The AER is required to make an access arrangement final decision to approve or not approve the access arrangement proposal within six months of receipt of Envestra’s proposal. This period can be extended by the AER but must be completed within 13 months.
The AER is required to follow a prescribed decision making process under the National Gas Rules when reviewing the access arrangement for the Envestra distribution network. The following indicative timetable outlines key stages in the review process.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Publish proposal | 21 October 2010 |
| Forum on proposal in Brisbane | 28 October 2010 |
| Submissions on proposal due | 26 November 2010 |
| Release of draft decision | 17 February 2011 |
| Forum on draft decision in Brisbane | 1 March 2011 |
| Revised proposal to be submitted | 23 March 2011 |
| Submissions on draft decision due | 27 April 2011 |
| Release of final decision | early June 2011 |
Note: the AER has engaged consultants to assist it in its review of different aspects of Envestra’s proposal including demand forecasts, operating expenditure and capital expenditure.
Stop the clock
The AER has decided under rule 11 of the NGR that the period of 36 days for consultation on the access arrangement proposal is not counted towards the decision making time for the full access arrangement final decision.