The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today released the revised (version 5) Network Service Provider Registration Exemption Guideline (Guideline) and accompanying final decision.
The Guideline aims to provide customers in embedded networks with a level of consumer protection comparable to customers who source their energy directly from distribution and transmission businesses.
The date of effect for this version of the Guideline is 1 December 2016 as mandated by the recent (Embedded Networks) National Electricity Rules, rule change.
The majority of Guideline amendments aim to improve access to retail competition for customers through an Embedded Network Manager (ENM) who will help retailers identify consumers in embedded networks.
These changes mean consumers should be able to:
- choose the price and structure of their electricity service that suits them best, which may result in lower bills;
- choose from a wider variety of products and services; and
- gain easier access to government schemes and consumer protections.
This Guideline sets the requirements for exemption from registration and the AER’s conditions for the operation of privately owned electricity networks.
Participants involved in the on-selling of electricity generally need to conform to both this Guideline and (in those jurisdiction where the National Energy Retail Law applies) the AER’s Retail Exempt Selling Guideline.