On 26 July 2024, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) published the final (Retail Law) Compliance procedures and guidelines (Guidelines) and final explanatory statement. 

The final Guidelines set out the manner and form in which regulated entities are required to submit information and data on their compliance to the AER and the process for managing compliance audits under the National Energy Retail Law. 

Version 7.0 of the Guidelines will take effect on 1 April 2025.

The final explanatory statement summarises the issues raised by stakeholders in our consultation process on the draft Guidelines. We provide our responses to these issues, including noting where our position has changed from the draft Guidelines and providing an explanation where our position is different from those expressed by stakeholders. 

In reaching our positions we have sought to balance several factors, including the need for regulated entities to provide timely, accurate and consistent compliance information to the AER and the cost of administration for retailers and distributors.