Submission to AER’s Pipeline Regulatory Determinations and Elections Guide

PIAC supported the AER reviewing the level of regulation applying to natural gas pipelines operating in Eastern Australia.

In the submission we argue that self-initiated reviews should serve to promote competitive pricing and ensure risks associated with pipeline investment are appropriately managed by those best placed to do so, and that unreasonable costs and risks are not transferred to consumers. We also outline the need for a greater focus on consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage, the issues associated with substitutes and demand for pipeline services across consumers classes, and provide general considerations to inform the AER’s approach to assessing pipeline determinations.