13 February 2024 pass through application by 19 August 2024.

On 30 July 2024 we issued a notice to AusNet Services extending the time limit for making a decision on its 13 February 2024 Storm Event cost pass through application, by 60 days, in accordance with clause 6.6.1(k1) of the National Electricity Rules. The AER now has 100 business days, commencing from 20 June 2024, to make a determination on AusNet Services' application.