AER releases 2026–27 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities
Communication electricitygas ·
The Priorities focus on consumer vulnerability, smart meter roll out, system security, network compliance and gas market reporting obligations.
Market
Updates
AER Rebidding and Technical Parameters Guideline Consultation Update
Communication electricitywholesale ·
We have provided an update on the review of the AER Rebidding and Technical Parameters Guideline commenced 3 March 2026.
AER releases analysis exploring the future of electricity network regulation
Communication electricitydistribution ·
Our paper looks at how the AER regulates electricity networks today and how the framework may need to evolve in response to a changing energy system.
AER publishes final amendments to the Retailer of Last Resort Guidelines and Plan
Communication electricitygas ·
The AER has published our updated Retailer of Last Resort Guidelines and Plan to reflect recent regulatory changes.
2026 Review of the Retailer of Last Resort guidelines and plan
Review ·
The AER is reviewing the RoLR guidelines and plan to include recent amendments to the National Energy Retail Law. | Status: Open
AER grants trial waivers to help manage peak energy demand
News Release electricitywholesale ·
The trial waivers, each lasting 5 years, will allow VIOTAS and Enel X to trial sites with multiple connection points in the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism.
Tickets now on sale for the 2026 ACCC/AER Regulatory Conference
Communication electricitygas ·
To be held in Brisbane on 6–7 August 2026, this conference brings speakers from around the world to discuss emerging issues in regulatory theory and practice.
AER makes decision on Basslink’s proposed system security contract with Hydro Tasmania
Communication electricitytransmission ·
Our decision finds the payment terms in Basslink’s proposed contract with Hydro Tasmania are prudent and efficient.
Have your say on AusNet Services’ cost pass through application
Communication electricitydistribution ·
AusNet’s pass through application relates to costs incurred due to the January 2026 bushfires in Victoria. Submissions close 9 July 2026.
AER publishes draft Retail Guidelines
Communication electricitygas ·
The AER is seeking feedback on draft AER Retail Guidelines by close of business on Friday, 17 July 2026.
AER publishes final amendments to the Forecasting Best Practice Guidelines
Communication electricitydistribution ·
The AER has published an updated version of the Forecasting Best Practice Guidelines, following a targeted review.
Network resilience guidelines
Review electricitydistribution ·
AER network resilience guidelines | Status: Open
AER begins consultation on network resilience guidelines
Communication electricitydistribution ·
Have your say on our consultation paper, which will inform the information to be included in the draft network resilience guidelines. Submissions close 10 July.
AER publishes determination in response to Transgrid’s system strength material change in circumstances
Communication electricitytransmission ·
The AER confirms actions that Transgrid must take to address the material change in circumstances relating to its system strength regulatory investment test.
Essential Energy - Ring-fencing waiver - Kerbside EV charging infrastructure
Consultation electricitydistribution ·
Consultation opens on Essential Energy’s ring-fencing waiver application for providing kerbside EV charging infrastructure | Status: Open
Consultation opens on Essential Energy’s ring-fencing waiver application for providing kerbside EV charging infrastructure
Communication electricitydistribution ·
Have your say on Essential Energy’s application for a ring-fencing waiver to provide kerbside EV charging infrastructure. Submissions close Tuesday 14 July 2026
AER publishes Victorian gas distribution 2028-33 reference service proposals
Communication gasdistribution ·
The Australian Energy Regulator will now undertake a review of the Victorian gas distribution 2028-33 reference service proposals.
AER invites registration of stakeholder interest in Ergon Energy’s and Energex’s requests to amend 2025-30 tariff structure statements
Communication electricitydistribution ·
The amendments remove planned optional residential and small business demand and flexible load tariffs. Expressions of interest close 23 June 2026.
AER grants a short-term ring-fencing waiver to Evoenergy for the provision of other services
Communication electricitydistribution ·
This will allow Evoenergy to handover provision of other services by separating protection and control assets across the network boundary at a single site.
Agora Gas Pty Limited - granted gas retailer authorisation
Communication gasretail ·
On 26 May 2026, the AER approved a gas retailer authorisation application from Agora Gas Pty Limited.
AER finalises the targeted review of its revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects
Communication electricitydistribution ·
The AER has published a new version of its revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects.
AER publishes 2026–27 revenue adjustment decisions for NSW non-contestable REZ network projects
Communication electricityrez ·
We published our decisions on Ausgrid’s and Transgrid’s 2026–27 adjustment proposals for their NSW non-contestable network project determinations.
AER consults on draft 2026 Rate of Return Instrument
Communication electricitygas ·
AER consults on draft 2026 Rate of Return Instrument
AER reports on significant electricity prices for Q1 2026
Communication electricitywholesale ·
This is the first report under the revised Significant price reporting guidelines outcome criteria covering energy and FCAS prices from January to March 2026.
AER releases final Default Market Offer 2026-27
News Release electricityretail ·
Decision confirms lower electricity prices for most DMO households and small businesses.
AER approves 2026–27 gas tariff variation notices for Australian Gas Networks (Victoria and Albury), AusNet Gas Services and Roma to Brisbane Pipeline
Communication gasdistribution ·
We have published the approved 2026-27 tariff variation proposals of Australian Gas Services (Vic/Albury), AusNet Gas Services and Roma to Brisbane Pipeline
ZEN Energy Retail Pty Ltd authorisation transfer application
Communication electricityretail ·
We received an application from ZEN Energy Retail Pty Ltd to transfer an electricity retailer authorisation. We invite submissions by Friday 19 June 2026.
AER releases final 2026–31 gas access arrangement decision for the Amadeus Gas Pipeline
Communication gastransmission ·
Our decision sets the prices the pipeline’s operator can collect from gas consumers through transmission tariffs from 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2031.
AER releases final decision for Evoenergy’s gas access arrangement
News Release gasdistribution ·
We have published our final decision on Evoenergy’s gas access arrangement for the 2026-31 period.
AER releases final decision for Australian Gas Networks’ gas access arrangement
News Release gasdistribution ·
We have published our final decision on Australian Gas Networks’ gas access arrangement for the 2026-31 period.
AER approves 2026–27 pricing proposals for Victorian electricity distributors
Communication electricitydistribution ·
We have approved the 2026–27 pricing proposals and network charges for electricity distributors in Victoria.
AER consults on Basslink’s system security contract application
Communication electricitytransmission ·
Have your say on Basslink’s system security network support payment contract application by 4 June 2026.
Exemption guidelines review 2026
Review electricitydistribution ·
On 18 May 2026, the AER published a consultation paper seeking views on a proposal to amend the Network Exemptions and Retail Exempt Selling Guidelines. | Status: Open
AER initiates the Exemptions guidelines 2026 review
Communication electricitydistribution ·
We invite stakeholders to provide feedback on our Network Exemptions Guideline and the Retail Exempt Selling Guideline consultation paper.
AER releases a Position Paper on APA’s advance capex proposal
Communication gastransmission ·
We invite stakeholders to make submissions by Friday 5 June on our positions on APA’s advanced capex proposal to expand the South West Pipeline.
Region RE Limited application for individual retail exemption Worongary Town Centre
Communication electricityretail ·
The AER has accepted an application from Region RE Limited for an individual retailer authorisation exemption under the NERL at Worongary Town Centre.
Have your say on Transgrid’s System Security Roadmap Operational Technology contingent project application
Communication electricitytransmission ·
The AER is accepting submissions on Transgrid’s System Security Roadmap Operational Technology contingent project application until 5 June 2026.
AER releases inaugural report into wholesale gas market performance
News Release gaswholesale ·
The Wholesale gas performance report 2026 assesses how aspects of the east coast wholesale gas markets are performing under their current structure.
AER publishes 2026–27 pricing proposals for Victorian electricity distributors
Communication electricitydistribution ·
We will undertake compliance checks of these pricing proposals and proposed network charges.
Transgrid System Security Roadmap Operational Technology Contingent Project
Consultation electricitytransmission ·
Transgrid has submitted a contingent project application, seeking an increase to its revenue to fund its System Security Roadmap Operational Technology project. | Status: Open
Basslink system security contract review application - May 2026
Consultation electricitytransmission ·
Basslink's application seeks an AER determination on whether the expenditure for proposed system security network support services is prudent and efficient. | Status: Open
Final revenue decisions for Victorian networks support targeted investment and consumer needs
News Release electricitydistribution ·
We have published our final revenue decisions for Victorian distribution network service providers for the 2026-31 regulatory period.
AER approves cost pass through applications from AusNet Services, Jemena, CPU, Evoenergy and Energex
Communication electricitydistribution ·
The AER has approved cost pass through applications relating to incremental costs arising from recent regulatory changes and Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
AER publishes 2026–27 gas tariff variation notices for Australian Gas Networks (Victoria and Albury), AusNet Gas Services and Roma to Brisbane Pipeline
Communication gasdistribution ·
We will now undertake compliance checks of Australian Gas Networks (Vic/Albury), AusNet Gas Services and Roma to Brisbane Pipeline’s tariff variation notices.
AER approves 2026–27 gas tariff variation for Jemena Gas Networks
Communication gasdistribution ·
We have completed compliance checks of Jemena Gas Networks’ 2026–27 tariff variation proposal and published the approved proposal.
AER publishes draft FERM Scheme Regulator guideline
Communication electricitytransmission ·
We invite interested parties to make submissions on the draft FERM Scheme Regulator guideline before the close of business on 19 May, 2026.
SUPA Energy Pty Ltd - Application for gas retailer authorisation
Consultation gas ·
On 24 April 2026, the AER published an application from SUPA Energy Pty Ltd for an gas retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law. | Status: Open
SUPA Energy Pty Ltd - Application for electricity retailer authorisation
Consultation electricity ·
On 24 April 2026, the AER published an application from SUPA Energy Pty Ltd for an electricity retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law. | Status: Open
SUPA Energy Pty Ltd - Application for gas retailer authorisation
Communication gasretail ·
We have published an application from SUPA Energy Pty Ltd for an gas retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law.
SUPA Energy Pty Ltd - Application for electricity retailer authorisation
Communication electricityretail ·
We have published an application from SUPA Energy Pty Ltd for an electricity retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law.
Consultation opens on the System Strength Project hybrid revenue proposal
Communication electricityrez ·
Have your say on the System Strength Project hybrid revenue proposal by 18 May 2026.
AER approves 2026–27 pricing proposals for electricity distributors
Communication electricitydistribution ·
We have approved the 2026–27 pricing proposals and network charges for electricity distributors in the ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, and TAS.
AER publishes 2026–27 revenue adjustment proposals for NSW non-contestable REZ network projects
Communication electricityrez ·
We'll undertake a review of the annual adjustment proposals from Ausgrid and Transgrid relating to their revenue determinations for NSW non-contestable projects
AER releases 2026 Wholesale gas reserves price assumptions report
Communication gaswholesale ·
This report analyses contracted and uncontracted gas reserves price assumptions reported to the AER for the 2025 calendar year.
AER publishes its final decision on Transgrid’s Central-West Orana Enabling Project for the 2026–31 regulatory period
Communication electricityrez ·
The AER has published its final determination on Transgrid’s CWO Enabling Project for the 2026–31 regulatory period.
AER opens consultation on Framework and Approach papers for Transgrid, ElectraNet and Murraylink’s 2028–33 revenue determination
Communication electricitytransmission ·
Have your say on the Framework and Approach papers for Transgrid, ElectraNet and Murraylink’s 2028–33 revenue determination. Submissions close 8 May 2026.
AER approves APA’s Roma to Brisbane Pipeline 2025-26 Annual Fee cost pass through
Communication gastransmission ·
APA’s Roma to Brisbane Pipeline tax change event cost pass through related to the 2025-26 National Energy Market Regulation fee.
AER approves AusNet Services’ 2026–27 easement land tax cost pass through
Communication electricitytransmission ·
The AER has published its determination on AusNet’s 2026–27 easement land tax cost pass through application.
GGP Energy Pty Ltd - Application for electricity retailer authorisation
Consultation electricity ·
On 2 April 2026, the AER published an application from GGP Energy Pty Ltd for an electricity retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law. | Status: Open
AER publishes October – December 2025 retail performance report
Communication electricitygas ·
This is the first report we’ve published since retailers were required to report expanded data, giving us a deeper understanding of the retail energy market.
Update on interim Retailer Reliability Obligation Guidelines (Guidelines)
Communication electricityretail ·
Following the release of the National Electricity Market wholesale market settings review final report, the AER will not be updating the interim Guidelines.
GGP Energy Pty Ltd - Application for electricity retailer authorisation
Communication electricityretail ·
We have published an application from GGP Energy Pty Ltd for an electricity retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law.
AER publishes 2026–27 pricing proposals for electricity distributors
Communication electricitydistribution ·
We will undertake compliance checks of these pricing proposals and proposed network charges.
AER appointed as SA FERM Scheme Regulator and approves FERM risk management framework
Communication electricitywholesale ·
South Australia’s Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism ensures reliable electricity supply, and a risk management framework protects consumers financial interests.
AER releases an Issues Paper for Powerlink’s transmission 2027–32 revenue proposal
Communication electricitytransmission ·
The AER invites stakeholder feedback on key elements of Powerlink’s transmission revenue proposal and preliminary issues by 12 May 2026.
AER begins consultation on Transgrid’s application to reopen the 2023–28 transmission revenue determination for Project EnergyConnect
Communication electricitytransmission ·
Have your say on Transgrid’s application to reopen its 2023–28 transmission revenue determination for Project EnergyConnect (PEC) by 28 April 2026.
2026 review of the Forecasting Best Practice guidelines
Review electricitydistribution ·
On 25 March we commenced a review of the Forecasting Best Practice guidelines. | Status: Open
AER initiates review of the Forecasting Best Practice guidelines
Communication electricitydistribution ·
Consultation has opened on the draft amendments to the Forecasting Best Practice guidelines. Submissions are due by 5.00pm Friday 24 April 2026.
AER releases draft 2026-28 Annual Information Orders for Consultation
Communication electricitydistribution ·
Orders impose annual reporting obligations on regulated electricity distribution networks, transmission networks, and interconnectors. Submissions close 11 May.
Agora Gas Pty Limited - Application for gas retailer authorisation
Consultation gas ·
On 24 March 2026, the AER published an application from Agora Gas Pty Limited (Agora Gas) for a gas retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law. | Status: Open
EnergyAustralia fined $142,800 for alleged breaches of informed consent and disconnection obligations
News Release electricityconsumer matters ·
The AER alleged that EnergyAustralia transferred an elderly customer from another retailer to itself without obtaining their consent.
Have your say on Agora Gas Pty Limited's application for gas retailer authorisation
Communication gasretail ·
On 24 March 2026, the AER published an application from Agora Gas Pty Limited for a gas retailer authorisation under the Retail Law.
Flo Energy Australia Pty Ltd granted gas retailer authorisation
Communication gasretail ·
On 20 March 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approved an gas retailer authorisation application from Flo Energy Australia Pty Ltd.
AER publishes 2026–27 gas tariff variation notice for Jemena Gas Networks
Communication gasdistribution ·
We will now undertake compliance checks of Jemena Gas Networks’ tariff variation notice prior to publishing an approved version.
IFM Real Estate Fiduciary Pty Ltd as trustee for IFM Retail Australia Property Trust application for individual retail exemption Deeragun Village
Communication ·
The AER has accepted an application from IFM for an individual retailer authorisation exemption under the NER Law at Deeragun Village.
AER releases Draft Default Market Offer 2026-27
News Release electricityretail ·
The draft DMO determination points to potential electricity price reductions across NSW, SE Qld and SA. Submit your feedback on the draft by 9 April 2026.
2026 Review of the revenue determination guideline for NSW non-contestable projects
Review electricitydistribution ·
Have your say on draft updates to our Non-contestable Guideline to improve cost recovery arrangements for NSW infrastructure projects with non-network options. | Status: Open
VIOTAS trial waiver application
Consultation electricitywholesale ·
The AER is currently considering a trial waiver application from VIOTAS. | Status: Open
2026 review of the Rebidding and Technical Parameters Guideline
Review electricitywholesale ·
The AER is reviewing its Rebidding and Technical Parameters Guideline (Guideline) | Status: Current
Review of the Non-disclosure Guideline – Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (NSW)
Review electricitydistribution ·
Have your say on our draft guideline on how we assess non-disclosure claims under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act. | Status: Open
Retail guidelines review
Review electricitygas ·
We are reviewing the Benefit Change Notice Guidelines, Better Bills Guideline, Customer Hardship Policy Guideline and Retail Pricing Information Guidelines. | Status: Open
APA Victorian Transmission System - Rule 80 application for the expansion of the South West Pipeline
Consultation gastransmission ·
APA submitted an application under rule 80 of the NGR seeking an advanced determination for its capital expenditure for the Victorian Transmission System (VTS). | Status: Open
Rate of Return Instrument 2026
Guideline electricitygas ·
The Rate of Return Instrument specifies how the AER will determine the allowed rate of return on capital invested in regulated electricity and gas networks. | Status: Open
Energex - Determination 2025–30
Consultation electricitydistribution ·
Energex electricity revenue determination for the 2025–30 period. | Status: Current
Annual Information Orders 2024-25 to 2027-28
Consultation electricitydistribution ·
The Orders impose annual reporting obligations on regulated electricity distribution networks, transmission networks, and interconnectors. | Status: Open
Ergon Energy - Determination 2025–30
Consultation electricitydistribution ·
Ergon Energy electricity revenue determination for the 2025–30 period | Status: Current
Transgrid - Determination 2023–28
Consultation electricitytransmission ·
Transgrid's current electricity transmission determination applies from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028. | Status: Open
ZEN Energy Retail authorisation transfer application
Consultation electricity
On 22 May 2026, the AER published an electricity retailer authorisation transfer application from ZEN Energy Retail to ZEN Energy Retail Holdings Pty Ltd | Status: Open
Region RE Limited - Worongary Town Centre application for individual retail exemption
Consultation electricityretail
On 13 May 2026 , the AER accepted an application from Region RE Limited for an individual exemption. | Status: Open
IFM Real Estate Fiduciary Pty Ltd as trustee for IFM Retail Australia Property Trust - Deeragun Village application for individual retail exemption
Consultation electricityretail
On 20 March 2026, the AER accepted an application from IFM Real Estate Fiduciary Pty Ltd ATF IFM Retail Australia Property Trust for an individual exemption. | Status: Open
IFM REAL ESTATE FIDUCIARY PTY LTD - Coolum Park application for individual retail exemption
Consultation electricityretail
On 18 March 2026, the AER accepted an application from IFM REAL ESTATE FIDUCIARY PTY LTD for an individual exemption. | Status: Open
Upcoming
Draft FERM Scheme Regulator guideline
Review electricitytransmission · Effective date:
We have published the FERM Scheme Regulator guideline which sets out the process and method for how we make contribution determinations for the SA FERM scheme. | Status: Open
AusNet Services’ cost pass through application – January 2026 bushfires
Consultation electricitydistribution · Effective date:
AusNet submitted a cost pass through application to recover costs incurred due to the January 2026 bushfires in Victoria. Submissions close 9 July 2026. | Status: Open
Default market offer 2026–27
Review electricityretail · Effective date:
The DMO caps the prices a retailer can charge a standing offer customer. It also serves as a reference price for market offers in these regions. | Status: Open
System Strength Project (hybrid)
Consultation electricityrez · Effective date:
The AER has commenced its assessment of Transgrid’s System Strength Project and will make its final decision on or before 21 October 2026. | Status: Open
Powerlink Transmission - Determination 2027-2032
Consultation electricitytransmission · Effective date:
The AER will make a determination of the maximum amount of revenue that Powerlink can earn from customers over the period 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2032. | Status: Open
AusNet Gas Services - Access arrangement 2028–33
Consultation gasdistribution · Effective date:
Gas access arrangement for AusNet Gas Services for the 2028–33 regulatory control period | Status: Open
Australian Gas Networks (Victoria and Albury) - Access arrangement 2028–33
Consultation gasdistribution · Effective date:
Gas access arrangement for Australian Gas Networks (Victoria and Albury) for the 2028–33 regulatory control period | Status: Open
Multinet Gas Networks - Access arrangement 2028–33
Consultation gasdistribution · Effective date:
Gas access arrangement for Multinet Gas for the 2028–33 regulatory control period | Status: Open
Transgrid - Transmission Determination 2028-33
Consultation electricitytransmission · Effective date:
The AER will make a determination of the maximum amount of revenue that Transgrid can earn from customers over the period 1 July 2028 to 30 June 2033. | Status: Open
ElectraNet - Transmission Determination 2028-33
Consultation electricitytransmission · Effective date:
The AER will make a determination of the maximum amount of revenue that ElectraNet can earn from customers over the period 1 July 2028 to 30 June 2033. | Status: Open
Murraylink - Transmission Determination 2028-33
Consultation electricitytransmission · Effective date:
The AER will make a determination of the maximum amount of revenue that Murraylink can earn from customers over the period 1 July 2028 to 30 June 2033. | Status: Open