The AER wishes to inform stakeholders that it will delay its decision on the scope and timing for consultation on its regulatory guidelines for distribution in order to accommodate likely policy developments.
On 15 March this year, the AER issued a document entitled “Gas and Electricity Distribution Regulatory Guidelines- Scoping Paper” which proposed the development of regulatory guidelines to assist stakeholders in understanding the AER’s approach to distribution regulation, for which it is scheduled to gain responsibility from 1 January 2007. In this scoping paper the AER proposed a consultation timetable and invited stakeholder comments. The Scoping Paper and submissions received are available on the AER’s website.
The Scoping Paper indicated that the AER would issue a decision in June 2006 on its approach to the development of the guidelines.
In view of expected developments that may substantially affect the AER’s approach, particularly the release of the AEMC’s Draft Determination on chapter 6 of the National Electricity Rules and exposure drafts of national energy legislation, the AER has decided to postpone its decision until August 2006.
The AER informs all stakeholders that it will accept any further submissions in light of this delay. Submissions should be addressed to aerinquiry
aer [dot] gov [dot] au (aerinquiry[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au). Alternatively, written submissions can be sent to:
Mr Sebastian Roberts
General Manager
Australian Energy Regulator
GPO Box 560J
Melbourne VIC 3001
Submissions should be received by close of business Friday 14 July 2006.