Our role
Retail energy markets are the final link in the energy supply chain.
Energy retailers buy electricity and gas in wholesale markets, package it with transportation services and sell it to customers.
We regulate retail energy markets in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and South Australia, which are the states and territories that have adopted the National Energy Customer Framework. Within this framework are the National Energy Retail Law, Rules and Regulations that set out key protections and obligations for energy customers and their retailers.
The AER does not have a role in setting a retail company's energy prices. However, we are responsible for implementing an electricity price safety net, known as the Default Market Offer, in South Australia, New South Wales, and south-east Queensland.