As required by the National Electricity Rules (NER), AER is preparing to undertake the next transmission determination for the Queensland electricity transmission network service provider (TNSP) — Powerlink. The AER’s transmission determination will cover the next regulatory control period (1 July 2027 to 30 June 2032). Powerlink's regulatory proposal is due by 31 January 2026.
The AER must publish a framework and approach paper in anticipation of the transmission determination. The framework and approach paper will set out the AER’s likely approach in the transmission determination for Powerlink on such matters as:
- application of incentive schemes
- expenditure forecast assessment guidelines, and
- whether depreciation will be based on forecast or actual capital expenditure.
Interested parties are encouraged to consider the key dates.
| Milestone | Date* |
| AER consultation on need to amend or replace the Framework and Approach (F&A) | 30 November 2024 |
| AER issues decision on need to amend or replace the F&A | 13 December 2024 |
| AER publishes position paper on F&A | March 2025 |
| AER publishes F&A for Powerlink | 31 July 2025 |
| Powerlink submits its regulatory proposal to AER | 31 January 2026 |
| AER publishes an issues paper and holds a public forum | March 2026/April 2026** |
| Submissions on regulatory proposal close | May 2026 |
| AER publishes draft determination decision | 30 September 2026 |
| AER holds a pre-determination conference | October 2026 |
| Powerlink submits revised regulatory proposal to AER | December 2026 |
| Submissions on revised regulatory proposal and draft decision close | January 2027 |
| AER publishes transmission determination for regulatory control period | 30 April 2027 |
*This is an indicative timetable and is subject to change.
** The date provided is based on the AER receiving compliant proposals. The date may be altered if we receive non-compliant proposals.