On 16 February 2018, we commenced consultation on two new guidelines: one for service classification and one for asset exemptions. We are required to develop and publish the service classification guideline and asset exemption guideline as a result of the recent AEMC 'Contestability of energy services' rule change. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide clarity and transparency around our existing electricity distribution service classification framework, and to establish guidance on our approach to granting exemptions from the new restricted assets provisions of the NER. Once finalised, the guidelines will apply across the NEM.
As the first step in the consultation process, we have published an issues paper, which provides background on the proposed guidelines and discusses issues for consideration. It also raises a number of questions to help guide interested parties in their submissions.
We invite all interested parties to provide written submissions on our issues paper to us by no later than close of business on 16 March 2018. For further information, please see our website.