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Distribution ring-fencing compliance

The Australian Energy Regulator’s Electricity Distribution Ring-fencing Guideline supports the development of competitive markets. It aims to prevent cross-subsidisation and discriminatory behaviour by electricity distribution businesses with their related contestable businesses. Learn more here.

On 3 February 2022, version 3 of the Australian Energy Regulator's (AER) electricity distribution ring fencing guideline (Guideline) came into effect. Read the Guideline on AER's website.

The Guideline applies to all electricity distribution network businesses, referred to as Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), and oversees the extent to which DNSPs can provide contestable services.

The objective of ring-fencing is to promote the development of competitive markets. The Guideline aims to prevent cross-subsidisation and discriminatory behaviour by DNSPs with their related contestable businesses.

The following documents outline how we're complying with the Guideline.

Note: As at 31 March 2024:

  • there are no AusNet-requested waivers currently in effect however the AER has granted two class waivers details of which are included in our Waivers Register
  • there are no regulated stand-alone power systems used by AusNet electricity distribution network to provide other services
  • the information sharing register contains details of information shared to date under the information sharing protocol
Compliance registers
Register Details
Waiver Register Identifies waivers granted to AusNet by the AER under clause 5 of the Guideline.

Details of waivers, including class waivers, can be found on the AER’s ring-fencing waivers webpage.
Information Sharing Protocol Outlines the protocol for what information will be shared, the terms on which it will be shared, and how to request information.
Information Sharing Register Identifies the legal entities that have requested information and a description of any information shared.
Staff and Site Sharing Register Identifies AusNet staff involved in the provision or marketing of both direct control services and contestable electricity services under clause 4.2.2.(b) of the Guideline, and offices where AusNet provide direct control services and contestable electricity services.
Regulated Stand-alone Power Systems Register Identifies certain information in relation to each regulated stand-alone power system used by AusNet to provide services other than transmission and distribution services.