Australian Gas Networks’ (AGN) owns and operates gas distribution networks in Victoria and Albury. The National Gas Law (NGL) and National Gas Rules (NGR) provide the regulatory framework governing gas networks. As with other covered pipelines, the AER regulates AGN's reference tariffs for these networks—and through these its revenue—under approved access arrangements for each network. The last review of the access arrangements for AGN’s Victorian and Albury gas distribution access arrangements was in 2012–13, for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. These access arrangements are scheduled for review in 2017.
Under the NGR the AER may—on its own initiative or on application by a service provider—issue a direction that a single access arrangement be submitted for multiple networks. AGN has applied for a direction from the AER under rule 53 of the NGR to consolidate the access arrangements for its Victorian and Albury gas distribution networks as part of that review. This would mean that on 1 January 2017 AGN would submit a single access arrangement covering both networks, in place of the two separate arrangements that have applied to date.
Before a direction is given, the AER must consult on the proposed terms of the direction with AGN and other stakeholders. On 5 February 2016 the AER released a position paper seeking feedback from AGN and other stakeholders on whether, and on what terms, consolidation of the access arrangements for the Albury and Victorian networks should proceed.
Invitation for submissions
AGN and other stakeholders are invited to make submissions on the position paper by 4 March 2016. The AER’s final decision will be made with regard to all submissions received by that date.
We prefer all submissions to be publicly available to facilitate an informed and transparent consultative process. Submissions will be treated as public documents unless otherwise requested.