The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is an Australian Government Department which regulates electricity networks and covered gas pipelines, in all jurisdictions except Western Australia. They set the amount of revenue that network businesses can recover from customers for using these networks. It is their job to enforce the laws of the National Electricity Market and spot gas markets in southern and eastern Australia. Competition is important in any industry but the AER ensure it is fair.
Protecting the interests of household and small business consumers is essential and the AER do this through the Retail Law. Although they monitor the industry, they do not set the prices consumers pay.
Energy is an essential service for Australian households and business and offers significant long-term success to the Australian economy. It is up to the AER to drive effective competition while equipping consumers with knowledge and choice for an equitable future.
Their role is:
- Wholesale energy market regulation
- Energy networks regulation
- Retail energy market regulation
The AER regulates wholesale and retail energy markets, and energy networks, under national energy legislation and rules.
Learn more about the AER here.
