
Review of the Authorisation and Exemption Framework
The Australian Energy Regulator has published an issues paper titled Retail Authorisation and Exemption Review. Broadly, the Issues Paper considers the changing nature of the energy market, the risks posed by new products and services, and asks whether changes are needed to the Retail Authorisation and Exemption Framework. This is a major consultation that will have long-lasting ramifications for the energy market and consumers. It builds on the work of the Energy Security Board, the Australian Energy Market Commission (particularly in relation to embedded network regulation) and prior work by the AER. The AER is undertaking a review of the Retail Authorisation and Exemption frameworks set out in the Retail Law. The review arises as a result of the Energy Security Board’s (ESB) final advice to energy ministers in July…