On 9 May 2014, the AER approved TasNetworks' ring-fencing waiver application in respect of the merger of the Tasmanian transmission and distribution network businesses under TasNetworks.
Background
On 5 February 2014, the AER received an application from Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd (TasNetworks) for a waiver of obligations under clause 7.1(a)(ii) of the Transmission Ring-fencing Guidelines (the Guidelines). The application related to the merger of the Tasmanian transmission and distribution businesses under TasNetworks from 1 July 2014. Clause 7.1(a)(ii) of the Guidelines requires that a Transmission Network Service Provider that provides ring-fenced services must not carry on a related business, including electricity distribution.
On 20 March 2014, the AER made a draft decision to approve TasNetworks' waiver application. No submissions were received on the draft decision.