Notice of public forum on Energex's and Ergon Energy's regulatory proposals and distribution determination process

Receipt of Queensland electricity distributors’ 2010‑2015 regulatory proposals

On 30 June 2009, Energex and Ergon Energy, the Queensland electricity distributors, each submitted a regulatory proposal together with supporting information to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). The regulatory proposals cover the period 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015. This notice is intended to inform interested parties about the process for considering and making a determination on these proposals.

Preliminary examination of regulatory proposals

The AER is currently conducting a preliminary examination of the regulatory proposals submitted by the Queensland DNSPs under the National Electricity Rules (NER) and the National Electricity Law. Once this examination is complete the proposals will be published on the AER website and a request for submissions will be made. The AER is planning to host a public forum on the regulatory proposals submitted by Energex and Ergon Energy on 3 August 2009 in Brisbane.

Determination timetable and indicative timetable

The AER is required under Chapter 6 of the NER to make a distribution determination for Energex and Ergon Energy in relation to their respective electricity distribution services. This process will determine the revenue that Energex and Ergon Energy can each recover from the provision of these services.

The AER is required to follow a prescribed process under the NER when making its distribution determination. An indicative timetable for the AER’s review process is set out below. Interested parties are encouraged to note the key dates, in particular, the dates for public forums and submissions. Further information regarding each of these events will be available on the AER’s website in due course.

Note: The AER has engaged consultants to assist it in its review of different aspects of the regulatory proposals including demand forecasts, operating expenditure and capital expenditure.

Energex’s and Ergon Energy’s regulatory proposals; the AER’s draft determinations and consultants’ reports; and submissions from interested parties will be published on the AER’s website at various stages throughout the process. Further information about the AER, including documents published in preparation for the Queensland distribution determination, can be found at the AER's website.

Public forum on regulatory proposals

The AER is holding a public forum on the regulatory proposals submitted by the Queensland DNSPs. The forum details are:

Date:
3 August 2009

Time:
8.30am to 1.30pm

Venue:
Christie Centre,
320 Adelaide Street
Brisbane

The public forum will provide an opportunity for Energex and Ergon Energy to explain their regulatory proposals. Interested parties will also have an opportunity to ask questions on the regulatory proposals.

Attached to this notice is a registration form. If you would like to attend the forum, please send completed registration form to the AER via email aerinquiryaer [dot] gov [dot] au (aerinquiry[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au) or alternatively fax it to (02) 6245 1205. The closing date for registration is Friday 24 July 2009.

The agenda for the public forum will be emailed to registered participants prior to the public forum.

Further enquiries

For any enquiries about the Queensland electricity distribution determination process, please contact the AER on (02) 6243 1233. Alternatively, enquiries can be sent electronically to AERinquiryaer [dot] gov [dot] au (AERinquiry[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au).