On 13 May 2021 SA Power Networks submitted an application to vary a waiver of the Ring-fencing Guideline - Electricity Distribution under clause 5.2 of the Guideline.
SA Power Networks' application was to continue to provide certain telecommunication services to a large customer. The application is the result of the extension of the contract between SA Power Networks and the large customer to 30 June 2023. As a result SA Power Networks sought to vary their existing waiver expiry date from 30 June 2021 to 30 June 2023.
On 3 June 2021, we published our Final Decision to grant SA Power Networks' application to extend the waiver expiry date as requested.
On 13 August 2021 SA Power Networks requested the AER’s approval of a further variation to this existing waiver from the guideline. The application asks the AER to allow SA Power Networks to continue to provide maintenance and construction services to a single customer for telecommunication construction and maintenance services under the existing contract under varied terms.
On 8 September 2021 the AER decided to grant a waiver from SA Power Network's obligation to comply with clause 3.1 of the guideline, with the updated terms of the contract as of 13 August 2021. The expiry of the waiver remains as 30 June 2023.