On 15 August 2019 the AER granted Essential Energy a ring-fencing waiver from clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 of the Ring-fencing Guideline until 30 June 2024 to allow Essential Energy to provide the following contestable training courses to Accredited Service Providers: Accredited Service Provider Initial & Refresher Training; Work Near Overhead Powerlines Initial & Refresher Training; and Safe Work Practices Initial & Refresher Training.

This waiver permits Essential Energy to provide these training services in the locations of Armidale, Culcairn, Glenn Innes. To avoid any doubt, these services may also be provided in the 33 locations listed in the waiver issued to Essential Energy in December 2017.