Essential Energy submitted a ring-fencing waiver application under clause 5.2 of the Electricity Distribution Ring-fencing Guideline. The waiver application was made to allow Essential Energy to continue owning and operating Essential Water that supplies water and sewerage services around Broken Hill area. 

Essential Water is a monopoly provider, its prices are regulated by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.  Essential was granted a waiver to operated water services in 2017 which is due to expire on 30 June 2024.