On 12 September 2014 the AER approved an application by AusNet Services for increased taxation costs arising from a direction from Energy Safe Victoria to underground powerlines in high bushfire risk areas. The approved amount was $5.72 m ($2015). On 15 September 2015 AusNet Services applied to the AER to return this amount to customers as it has received a favourable private ruling from the Australian Taxation Office.
We have approved AusNet Services application. However, because of the one year delay which will occur before the money is returned to customers in 2016, we have determined the amount to be returned is $6.28 million ($nominal).