On 30 November 2007 the AER released two issues papers as part of a preliminary consultation process regarding the development of national guidelines, models and schemes for electricity distribution regulation. These issues papers are available on the AER's website at: http://www.aer.gov.au/content/index.phtml?itemId=716429. Interested parties have been invited to make submissions to the AER by COB Friday 1 February 2008. Submissions will be published on the AER's website.
As part of this preliminary consultation process, the AER intends to host a forum in Melbourne on 12 February 2008 to discuss key issues raised in submissions and the development of the proposed guidelines, models and schemes. Stakeholders interested in attending such a forum are requested to contact Maria Djopa by 4 February 2008.
The AER is undertaking this preliminary consultation process prior to commencing consultation under the formal requirements of the National Electricity Rules (NER) on the proposed national guidelines, models and schemes, which will be released for public comment in March 2008. As part of consultation under the NER, the AER will hold a forum in April 2008.
Depending on the level of stakeholder interest in attending a forum on 12 February 2008, the AER may make alternative arrangements to discuss with stakeholders the issues raised in submissions to the issues papers released on 30 November last year.