Under the NGL and National Gas Rules the AER has the function of reviewing and approving the terms of the Proposals. The Proposals contain the terms, including prices, under which the Service Providers propose to provide gas retailers with access to their networks for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. The AER assesses the terms of the Proposals against the National Gas Objective which is set out in the NGL. Following the review the AER must make a final decision to approve, or to refuse to approve a Proposal.
On 29 April 2013, the AER released its decision to approve the access arrangement (including the terms and conditions and access arrangement information) drafted by the AER for Multinet's gas distribution network for the regulatory period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017.
In May 2013, Multinet applied to the Australian Competition Tribunal for review of the AER's access arrangement decision, for its Victorian gas distribution network, released in March 2013. The National Gas Law requires an applicant to apply to the Australian Competition Tribunal for leave to apply for review.
On 8 October 2013, the AER remade its decision on Multinet Gas in accordance with the Tribunal’s orders. The AER has remade Multinet’s access arrangement information and Part B of Multinet’s access arrangement to reflect its decision.
Access arrangements pre 2013
Before coming under the regulation of the AER, the gas distribution network access arrangements for Multinet were approved by the Essential Services Commission of Victoria (ESCV).