The Australian Energy Regulator has issued its final decision on the access arrangement that will apply to ActewAGL’s gas distribution network from 1 July 2016.
“The AER’s role is to ensure that consumers pay no more than necessary for the safe and reliable delivery of gas by setting the overall revenue that businesses can recover from customers,” AER Board Member Jim Cox said.
A significant component of the allowed revenue is the estimated cost of financing investment to maintain a safe and reliable supply of gas. Reflecting the improved financial market conditions since our last decision in 2010, the expected cost of capital has fallen leading to lower prices to customers.
The revenue the AER has approved accounts for approximately 34 per cent of an average ACT household’s gas bill each year.
If other components of the bill stayed the same, and the lower distribution charges flowing from this final decision are passed on to customers:
- the average annual gas bill for a residential customer in the ACT would be expected to decrease by approximately $107 in 2016–17. For the next four years, annual bills would rise on average by 1.2 per cent per year.
- The average annual gas bill for a small business customer in the ACT would be expected to decrease by $849 in 2016–17. For the next four years, annual bills would rise on average by 1.2 per cent per year.
| ActewAGL’s proposed revenue for 2016–21 | AER Final decision on revenue for 2016–21 | Percentage difference | Estimated reduction to average annual gas bill in 2016–17: residential | Estimated reduction to average annual gas bill in 2016–17: small business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $382.6 million | $301.4 million | -21.2% | $107 | $849 |
“The AER expects that retailers will pass through these savings. But we also urge consumers to shop around and take advantage of competitive retail market offers to ensure they get the benefits of today’s decisions,” Mr Cox said.
Customers in the ACT can compare retail offers on the AER’s Energy Made Easy website.