Regulatory framework

Electricity distribution is a highly regulated industry and each year, we comply with a range of government bodies, licenses, codes and rules.

These relate to the economic regulation of our businesses, our reliability, customer service and health and safety and they include:

• Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
• National Electricity Rules
• United Energy Distribution Licence
• National Electricity Market Metrology Procedures
• Industry Codes
• Industry Guidelines

Ring fencing

The AER has released a ring fencing guideline to ensure we do not provide an unfair advantage to our related businesses. These guidelines apply to all electricity distribution businesses. The AER identified three areas of potential advantage, which the guideline seeks to restrict:

• Preventing us from using our revenue to support related businesses.
• Ensuring we treat all businesses and customers on an equal basis.
• Ensuring information that we provide to related businesses is also available to other businesses.

In a few specific circumstances, we have sought exemptions (‘ring-fencing waivers’) from some restrictions. This will ensure we can continue to provide services to our customers without disruption.

The following documents outline the way in which we comply with the guideline.