Under the National Electricity Rules (NER), distribution network service providers (DNSPs) are required to submit to the AER an annual pricing proposal. This contains proposed network tariffs for the next regulatory year. These tariffs typically form around 40-50 per cent of the total bill for a domestic residential customer. We must approve a proposal if we are satisfied it complies with the NER and any applicable distribution determination, and if all forecasts associated with the proposal are reasonable.
On 7 June 2013, we determined that the pricing proposals for the following DNSPs are compliant with the NER and the relevant distribution determination, and that all forecasts associated with the proposals are reasonable:
These approvals set distribution network prices from 1 July 2013. The NER requires the DNSPs to publish on their websites the 2013–14 tariff information and a statement of expected price trends.
We approved the pricing proposals for ActewAGL (ACT), Aurora Energy (TAS), Endeavour Energy (NSW), Energex (QLD) and Essential Energy (NSW) on 31 May 2013.