Sietel Limited sought the upgrade of an existing electricity substation on its premise from its distribution network service provider United Energy. United Energy offered the upgrade under its standard lease term of 30 years plus a 30 year option over the land where the substation is currently located and the new transformer would be located.
Sietel does not consider that 30 year lease with option is reasonable and sought AER’s opinion on this matter. Under United Energy’s Electricity Distribution Licence, if a dispute arises, any question as to the fairness and reasonableness of such terms and conditions is to be decided by the AER.
Draft decision - 7 March 2011
On 7 March 2011, the AER released a draft decision paper on the fairness and reasonableness of United Energy’s offer to Sietel.
Submissions to draft decision
Submissions closed 6 April 2011. The AER received three submissions to its draft decision.