On 17 March 2025 the AER released the Review of the AER exemptions framework for embedded networks Draft Decision, incorporating Notice of Draft Instruments for the Draft Retail Exempt Selling Guideline (version 7) and Draft Network Exemptions Guideline (version 7), along with the draft guidelines for consultation.

For the review, we instructed market research consultants Bastion Insights to support us in our consideration of policy options by conducting qualitative and quantitative research into the experiences of embedded network customers. This work comprised online discussions with around 50 embedded network residents, detailed analysis of around 100 embedded network customer bills, and a survey to compare outcomes between embedded network and retail market customers. 

Bastion Insights’ final report, Review of the Exemptions Framework for Embedded Networks Research Report, was published alongside the draft decision on 17 March 2025.

Additionally, we instructed family violence specialists Safe and Equal to support us by providing expert advice on implementing practical family violence protections for customers of exempt sellers. Safe and Equal’s advice was based on engagement with survivor advocates and exempt sellers. 

Safe and Equal’s report, Policy Advice on Family Violence Obligations for Exempt Sellers, Final Report, July 2024, was also published alongside the draft decision. 

We invite stakeholders to make submissions on our draft guidelines by COB, Monday, 28 April 2025.

We prefer that all submissions are in Microsoft Word or another text readable document format. Submissions on the draft guidelines should be emailed to AERexemptionsaer [dot] gov [dot] au (AERexemptions[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au) with the subject heading ‘Submission on Draft Retail Exempt Selling Guideline and Draft Network Exemptions Guideline (version 7)’.

Alternatively, submissions can be sent to:

Ms Stephanie Jolly
Acting Executive General Manager, Consumers, Policy & Markets
Australian Energy Regulator
GPO Box 3131
Canberra ACT 2601

We prefer that all submissions be publicly available to facilitate an informed and transparent consultative process. Submissions will be treated as public documents unless otherwise requested. Parties wishing to submit confidential information should: 

• clearly identify the information that is the subject of the confidentiality claim; and
• provide a non-confidential version of the submission in a form suitable for publication.

We will place all non-confidential submissions on our website. For further information on our use and disclosure of information provided to us, see the ACCC/AER Information Policy.