Building trust and confidence

Compliance and enforcement of wholesale energy market rules is how we build trust and confidence in Australia’s energy system.

Our compliance and enforcement team works to ensure market participants are following the rules as set by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and various AER guidelines.

Our Compliance and Enforcement Policy sets out our strategy and commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability in carrying out our compliance and enforcement work.

When taking enforcement action, we seek to stop unlawful conduct, penalise offenders when warranted and ensure future compliance with the law. Each case is assessed on its own merits, taking into account all the relevant facts and circumstances of the matter.

Self-reporting on non-compliance

Wholesale electricity and wholesale gas market participants are able to submit voluntary self-reports on non-compliance.

We have produced a Guidance Note and report template to create a standardised approach to self-reporting. 

Gas transparency measures

Our Gas transparency measures (reporting) compliance bulletin outlines reporting obligations under national gas rules, including the requirement for gas field operators to report reserve and resource information directly to the AER at the same time that it is provided to AEMO. 

Latest reports and activity

Annual compliance and enforcement report 2023–24

The AER's annual compliance and enforcement report for 2023–24 details some of the significant compliance and enforcement actions undertaken during the period.
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Electricity
Gas

Santos Direct: breaches of the National Gas Rules

The Federal Court has ordered that Santos pay a penalty of $2,750,000 for breaches of National Gas Rules.
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Gas

Callide Power Trading Pty Ltd: alleged breaches of the National Electricity Rules

The AER has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court alleging Callide Power Trading Pty Ltd failed to comply with its performance standards.
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Electricity

AER Guidance note - NSW Coal miner compliance with Coal Market Price Emergency Directions – January 2024

AER guidance to assist NSW coal suppliers understand their obligations under the Coal Market Price Emergency (Directions for Coal Mines) Notice 2023 (Coal Mine Directions).
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Electricity

AER Guidance note - NSW Power station compliance with Coal Market Price Emergency Directions – January 2024

This guidance is to assist NSW power stations understand their obligations under the Coal Market Price Emergency (Directions for Power Stations) Notice 2023.
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Electricity

AER Compliance and enforcement update July to December 2023

Our report on compliance and enforcement activities from 1 July to 31 December 2023.
Type
Compliance reports
Sector
Electricity
Gas