The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released a compliance bulletin following reforms to the gas pipeline regulatory framework that changes service providers’ obligations.
The compliance bulletin outlines:
- the new obligations on gas pipeline, compression and storage service providers (service providers)
- when the service providers must comply with the obligations
- the AER’s expectations regarding compliance.
Service providers are encouraged to view the compliance bulletin and are required to ensure their reporting aligns with the latest regulatory requirements under the reforms.
Background
In 2022, Energy Ministers agreed to reforms to improve and simplify the gas pipeline regulatory framework.
In March 2023, several changes were made to the National Gas Law and National Gas Rules that aim to:
- pose a more effective constraint on exercises of market power by service providers
- facilitate better access to pipelines
- provide greater support for commercial negotiations between gas users and service providers
- streamline governance arrangements.
The AER is responsible for monitoring behaviour of service providers’ compliance with their obligations under the National Gas Law and National Gas Rules.