Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Regulation
This Regulation is the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Regulation 2021.
2 Commencement
This Regulation commences on the day on which it is published on the NSW legislation website.
3 Definitions
The dictionary in Schedule 4 defines words used in this regulation.Note—The Act and the Interpretation Act 1987 contain definitions and other provisions that affect the interpretation and application of this regulation.cl 3: Am 2021 (525), Sch 1[1]; 2021 (659), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (145), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (366), Sch 1[1] [2]; 2022 (382), Sch 1[1] [2]; 2022 (465), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (686), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (785), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (786), Sch 1[1]; 2022 (787), Sch 1[1]; 2023 (601), Sch 1[1]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[1]. Subst 2024 (96), Sch 1[1].
3A Penalty notices—authorised officers
(1) This clause applies if the AER is appointed as the regulator.(2) For the Act, section 76(6), definition of , the AER is prescribed.cl 3A: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[2].
Part 2 NSW renewable energy sector board and electricity infrastructure jobs advocate
pt 2, hdg: Am 2021 (525), Sch 1[2].
Division 1 The Board—the Act, s 7(7)
pt 2, div 1, hdg: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[3].
4 Functions of Board
(1) The Board may advise the Minister on any matter to which a plan may relate.(2) The Board must review a plan under section 7(4)(b) of the Act at least once every 2 years after the plan is approved by the Minister.
5 Objectives of plan
For the purposes of section 8(1)(d) of the Act, the following objectives are prescribed—(a) to protect the financial interests of NSW electricity customers,(b) to be consistent with Australia’s international trade obligations.
6 Term of office
(1) An appointed member holds office for a term of 3 years and may be re-appointed.(2) A person may not be appointed as an appointed member for more than 9 years in total, whether or not consecutively.
7 Members and procedures of the Board
Schedule 1 contains provisions relating to the members and procedures of the Board.
Division 2 The advocate—the Act, s 11(5)
pt 2, div 2, hdg: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[4].
8 Employment and remuneration
(1) The office of the advocate is a statutory office and the provisions of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 relating to the employment of Public Service employees do not apply to the office, except as provided by this clause.(2) The following provisions of, or made under, the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 relating to the employment of Public Service senior executives apply to the advocate—(a) provisions relating to the band in which an executive will be employed,(b) provisions relating to the contract of employment of an executive,(c) provisions relating to the remuneration, employment benefits and allowances of an executive,(d) provisions relating to the termination of employment of an executive.(3) For the purposes of applying the provisions of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 to the advocate under subclause (2), a reference to the employer of a Public Service senior executive is taken to be a reference to the Minister.cl 8: Ins 2021 (381), cl 3. Renumbered as cl 17, 2021 (525), Sch 1[6]. Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[4].
9 Vacancy in office
The office of the advocate becomes vacant if the advocate—(a) dies, or(b) completes a term of office and is not re-appointed, or(c) resigns from the office by written instrument to the Minister, or(d) is removed from office, orNote—The advocate may be removed under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013, section 41 or Part 6.(e) becomes bankrupt or insolvent, applies to take the benefit of a law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with creditors or makes an assignment of the advocate’s remuneration for the creditors’ benefit, or(f) becomes a mentally incapacitated person, or(g) is convicted in New South Wales of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more, or(h) is convicted outside of New South Wales of an offence that, if committed in New South Wales, would be punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more.cl 9: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[4].
10 Disclosure of pecuniary and other interests
(1) This clause applies if—(a) the advocate has a direct or indirect pecuniary or other interest in a matter about which the advocate is advising, or is about to advise, the Minister, and(b) the interest appears to raise a conflict with the proper performance of the advocate’s duties in relation to advising on the matter.(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), the advocate is not taken to have a pecuniary or other interest if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence the advice the advocate might give to the Minister.(3) The advocate must, as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to the advocate’s knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest to the Minister.(4) It is sufficient disclosure of the nature of an interest relating to a specified company, body or person that arises after the date of the disclosure if the advocate has disclosed that the advocate—(a) is a member, or is in the employment, of the company or other body, or(b) is a partner, or is in the employment, of the person, or(c) has some other specified interest relating to the company, body or person.(5) If a disclosure made under this clause relates to a matter about which the advocate is advising, particulars of the disclosure must be included in the advice to the Minister about the matter.cl 10: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[4].
11 Code of conduct
The Minister may issue a code of conduct for the advocate.cl 11: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[4].pt 2A: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as Part 3, 2022 (366), Sch 1[3].
Part 3 Energy security targets
pt 3 (previously Part 2A): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[3].
pt 3: Ins 2021 (381), cl 3. Renumbered as Part 7, 2022 (366), Sch 1[14].
12 Interpretation
Words used in this Part have the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.cl 12: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5].
13 Calculating maximum demand—the Act, s 12(3)
(1) In calculating the maximum demand for a financial year, the energy security target monitor must—(a) take into account the most recent forecast of maximum demand for sent out generation in New South Wales in summer, as published by AEMO, and(b) adjust the forecast to reflect the maximum demand as generated by generating units in New South Wales in summer.(2) In calculating the maximum demand for a financial year, the energy security target monitor must also take into account the forecast of use of distributed energy resources in New South Wales in the financial year, as specified in the most recent statement of opportunities.(2A) In calculating the maximum demand for a financial year, the energy security target monitor may take into account major constraints on transmission infrastructure across different sub-regions of New South Wales, as specified in the most recent—(a) Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report, and(b) ISP methodology.(3) In this clause—distributed energy resource means a device, not directly connected to network infrastructure, that can generate or store electricity.cl 13: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5]. Am 2021 (659), Sch 1[2].
14 Calculating firm capacity—the Act, Dictionary, definition of “firm capacity”
(1) In calculating the firm capacity for a financial year, the energy security target monitor must take into account the following capacity—(a) the capacity of scheduled generating units in New South Wales in the summer of the financial year,(b) the capacity of semi-scheduled generating units in New South Wales in the summer of the financial year,(c) the capacity of non-scheduled generating units in New South Wales, as the energy security target monitor considers appropriate,(d) the capacity of interconnectors in New South Wales, operating under normal conditions,(e) the capacity from demand response, other than capacity expected to be available under the reliability and emergency reserve trader.(2) In calculating the firm capacity for a financial year, the energy security target monitor must also take into account the capacity of the following if, in the energy security target monitor’s opinion, the capacity is likely to be available to NSW electricity customers in the financial year—(a) generating units listed, at the time of the calculation, as existing, committed or anticipated on the generation information page,(b) generating units that will be constructed and operated under an LTES agreement,(c) generating units that will be constructed under funding programs run by, or on behalf of, a NSW or Commonwealth government agency,(d) interconnectors for which a revenue determination has been made under rule 6A.4 of the National Electricity Rules,(e) interconnectors for which a determination has been made under the Act, section 38,(f) interconnectors under a priority transmission infrastructure project to which a direction under the Act, section 32(1)(b) relates.(3) In calculating the firm capacity for a financial year, the energy security target monitor must also take into account information about demand side participation, as specified in the most recent statement of opportunities.cl 14: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5]. Am 2024 (472), Sch 1[1].
15 Additional information for calculating firm capacity—the Act, Dictionary, definition of “firm capacity”
(1) In calculating the capacity of generating units for the purposes of clause 14, the energy security target monitor must take into account information on the generation information page.(1A) In calculating the firm capacity of scheduled generating units that are storage units for the purposes of clause 14, the energy security target monitor must take into account—(a) the amount of electricity likely to be dispatched at times of peak demand in the summer of the financial year, and(b) the most recent statement of opportunities.(1B) Subclause (1A) does not apply to long-duration storage infrastructure as referred to in the Act, section 43(1)(b).(2) In calculating the capacity of semi-scheduled generating units and non-scheduled generating units for the purposes of clause 14, the energy security target monitor must take into account—(a) information about the amount of electricity produced, at times of peak demand in summer over the past three financial years, by generating units that use variable renewable energy sources, for example, the sun, waves and wind, and(b) based on the information in paragraph (a)—the amount of electricity likely to be produced, at times of peak demand in summer in the financial year, by generating units that use each variable renewable energy source.(3) In calculating the capacity of interconnectors for the purposes of clause 14, the energy security target monitor must take into account information about interconnectors operating under normal conditions, as specified in the most recent—(a) Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report, and(b) ISP methodology.(4) In calculating the firm capacity for a financial year for the purposes of clause 14, the energy security target monitor may take into account major constraints on transmission infrastructure across different sub-regions of New South Wales, including the major constraints specified in the most recent—(a) Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report, and(b) ISP methodology.(5) This clause does not limit the matters the energy security target monitor may take into account in calculating firm capacity for the purposes of clause 14.cl 15: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5]. Am 2021 (659), Sch 1[3]; 2022 (465), Sch 1[3]; 2024 (472), Sch 1[2] [3].
16 Energy security target monitor reports—the Act, s 13
(1) In preparing a report under the Act, section 13(1), the energy security target monitor must take into account each scenario and the sensitivities relating to each scenario, as specified in the most recent statement of opportunities, to the extent they relate to New South Wales.(2) The report must include the following for each scenario and the sensitivities relating to each scenario, to the extent they relate to New South Wales—(a) the energy security target monitor’s forecast of variations to—(i) the maximum demand, and(ii) the firm capacity, and(iii) any target breach,(b) an analysis of the factors that might affect the forecast of variations to a target breach, for example, whether generating units that are being constructed or have been committed will be constructed on time.cl 16: Ins 2021 (525), Sch 1[5].pt 2B: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as Part 5, 2022 (366), Sch 1[5].cl 16AA: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[2]. Am 2022 (366), Sch 1[6]. Renumbered as cl 22, 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].cl 16A: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 23, 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].cl 16B: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 24, 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].cl 16C: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 25, 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].cl 16D: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Am 2022 (145), Sch 1[3]. Renumbered as cl 26, 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].cl 16E: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[4]. Subst 2022 (145), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 31, 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].cl 16F: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 32, 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].cl 16G: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[4]. Renumbered as cl 33, 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].pt 2C: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as Part 6, 2022 (366), Sch 1[10].cl 16H: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 34, 2022 (366), Sch 1[11].cl 16I: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 35, 2022 (366), Sch 1[11].cl 16J: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 38, 2022 (366), Sch 1[13].cl 16K: Ins 2022 (145), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 39, 2022 (366), Sch 1[13].
Part 4 Network infrastructure projects
pt 4: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4].
17 Classes of network infrastructure
For the Act, Dictionary, definition of REZ network infrastructure project, paragraph (b), the classes of network infrastructure are as follows—(a) class 1—transmission assets within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules,(b) class 2—distribution assets within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules,(c) class 3—network infrastructure that is—(i) not owned or controlled by a network operator, and(ii) used to provide network services within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules,(d) class 4—network infrastructure that—(i) provides for the continuous and safe scheduling, operation and control of the power system within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules, and(ii) is not class 1 or 2.cl 17 (previously cl 8): Renumbered 2021 (525), Sch 1[6]. Renumbered as cl 40, 2022 (366), Sch 1[14].cl 17: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4].
18 Consumer trustee may give advice and recommendations about network infrastructure projects—the Act, s 60(4)(c)
(1) The consumer trustee may, on the request of a relevant person, give the relevant person advice about a network infrastructure project.(2) The consumer trustee may also give the advice to other relevant persons.(3) In this clause—relevant person means the following—(a) the Minister,(b) the infrastructure planner,(c) the Energy Corporation.cl 18: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 41, 2022 (366), Sch 1[14].cl 18: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4].
19 Recommendations by consumer trustee about network infrastructure projects—the Act, ss 60(4)(c) and 66(5)(d)
(1) The consumer trustee must not make a recommendation under the Act, section 31(1)(a) that the Minister give a direction under the Act, section 32 unless the consumer trustee is satisfied the direction is reasonably necessary to achieve the infrastructure investment objectives.(1A) A recommendation by the consumer trustee must include the recommended contractual arrangements.(1B) The consumer trustee is not required to assess or review the recommended contractual arrangements before including them in a recommendation.(2) For a recommendation under the Act, section 31(1)(a), the consumer trustee is not required to consider technical information when considering the infrastructure planner’s recommendations about a REZ network infrastructure project, other than technical information—(a) specified in clause 44, and(b) provided to the consumer trustee in the infrastructure planner’s recommendation.cl 19: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[5]. Renumbered as cl 42, 2022 (366), Sch 1[14]. Am 2022 (382), Sch 1[3] [4]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[1].cl 19: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4]. Am 2022 (785), Sch 1[2]; 2024 (96), Sch 1 [3].
19A Authorisations by Minister—the Act, ss 60(4)(c) and 79(1)
(1) An authorisation by the Minister under the Act, section 36(2) must require the network operator to enter into the recommended contractual arrangements.(2), (3) (Repealed)(4) An authorisation by the Minister under the Act, section 36(2) ceases to have effect on the termination or expiry of the contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under the authorisation.cl 19A: Ins 2022 (785), Sch 1[3]. Am 2024 (96), Sch 1[4]–[6]
19B Authorisations by consumer trustee—the Act, ss 31(6), 60(4)(c) and 79(1)
(1) This clause applies to an authorisation by the consumer trustee under the Act, section 31(1)(b).(2) The consumer trustee must not authorise a network operator to carry out a REZ network infrastructure project unless satisfied the project is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers.(3) In determining whether it is satisfied the project is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity consumers under subclause (2), the consumer trustee must—(a) undertake a cost benefit analysis of the project in accordance with clause 19C and give primary consideration to the analysis, or(b) give primary consideration to the most recent infrastructure investment objectives report as at the time of the infrastructure planner’s recommendation in relation to the authorisation.(4) If the quantitative measurements of the cost benefit analysis are negative, the consumer trustee may be satisfied the project is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers having regard to both the quantitative measurements and qualitative elements of the cost benefit analysis.Note—When authorising a network operator the consumer trustee is also required to do so in a way that is consistent with the objects of the Act. See the Act, section 3(3).(5) In making an authorisation, the consumer trustee is not required to—(a) investigate the accuracy of the infrastructure planner’s recommendations about the project, or(b) consider technical information except for the technical information specified in clause 44, or(c) consider the technical information provided to the consumer trustee in the infrastructure planner’s recommendation, or(d) assess or review recommended contractual arrangements by the infrastructure planner before including them in an authorisation.(6) An authorisation must require the network operator to enter into the recommended contractual arrangements.(7) An authorisation ceases to have effect on the termination or expiry of the contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under the authorisation.cl 19B: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[7].
19C Authorisations by consumer trustee—cost benefit analysis
(1) A cost benefit analysis for an authorisation must consider the following—(a) the costs to the NSW electricity customers from the project,(b) the benefits to NSW electricity customers from generation and storage infrastructure connecting to the project,(c) the costs and benefits under different scenarios,(d) if required to understand the impact of uncertainty in the project’s costs and benefits—a sensitivity analysis,(e) the costs or benefits from the expected change in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the project,(f) the costs to finance the project, including interest costs.(2) The cost benefit analysis must—(a) not include scenarios inconsistent with the infrastructure investment objectives, and(b) not include an options analysis of alternatives or variants to the REZ network infrastructure projects recommended by the infrastructure planner, and(c) not assess distributional impacts or carry out a distributional analysis, and(d) not consider the costs and benefits to government or electricity producers as a result of the REZ network infrastructure project.(3) The cost benefit analysis must be in accordance with the NSW Government Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis published by the NSW Treasury on its website from time to time.Note—See the TPG23-08NSW Government Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis published by the NSW Treasury, February 2023.(4) If there is inconsistency between the requirements under subclauses (1) and (2) and the NSW Government Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis, the requirements under subclauses (1) and (2) prevail.(5) Without limiting any other disclosure, the consumer trustee may disclose the assumptions, scenarios, results or forecasted costs and benefits in relation to the cost benefit analysis to—(a) the Secretary, or(b) the infrastructure planner.cl 19C: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[7].
20 Directions to carry out network infrastructure projects—the Act, s 32(2)(f)
(1) A direction given by the Minister under the Act, section 32 must—(a) specify the grounds on which the Minister is satisfied giving the direction is consistent with the objects of the Act, and(a1) require the network operator to enter into the recommended contractual arrangements, and(b) contain other matters the Minister considers relevant.(2) A direction given by the Minister under the Act, section 32 that a network operator carry out a REZ network infrastructure project must also specify—(a) the class of the network infrastructure as specified in clause 17, and(b) the technical specifications for the network infrastructure project set out in a recommendation by the infrastructure planner to the consumer trustee under the Act, section 30.(3) A direction ceases to have effect on the termination or expiry of the contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under the direction.cl 20: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4]. Am 2022 (578), sec 3; 2022 (785), Sch 1[4] [5].
21 Transfer of network infrastructure—the Act, ss 38(10)(a) and 42
(1) A person (the transferee) to whom network infrastructure is transferred is taken to be a network operator to whom the Act, Part 5, Division 3 applies if—(a) a network operator is subject to an authorisation in relation to network infrastructure, and(b) all or part of the network infrastructure to which the authorisation relates is transferred from the network operator (the transferor), and(c) the authorisation provider approves the transferee being taken to be a network operator to whom the Act, Part 5, Division 3 applies—(i) for all of the network infrastructure, or(ii) for the part of the network infrastructure transferred.(2) If the Energy Corporation is the infrastructure planner in relation to the transferred network infrastructure—(a) the Energy Corporation may make a recommendation to the authorisation provider in relation to whether to give approval under subclause (1)(c), and(b) the authorisation provider must consider the Energy Corporation’s recommendation before giving approval.(3) If all of the network infrastructure is transferred to the transferee, a revenue determination that, immediately before the approval, applied to the transferor, is taken to apply to the transferee on the approval of the authorisation provider.(3A) If part of the network infrastructure is transferred to the transferee, the regulator must, on the approval of the authorisation provider—(a) make a revenue determination in relation to the transferee and the transferred network infrastructure, or(b) if satisfied the making of a revenue determination is not required in the circumstances—carry out an adjustment of, or review and remake, another revenue determination that applies to the transferee in accordance with clause 54AA(3).(3B) Despite subclause (3), if an adjustment is carried out of a revenue determination that applied to the transferor before a transfer—(a) the transferor is required to pay any amount payable to the scheme financial vehicle relating to the period before the transfer, and(b) the scheme financial vehicle is required to pay any amount payable to the transferor relating to the period before the transfer.(4) To avoid doubt, the transferee is not entitled to receive amounts paid to the transferor by the scheme financial vehicle before the transfer.(5) In this clause—means—(a) for an authorisation referred to in the Act, section 36(4), definition of , paragraph (a)—the consumer trustee, and(b) for an authorisation referred to in the Act, section 36(4), definition of , paragraph (b) or (c)—the Minister.cl 21: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[4]. Am 2022 (382), Sch 1[5]; 2024 (627), Sch 1[1]–[3].
Part 5 Electricity infrastructure investment safeguard—the Act, Part 6
pt 5 (previously Part 2B): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[5].
22 Definitions
In this Part—basis risk means the risk arising from differences in the variables between LTES agreements and risk management contracts, including price, volume and timing.fixed shape, fixed volume derivative arrangement means a derivative arrangement in which—(a) the amount paid by an LTES operator or the scheme financial vehicle on the exercise of an option is the difference between—(i) the regional reference price in the wholesale electricity market, and(ii) the fixed price for electricity under the LTES agreement, settled against the delivery of specified amounts of electricity at specified times of day, and(b) the LTES operator has financial exposure to the wholesale electricity market.cl 22 (previously cl 16AA): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[7]. Am 2022 (382), Sch 1[6].
23 Reliability standard—the Act, s 43
For the purposes of the Act, section 43, definition of reliability standard, the following are prescribed—(a) until 30 June 2028—the interim reliability measure specified in the National Electricity Rules, clause 3.9.3C(a1),(b) from 1 July 2028—the reliability standard specified in the National Electricity Rules, clause 3.9.3C(a).cl 23 (previously cl 16A): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[7]. Am 2023 (348), Sch 1[1].
24 Content of infrastructure investment objective reports by consumer trustee—the Act, s 45
(1) An infrastructure investment objectives report must contain the following—(a) how the infrastructure required under the development pathway specified in the report will assist in achieving the infrastructure investment objectives,(b) information about the expected timing, staging and sequencing of the construction of—(i) the infrastructure required under the development pathway, and(ii) REZ network infrastructure projects that may be required,(c) a comparative assessment of the merits of constructing long-duration storage infrastructure that exceeds the minimum objective specified in the Act, section 44(3)(b) and firming infrastructure to meet the reliability standard,(d) a forecast of wholesale electricity costs and costs for NSW electricity customers that are due to contributions required to be paid by distribution network service providers under the Act, section 58,(e) details of the current, planned and expected construction and operation of infrastructure for the supply of electricity in New South Wales and the national electricity market,(f) an analysis, including the methodology, of the risks to NSW electricity customers of early or delayed investment in infrastructure to which the Act, Part 6 applies,(g) an estimate of the amount of electricity in gigawatt hours that is equivalent to the gigawatts of capacity required under the minimum objectives specified in the Act, section 44(3), using information in the 2020 Integrated System Plan published by AEMO under the National Electricity Rules.(2) An infrastructure investment objectives report, other than the first report prepared under the Act, section 45(2)(a), must also contain the following—(a) a description of the changes since the previous report to—(i) the development pathway, and(ii) the plan for competitive tenders under the Act, section 45(1)(b),(b) the outcomes of tenders carried out since the previous report, including—(i) the number of persons who made a bid in each tender, including the number of eligible and ineligible bids according to the rules made under the Act, section 47(5), and(ii) the number of LTES agreements recommended by the consumer trustee after each tender, and(iii) the number of LTES agreements entered into,(c) details of the infrastructure constructed, or proposed to be constructed, under LTES agreements entered into, or agreed to be entered into, since the previous report,(d) an assessment of the progress in achieving the minimum objectives specified in the Act, section 44(3),(e) an assessment of the resilience of the NSW electricity system in relation to lulls in variable renewable energy sources, as it relates to the development pathway in the report, including by reference to climate modelling.cl 24 (previously cl 16B): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].
25 Preparation of infrastructure investment objectives reports—the Act, s 45(4)
(1) The consumer trustee must take the following into account in preparing an infrastructure investment objectives report—(a) any target breaches identified in the most recent energy security target monitor report,(b) the forecast of unserved energy from the most recent statement of opportunities published by AEMO under the National Electricity Rules,(c) the most recent Integrated System Plan published by AEMO under the National Electricity Rules,(d) market conditions, including supply chains and labour and capital constraints,(e) the payments required to be made by the scheme financial vehicle under existing and planned LTES agreements,(f) how the development pathway in the infrastructure investment objectives report will contribute to the object of the Act, specified in the Act, section 3(1)(a),(g) the resilience of the NSW electricity system in relation to lulls in variable renewable energy sources, including by reference to climate modelling.(2) Subclause (1)(g) does not apply to the first infrastructure investment objectives report prepared under the Act, section 45(2)(a).(3) When preparing the development pathway for an infrastructure investment objectives report, the consumer trustee must—(a) take into account several scenarios for the construction of generation, long-duration storage and firming infrastructure in New South Wales, and(b) analyse the resilience of the outcomes for each scenario, including in relation to—(i) the reliability of supply, and(ii) the financial exposure risks to NSW electricity customers.(4) This clause does not limit the matters the consumer trustee may take into account in preparing an infrastructure investment objectives report.cl 25 (previously cl 16C): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].
26 Tendering for LTES agreements—the Act, s 47(3)(a)
(1) The consumer trustee must conduct a competitive tender in a way that—(a) encourages genuine competition between the persons making tender bids, and(b) encourages competition between market participants, and(c) encourages tender bids from persons who are not already parties to LTES agreements, and(d) is transparent, open and fair for all persons making tender bids.(2) Subclause (1)(d) does not require the consumer trustee to disclose information the consumer trustee considers confidential or commercially sensitive.(2A) Before conducting a competitive tender involving an LTES agreement for the construction and operation of generation infrastructure that includes an option to exercise a derivative arrangement that is not a fixed shape, fixed volume derivative arrangement, the consumer trustee must be satisfied that—(a) the arrangement is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers, and(b) the arrangement allows for the reasonable forecasting of financial impacts to NSW electricity customers, including impacts arising from the volume of electricity produced by the LTES operator throughout the day and over the term of the agreement, and(c) the risks, including the basis risk, associated with the arrangement can be managed under the risk management framework.(3) When conducting a competitive tender, the consumer trustee must consider recent trends and changes in the following—(a) electricity infrastructure technology,(b) the national electricity market,(c) the behaviour of customers and market participants.(4) The assessment of the financial value of a tender bid must consider the effect of the infrastructure proposed to be constructed and operated under an LTES agreement on the following—(a) wholesale electricity costs,(b) the costs of network infrastructure, including REZ network infrastructure projects, required to support the infrastructure that will be constructed and operated under the LTES agreement,(c) the costs of other services associated with power system security,(d) the payments that will be required to be made by the scheme financial vehicle under LTES agreements,(e) other matters the consumer trustee considers relevant.(5) The consumer trustee must—(a) ensure the costs to the consumer trustee of carrying out a competitive tender are reasonable, and(b) minimise the costs of making a tender bid for the persons making tender bids.(6) In this clause—market participant has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.power system security has the same meaning as in the National Electricity (NSW) Law.cl 26 (previously cl 16D): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[7].
26A LTES agreement showing outstanding merit—the Act, s 48(4)
(1) For the Act, section 48(4)(a), a circumstance in which an LTES agreement shows outstanding merit includes the consumer trustee being satisfied the agreement shows more merit than other LTES agreements for generation infrastructure recommended by the consumer trustee.(2) For the Act, section 48(4)(b), the consumer trustee must take the following into account in making a recommendation that relates to generation infrastructure specified in the Act, section 43(1)(a) that is not, or will not be, part of a renewable energy zone—(a) the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers,(b) how the LTES agreement contributes to achieving the infrastructure investment objectives,(c) the non-financial value criteria of the LTES agreement,(d) the impact of generation infrastructure under the LTES agreement on congestion in the NSW region.cl 26A: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[7].
27 Notice of proposal to exercise option under LTES agreement
The minimum notice period for the Act, section 46(2)(d) is 6 months before the exercise of the option.cl 27: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[8].
28 Competitive tenders for LTES agreements—the Act, s 47(3)(a)
(1) A person may not make a tender bid in a competitive tender for an LTES agreement for infrastructure if—(a) the infrastructure is not connected, or proposed to be connected, to network infrastructure in the NSW region, or(b) an access right for the infrastructure has already been conferred on the person under an access scheme as a result of a competitive tender conducted by the consumer trustee.(2) Subclause (1)(b) does not apply if the consumer trustee is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances.(2A) A person may not make a tender bid in a competitive tender for an LTES agreement for generation infrastructure if the infrastructure involves generation from wood waste from timber native to Australia.(2B) A person may not make a tender bid in a competitive tender for an LTES agreement for firming infrastructure if the infrastructure involves electricity generated from biomass from timber native to Australia.(2C) A person may not make a tender bid in a competitive tender for an LTES agreement for infrastructure if—(a) an access right for the infrastructure has already been conferred on the person under an access scheme other than by a competitive tender conducted by the consumer trustee, and(b) the infrastructure project has achieved the finance and construction criteria.(3) In this clause—exceptional circumstances means circumstances specified by the consumer trustee before conducting the competitive tender.cl 28: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[8]. Am 2022 (687), sec 3(1); 2024 (96), Sch 1[8] [9].
29 Tender rules
(1) Rules made under the Act, section 47(5) dealing with eligibility criteria for making a tender bid for generation infrastructure or long-duration storage infrastructure must not restrict—(a) the location in the NSW region in which the infrastructure may be constructed or operated, or(b) the type of technology or fuel that may be used to construct or operate the infrastructure.(2) Rules made under the Act, section 47(5) may provide for the matters specified in subclause (1) to be considered in the assessment of a tender bid.(3) For the Act, section 47(5)(g), the rules must deal with the assessment of a tender bid against the non-financial value criteria for LTES agreements.(4) This clause is subject to clause 28(2A).cl 29: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[8]. Am 2022 (687), sec 3(2).
30 Recommendations about LTES agreements
(1) The consumer trustee may include the following information in a recommendation to the scheme financial vehicle under the Act, section 48—(a) information obtained or produced during a competitive tender process,(b) information obtained or produced during the consumer trustee’s assessment of a tender bid, including information obtained or produced by a person acting at the direction of the consumer trustee.(2) Subclause (1)(b) applies only if the information was obtained or produced for the benefit of the consumer trustee and the scheme financial vehicle.(3) When making a recommendation about an LTES agreement, the consumer trustee must take into account the non-financial value criteria for LTES agreements.cl 30: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[8].
31 LTES agreement for generation infrastructure—the Act, s 46(2)(f)
An LTES agreement for the construction and operation of generation infrastructure must give the LTES operator an option to exercise a derivative arrangement that—(a) is a fixed shape, fixed volume derivative arrangement, or(b) is a kind of arrangement the consumer trustee is satisfied—(i) is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers, and(ii) allows for the reasonable forecasting of financial impacts to NSW electricity customers, including impacts arising from the volume of electricity produced by the LTES operator throughout the day and over the term of the agreement, and(iii) has risks, including basis risk, that can be managed under the risk management framework.cl 31 (previously cl 16E): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].
31A Circumstances in which LTES agreements may not be made—the Act, s 49(2)
(1) An LTES agreement for generation infrastructure may not be made if the infrastructure involves generation from wood waste from timber native to Australia.(2) An LTES agreement for firming infrastructure may not be made if the infrastructure involves electricity generated from biomass from timber native to Australia.cl 31A: Ins 2022 (687), sec 3(3).
32 Risk management framework—the Act, s 51(8)
(1) A risk management framework must mitigate the following risks—(a) the risk that the cash balance of the Fund will not be sufficient to make the payments specified in the Act, section 55(b),(b) the risk to the financial interests of NSW electricity customers of unexpected or significant increases in liabilities for payments by the scheme financial vehicle under LTES agreements from year to year,(c) the risk of a reduction in the liquidity of the wholesale electricity market, excluding the spot market within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules, if options under LTES agreements are exercised,(d) the risk that significant increases to contribution determinations under the Act, section 56 will be required to maintain a prudent cash balance for the Fund,(e) the basis risk to the scheme financial vehicle.(2) A risk management framework must also—(a) include information about how the consumer trustee will implement the framework, including details of policies and guidelines to be developed by the consumer trustee, and(b) provide for a cap on the basis risk to the scheme financial vehicle aggregated across all risk management contracts, and(c) provide for the scheme financial vehicle to enter into risk management contracts to mitigate the risks specified in the framework, and(d) require the scheme financial vehicle to demonstrate to the consumer trustee how the basis risk arising from a risk management contract that is a derivative arrangement will be managed, and(e) set out the requirements for the scheme financial vehicle to report to the consumer trustee about—(i) the overall performance of the framework, and(ii) breaches of the framework and risk management contracts.(3) If a risk management contract provided for by the risk management framework is a derivative arrangement, the scheme financial vehicle must not enter into the contract unless satisfied that entering into the contract—(a) is a reasonable and appropriate way to mitigate a risk specified in the framework, and(b) is in the long-term financial interests of NSW electricity customers, and(c) will not result in the scheme financial vehicle exceeding the cap on basis risk provided for by the framework.(4) A risk management contract entered into by the scheme financial vehicle under the risk management framework may, but is not required to, include loans or repayable grants to the scheme financial vehicle.(5) To avoid doubt, subclause (1) does not limit the risks, and in particular the risks to the financial interests of NSW electricity customers, that may be addressed by a risk management framework.cl 32 (previously cl 16F): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].
33 Renewal or extension of risk management contract—the Act, s 52(3)
A risk management contract may not be renewed or extended if, at the time of the renewal or extension, the risk management framework does not permit the scheme financial vehicle to enter into the contract.cl 33 (previously cl 16G): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[9].
Part 6 Electricity infrastructure fund
pt 6 (previously Part 2C): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[10].
34 Financial reporting by scheme financial vehicle—the Act, s 53(3)
(1) The scheme financial vehicle must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare a financial report about the Fund.(2) The financial report must—(a) be prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, and(b) include information on the net exposure of the scheme financial vehicle to the wholesale electricity market under—(i) LTES agreements, and(ii) risk management contracts that are derivative arrangements.(3) The scheme financial vehicle must prepare monthly records of payments into and from the Fund.(4) In this clause—Australian Accounting Standards means the standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board, as in force from time to time.cl 34 (previously cl 16H): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[11].
35 Contribution determination—matters to be taken into account—the Act, s 56(6)
(1) In making a contribution determination, the regulator must take the following into account—(a) the need to limit variability in contribution determinations from year to year,(b) the equitable allocation of the contribution determination between distribution network service providers based on each provider’s—(i) volumetric energy delivery in the previous financial year, and(ii) peak demand in the previous financial year,(c) the need for the scheme financial vehicle to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due,(d) information provided to the regulator by the consumer trustee, the financial trustee, the infrastructure planner, another regulator or the Tribunal.(2) In this clause—peak demand means the aggregate amount of actual, non-coincident and raw electricity demand, measured in megavolt amps, at the zone substation level and at the trading interval when the aggregate amount is the highest.volumetric energy delivery means the measured or estimated amount of electricity delivered to electricity customers from a distribution network service provider’s network, measured in gigawatt hours at the appropriate customer charging location.cl 35 (previously cl 16H): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[11]. Am 2024 (627), Sch 1[4].
36 Notification of contribution determinations—the Act, s 64(4)
The regulator must, within 1 week after a contribution determination is published in the Gazette, give each distribution network service provider a notice setting out the percentage of the contribution determination relating to LTES agreements for generation infrastructure.cl 36: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[12].
37 Recovery of amounts payable under contribution orders—the Act, s 58(6)
(1) A distribution network service provider must calculate the part of the amount payable by the provider under a contribution order that is attributable to each exempt customer (the relevant component).(2) A distribution network service provider is authorised to recover the relevant component from an exempt customer if the distribution network service provider gives the exempt customer the following credit against the charges payable by the exempt customer—(a) for an exempt customer who uses electricity supplied by the distribution network service provider to produce green hydrogen—(i) if the applicable reference year is before 2029—90% of the relevant component, or(ii) if the applicable reference year is 2029—60% of the relevant component, or(iii) if the applicable reference year is 2030—30% of the relevant component,(b) for an exempt customer who uses electricity supplied by the distribution network service provider in an industry that is both emissions intensive and trade exposed—90% of the part of the relevant component that is attributable to LTES agreements for generation infrastructure.(2A) Subclause (2)(a) ceases to apply to an exempt customer 10 years after 1 July in the reference year.(3) In this clause—exempt customer means a person who, under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, Schedule 4A, clause 22 is, for an electricity load, exempt from the energy savings scheme established by that Schedule.green hydrogen has the same meaning as in the Electricity Supply Act 1995, Schedule 4A, Part 1.reference year means the reference year identified in an order under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, Schedule 4A, clause 22.cl 37: Ins 2022 (366), Sch 1[12]. Am 2022 (465), Sch 1[4].
38 Payment of contribution by distribution network service provider—the Act, s 58(2)
A contribution order must specify that the amount the distribution network service provider is to pay into the Fund for a financial year is to be paid in 4 equal instalments payable on or before each of the following—(a) 1 November,(b) 1 February,(c) 1 May,(d) 1 August.cl 38 (previously cl 16J): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[13].
39 Provision of information to regulator—the Act, ss 60(4), 61(2) and 63(4)
The consumer trustee, the financial trustee and the infrastructure planner must, if requested to do so by the regulator, provide information to the regulator that the regulator considers reasonably necessary to enable the regulator to make a contribution determination.cl 39 (previously cl 16K): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[13].
39A Regulators to share information—the Act, s 64(4)
A regulator must, if requested to do so by another regulator that is making a contribution determination (the second regulator), give the second regulator information the second regulator considers reasonably necessary to enable the making of the contribution determination.cl 39A: Ins 2024 (627), Sch 1[5].
Part 7 Administration
pt 7, hdg (previously Part 3, heading): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[14]. Subst 2022 (382), Sch 1[8].
pt 7 (previously Part 3): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[14].
40 Appointment of consumer trustee—the Act, s 66(5)(a)
(1) A person may be appointed as consumer trustee only if the person is a company limited by guarantee.(2) The company limited by guarantee must—(a) have AEMO as a member, and(b) not have any other members except for one or more of the following—(i) the Crown in right of the Commonwealth,(ii) the Crown in right of New South Wales,(iii) the Crown in right of another State or Territory, and(c) be a subsidiary of AEMO, and(d) have a constitution that sets out—(i) objects that are not inconsistent with the exercise of the functions of the consumer trustee, and(ii) the functions of the company’s members, and(e) enter into an agreement with AEMO that deals with—(i) the governance arrangements of the company, and(ii) the provision by AEMO of services to assist the company in exercising its functions as consumer trustee.(3) This clause applies only to the first person appointed as consumer trustee under the Act, section 60.cl 40 (previously cl 17 (previously cl 8)): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[14].
41 Considerations for infrastructure planner—the Act, s 63
In exercising functions under the Act, Part 5, the infrastructure planner must take the following into account—(a) guidelines issued by the Minister under the Act, section 4,(b) the plan approved by the Minister under the Act, section 8.cl 41 (previously cl 18): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[14]. Subst 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
41A Appointment of regulator—the Act, s 64(1)
For the Act, section 64(1)(c), the Environment Protection Authority is prescribed, but only for exercising a function in relation to Part 12.cl 41A: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[2].
42 (Repealed)
cl 42 (previously cl 19): Renumbered 2022 (366), Sch 1[14]. Subst 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Rep 2024 (626), Sch 1[2].
42A Functions of consumer trustee—the Act, s 60(4)
(1) The consumer trustee has the functions set out in this clause in relation to an access scheme if—(a) the declaration for the access scheme provides for situations in which the infrastructure planner may grant or increase an access right based on a recommendation from the consumer trustee, or(b) the infrastructure planner requests the consumer trustee to conduct a competitive tender in relation to the granting or increasing of access rights under the access scheme.(2) The consumer trustee must—(a) make rules, in consultation with the infrastructure planner, about the conduct of a competitive tender in relation to the granting or increasing of access rights, and(b) for a competitive tender requested by the infrastructure planner, conduct the competitive tender—(i) within 60 days after the request, or(ii) at the same time as the first competitive tender for an LTES agreement that occurs after 60 days after the request, or(iii) if there is no competitive tender for an LTES agreement within 8 months of the request—by no later than 8 months after the request, and(b1) give the infrastructure planner information—(i) received by the consumer trustee as part of a competitive tender, and(ii) relating to the type, magnitude and timing of a person’s proposed connection to an access rights network, and(c) make recommendations to the infrastructure planner based on the outcome of the competitive tender, and(d) prepare a report on the competitive tender and the recommendations and give the report to the infrastructure planner.cl 42A: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[5]. Am 2022 (751), Sch 1[1] [2]; 2024 (96), Sch 1[10]; 2024 (472), Sch 1[4]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[3].
42B Functions of financial trustee—the Act, s 61(2)(c)
(1) The financial trustee must report to the regulator on the activities of the scheme financial vehicle during a financial year.(2) The report must be included as part of the report provided by the financial trustee to the regulator under the Act, section 70(1).(3) The financial trustee may request information from the scheme financial vehicle for the purposes of preparing the report.(4) In this clause—activities do not include activities referred to in clause 32(2)(e).cl 42B: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[5].
42C Functions of infrastructure planner—access schemes—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner may request the consumer trustee to conduct a competitive tender in relation to the granting or increasing of access rights—(a) under an access scheme, and(b) in accordance with the declaration for the access scheme.(2) The infrastructure planner for an access scheme must exercise—(a) the access scheme functions for the access scheme if the infrastructure planner is appointed to administer the access scheme, or(b) a particular access scheme function for the access scheme if the infrastructure planner is directed to exercise the function in the declaration for the access scheme.(3) (Repealed)(4) In this clause—access scheme functions, for an access scheme, means the functions in Schedule 1A.cl 42C: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[5]. Am 2022 (751), Sch 1[3]; 2023 (348), Sch 1[2]; 2024 (96), Sch 1[11]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[4].
42CA Functions of infrastructure planner—standard development agreement under access schemes—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner must include the following in an agreement (a development agreement) between it and a participant for a project in relation to the grant or increase of access rights under the access scheme—(a) a date (the nominated date) agreed to by the participant and infrastructure planner by which the project is to achieve the finance and construction criteria,(b) a right for the infrastructure planner to terminate the access right if the project has not achieved the finance and construction criteria by the nominated date,(c) a right for the infrastructure planner to vary the nominated date, from time to time, by no more than 2 years from the first nominated date if the infrastructure planner is satisfied the project will achieve the finance and construction criteria within the 2 years,(d) a condition that the participant must enter into a payment deed with the scheme financial vehicle before the access right is granted or increased,(e) conditions for the development of the project by the participant.(2) The infrastructure planner must publish on its website the standard form and content of a development agreement (the standard development agreement) that includes the matters under subclause (1).cl 42CA: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[12]. Am 2024 (472), Sch 1[5].
42D Functions of infrastructure planner—particular renewable energy zones—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) This clause applies if—(a) the Energy Corporation is appointed as the infrastructure planner for a renewable energy zone, and(b) the Minister has declared, in accordance with the Act, section 24(1), the access scheme that applies in the renewable energy zone or part of the renewable energy zone, and(c) the declaration specifies that the scheme financial vehicle is, in relation to the access scheme, liable to pay the infrastructure planner the component of fees payable under the Act, section 26 to be held for use for—(i) a community purpose, or(ii) an employment purpose.Note—See the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987, section 35, which establishes the Energy Administration Account.(2) The infrastructure planner for a renewable energy zone to which an access scheme applies has the following functions—(a) to administer, manage and make payments of money held for use in relation to a community purpose or employment purpose,(b) to make guidelines about the administration, management and payment of money under this clause.(3) In this clause—community purpose has the same meaning as in the Act, section 26.employment purpose has the same meaning as in the Act, section 26.cl 42D: Ins 2023 (348), Sch 1[3].
42E Functions of infrastructure planner—functions under National Electricity Rules, Chapter 9A—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
An infrastructure planner has the following functions—(a) the functions of an infrastructure planner under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 9A,(b) functions ancillary to the functions in paragraph (a),(c) the functions set out in Schedule 1B.cl 42E: Ins 2024 (626), Sch 1[5].cl 42E: Ins 2024 (627), Sch 1[6].
42E Application of Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of Commonwealth, section 44AAEC—the Act, s 79
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Commonwealth, section 44AAEC extends to and has effect for the purposes of the Act and this regulation.
Part 8 Assessments and recommendations by infrastructure planner
pt 8: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
43 Matters requiring assessment and recommendations—the Act, ss 30 and 63(4)
(1) The infrastructure planner must assess and make recommendations about the following—(a) proposed REZ network infrastructure projects,(b) priority transmission infrastructure projects in relation to which the infrastructure planner is appointed,(c) network operators who may be authorised or directed to carry out—(i) a REZ network infrastructure project, or(ii) a priority transmission infrastructure project,(d) other persons who may assist the network operator to carry out—(i) a REZ network infrastructure project, or(ii) a priority transmission infrastructure project,(e) the contractual arrangements that a network operator may be required to enter into to carry out a REZ network infrastructure project or priority transmission infrastructure project under an authorisation (the recommended contractual arrangements).(2) The infrastructure planner may decide—(a) the extent of an assessment under subclause (1), and(b) how the assessment will be carried out, including whether to carry out a competitive assessment process.(3) An assessment and recommendation made by the infrastructure planner in relation to a priority transmission infrastructure project must be provided to the Minister.Note—An assessment and recommendation about a REZ network infrastructure project must be provided to the consumer trustee under the Act, section 30(1).(4) For the purposes of the Act, section 34(2)(d), the Minister must consider an assessment and recommendation by the infrastructure planner before giving—(a) a direction under the Act, section 32(1)(b), or(b) an authorisation under the Act, section 36(2).cl 43: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (785), Sch 1[6].
44 Technical specifications for REZ network infrastructure projects—the Act, s 30
The infrastructure planner’s assessment and recommendations about a REZ network infrastructure project must deal with the following—(a) technical specifications about the following—(i) proposed routes of the network infrastructure, including substation locations,(ii) connections between proposed and existing network infrastructure,(iii) the operating voltages and network capacity of the network infrastructure,(b) how the project will ensure the safe operation of the network infrastructure and the reliability and security of electricity supply,(c) how the project will meet the system strength requirements under the National Electricity Rules for the NSW region,(d) if the project includes class 3 network infrastructure—details of the person who is proposed to own or control the network infrastructure.cl 44: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
45 Competitive assessment process—the Act, ss 30(5)(a) and 63(4)
(1) The infrastructure planner may carry out a competitive assessment process in relation to—(a) a proposed REZ network infrastructure project, or(b) a priority transmission infrastructure project in relation to which the infrastructure planner is appointed.(2) The competitive assessment process must involve a request from the infrastructure planner for a binding bid from—(a) 2 or more network operators proposing to carry out all or part of the project, or(b) 2 or more persons who will assist network operators to carry out all or part of the project.(3) The infrastructure planner must, for network operators and other persons who may be requested to make a binding bid, develop—(a) eligibility criteria, and(b) a selection process.(4) Before and during a competitive assessment process, the infrastructure planner must—(a) consult with the regulator, and(b) provide the regulator with information about and obtained from the competitive assessment process, if requested.(5) If the competitive assessment process is for a contestable augmentation, the infrastructure planner may work with the network operator for the related project when carrying out the functions under subclauses (1)–(4).(6) In the exercise of the regulator’s functions under the Act, Part 5, the regulator must rely on and adopt information if—(a) the information was given to the regulator—(i) by the infrastructure planner, or(ii) by the network operator under clause 48(1A)(a), and(b) the infrastructure planner or network operator obtained the information from a competitive assessment process, and(c) the regulator is satisfied the competitive assessment process was genuine and appropriate.cl 45: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2024 (6), Sch 1[2].
Part 9 Revenue determinations
pt 9: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
Division 1 Making revenue determinations
pt 9, div 1: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
46 Principles for regulator—the Act, s 37(1)(e)
(1) The following principles are prescribed—(a) a genuine and appropriate competitive assessment process—(i) results in the costs of carrying out an infrastructure project being prudent, efficient and reasonable, and(ii) provides incentives to promote economic efficiency, and(iii) results in revenue for the ongoing ownership, control and operation of the infrastructure project being commensurate with the regulatory and commercial risks,(b) a network operator is entitled to recover the following—(i) prudent, efficient and reasonable costs incurred by the network operator in complying with a regulatory requirement,(ii) payments required to be made by the network operator to the infrastructure planner under a contractual arrangement, if the network operator was required to enter the contractual arrangement under the relevant authorisation,(iii) reasonable costs incurred by the network operator, as assessed by the regulator, if the regulator fails to make a revenue determination within the time period specified in clause 50,(c) an appropriate referenced costs process—(i) results in the costs of carrying out an infrastructure project being prudent, efficient and reasonable, and(ii) provides incentives to promote economic efficiency, and(iii) results in revenue for the ongoing ownership, control and operation of the infrastructure project being commensurate with the regulatory and commercial risks.(2) The regulator must, when assessing reasonable costs for the purposes of subclause (1)(b)(iii), take into account whether the network operator contributed to the delay.(3) In this clause—regulatory requirement, for a network operator, means a requirement imposed on the network operator by a relevant law but does not include a requirement to pay a fine, penalty or compensation for a breach of a requirement imposed on the network operator by a relevant law.relevant law means the following—(a) the Act or this Regulation,(b) the National Electricity (NSW) Law or the National Electricity Rules,(c) an Act, including an instrument made under that Act, that—(i) imposes a tax or levy, or(ii) relates to the protection of the environment, or(iii) regulates the use of land, or(iv) otherwise materially affects the carrying out of the infrastructure project by the network operator.cl 46: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[2]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[3].
47 Regulator’s guidelines about revenue determinations—the Act, s 38(10)
(1) The regulator must—(a) prepare guidelines setting out how the regulator will exercise functions under the Act, Part 5, and(b) publish the regulator’s guidelines on the regulator’s website.(2) The regulator’s guidelines must be consistent with the Act and this Regulation.(3) Different regulator’s guidelines may be made for contestable revenue determinations and non-contestable revenue determinations.cl 47: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Subst 2022 (686), Sch 1[3].
47A Regulator’s guidelines about non-contestable revenue determinations—the Act, s 38(10)
(1) This clause applies to regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations.(2) The regulator must make a non-contestable revenue determination in accordance with the regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations.(3) The regulator must—(a) ensure the regulator’s guidelines set out how a non-contestable revenue determination will be made by the regulator, including how the regulator will make a determination under clause 47E(4) for a contestable augmentation, and(b) as far as is reasonably practicable, make the regulator’s guidelines consistent with the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A as that Chapter applies to the AER making a transmission determination.(4) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must deal with matters set out in the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A, including the following—(a) the building blocks approach,(b) the regulatory asset base,(c) return on capital,(d) depreciation,(e) the estimated cost of corporate income tax,(f) forecast operating expenditure,(g) forecast capital expenditure,(h) reopening of a revenue determination for capital expenditure,(i) network support pass through,(j) cost pass through,(k) shared assets.(5) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must not deal with the following matters under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A—(a) pricing,(b) benchmarking reports,(c) ring-fencing arrangements,(d) (Repealed)(e) the X-factor,(f) small-scale incentive schemes,(g) demand management innovation allowance mechanism,(h) contingent projects,(i) transmission consultation procedure,(j) removal of assets from the regulatory asset base.(6) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must set out how the regulator must—(a) apply the regulator’s guidelines for contestable revenue determinations to a contestable component of a revenue determination in relation to which the regulator is satisfied the competitive assessment process was genuine and appropriate, and(b) apply the regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations to a contestable component of a revenue determination in relation to which the regulator is not satisfied the competitive assessment process was genuine and appropriate.cl 47A: Ins 2022 (686), Sch 1[3]. Am 2024 (6), Sch 1[4]; 2024 (405), Sch 1[1]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[6] [7].
47B Regulator’s guidelines about non-contestable revenue determinations must include schemes and models—the Act, s 38(10)
(1) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must include the schemes and models to be used by the regulator in making a non-contestable revenue determination, including the following—(a) an efficiency benefit sharing scheme,(b) a capital expenditure sharing scheme,(c) a post-tax revenue model,(d) a roll forward model.(1A) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must provide that the schemes specified in subclause (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to a contestable component of a non-contestable revenue determination.(2) The regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations must also include a service target performance incentive scheme to be used by the regulator in remaking a non-contestable revenue determination under the Act, section 40.(3) The schemes and models included in the regulator’s guidelines under this clause must be consistent with the equivalent schemes and models under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A.cl 47B: Ins 2022 (686), Sch 1[3]. Am 2024 (405), Sch 1[2].
47C Amendment of regulator’s guidelines
(1) Before amending the regulator’s guidelines, the regulator must—(a) publish the proposed amendment on the regulator’s website for a period of at least 20 business days, and(b) consider any submissions received within the period.(2) Subclause (1) does not apply to—(a) the first publication of the regulator’s guidelines under clause 47(1)(b), or(b) an amendment the regulator considers minor or administrative.(3) This clause extends to an amendment of a scheme or model included in the regulator’s guidelines.cl 47C: Ins 2022 (686), Sch 1[3].
47D Making non-contestable revenue determinations—the Act, s 38(10)(a)
(1) This clause applies to the making of a non-contestable revenue determination.(2) Before determining the amount for the component under the Act, section 38(2)(a), the regulator must calculate the depreciation using the depreciation schedules prepared in accordance with the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A.(3) The regulator must modify the depreciation schedules for the purposes of subclause (2) if satisfied that it is reasonably necessary to ensure—(a) the revenue determination is consistent with the objects of the Act specified in the Act, section 3(1)(a)–(c), and(b) the network operator is capable of efficiently obtaining finance to carry out the infrastructure project.(4) When determining the amount for the component under the Act, section 38(2)(b), the regulator must apply the current rate of return instrument made by the AER under the National Electricity (NSW) Law, section 18I, as in force at the time of the revenue determination.(5) The regulator must take into account contractual arrangements entered into by a network operator as required under a relevant authorisation for a previous contestable revenue determination if—(a) the regulator is establishing the value of the regulatory asset base for the purposes of a non-contestable revenue determination, and(b) a contestable revenue determination was previously made in relation to all or part of the same network infrastructure.cl 47D: Ins 2022 (686), Sch 1[3].
47E Making revenue determinations for contestable augmentation—the Act, s 38(10)(a)
(1) The regulator must determine the amount for the components under the Act, section 38(2) for a revenue determination for a contestable augmentation in accordance with this clause.(2) The regulator must determine the amount for the component in accordance with the regulator’s guidelines for contestable revenue determinations if—(a) the costs of the component are derived as a result of a competitive assessment process, and(b) the regulator is satisfied the competitive assessment process was genuine and appropriate.(3) The regulator must determine the amount for the component by relying on and adopting information provided by the network operator or infrastructure planner if—(a) subclause (2) does not apply to the component, and(b) the regulator is satisfied—(i) the existing contractual arrangements contain an appropriate referenced costs process, and(ii) the amount is determined using the appropriate referenced costs process.(4) The regulator must determine the amount for a component in accordance with the regulator’s guidelines for non-contestable revenue determinations if subclauses (2) and (3) do not apply to the component.(5) The regulator, when making a determination under this clause, must take into account—(a) the existing contractual arrangements, including incentive regimes in the contractual arrangements, and(b) any other contract entered into by the network operator under an authorisation in relation to the contestable augmentation, including incentive regimes in the contract.(6) A revenue determination for a contestable augmentation is made after each of the amounts for the components determined under this clause is added to make a single determination.(7) In this clause—appropriate referenced costs process means a mechanism in an existing contractual arrangement that the regulator is satisfied is appropriate for wholly or partially determining the amount for a component under a contestable augmentation.cl 47E: Ins 2024 (6), Sch 1[5]. Am 2024 (405), Sch 1[3].
48 Network operator to give information to regulator—the Act, s 38(10)(b) and (c)
(1) A network operator must give the regulator the information about the proposed amounts payable to the network operator for carrying out an infrastructure project that the regulator reasonably requires to exercise the regulator’s functions under the Act, Part 5.(1A) A network operator who is subject to an authorisation for a contestable augmentation must give the regulator the following information that the regulator reasonably requires to exercise the regulator’s functions under the Act, Part 5—(a) information about and obtained from a competitive assessment process,(b) information relevant to determining an amount under clause 47E(3).(2) The information must be given before a revenue determination is made in relation to the network operator.(3) The network operator must prepare the information in accordance with—(a) the guidelines published by the regulator about the transmission efficiency test, and(b) the guidelines published by the regulator under clause 47, and(c) other requirements notified by the regulator to the network operator.(4) The regulator must take into account the information given by the network operator when—(a) calculating the transmission efficiency test, and(b) making a revenue determinationcl 48: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2024 (6), Sch 1[6].
49 Consultation with infrastructure planner and consumer trustee—the Act, s 38(10)(a)
(1) The regulator must consult the infrastructure planner before making a revenue determination.(1A) If the revenue determination relates to a REZ network infrastructure project, the regulator must also consult with the consumer trustee.(2) The infrastructure planner must give the regulator all information about an infrastructure project that the regulator considers necessary to make the revenue determination, including—(a) information about or obtained from a competitive assessment process, or(b) information relevant to determining an amount under clause 47E(3).(3) The consumer trustee must give the regulator information about the amount notified to the regulator under the Act, section 31(2) that the regulator considers necessary to make the revenue determination.cl 49: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[4]–[6]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[7].
50 Timing for making revenue determinations—the Act, s 38(10)(a)
(1) The regulator must make a revenue determination in relation to a network operator within the following period after the regulator has received the information from the network operator required by clause 48—(a) for a contestable revenue determination—42 business days,(a1) for a revenue determination for a contestable augmentation—84 business days,(b) otherwise—126 business days.(2) The regulator may, by written notice to the network operator, extend the time period under subclause (1)(a) by a further 42 business days if the regulator is satisfied that the extension is reasonably necessary because—(a) the revenue determination is complex, and(b) some of the information from the network operator was obtained other than from a competitive assessment process.(2A) The regulator may, by written notice to the network operator, extend the time period under subclause (1)(a1) by a further 42 business days if the regulator is satisfied the extension is reasonably necessary because—(a) the revenue determination is complex, and(b) the regulator has been unable to satisfy itself of one or more of the matters specified in clause 47E(2)(b) or (3)(b).(3) As soon as practicable after the regulator fails to make a revenue determination within the period required by this clause, the regulator must—(a) prepare a report that specifies—(i) the reasons for the failure, and(ii) the date by which the regulator expects to make the revenue determination, and(b) give the report to the Minister, and(c) publish the report on the regulator’s website.cl 50: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[7]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[8] [9].
Division 2 Content and publication
pt 9, div 2: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
50A Components of non-contestable revenue determinations—the Act, s 38(2)(d)
Allowances for the following are prescribed as components of a non-contestable revenue determination—(a) indexation of the regulatory asset base,(b) the estimated cost of corporate income tax of the network operator,(c) an increase or decrease in the network operator’s revenue resulting from the operation of the schemes included in the regulator’s guidelines under clause 47B(1)(a) and (b) and (2),(d) repayment of prudent, efficient and reasonable capital costs not included in the component specified in the Act, section 38(2)(a),(e) other risks for which the network operator is not already compensated under the component specified in the Act, section 38(2)(b).cl 50A: Ins 2022 (687), Sch 1[8].
51 Adjustment of amounts—the Act, ss 38(10)(f), 40 and 42
(1) A revenue determination may include provision for the adjustment of any amount included in the revenue determination, whether or not the amount relates to a capital cost.(2) A provision in a revenue determination for adjustment may specify the following—(a) that a particular adjustment must be carried out at particular times or in particular circumstances, including circumstances where network infrastructure to which the revenue determination relates is transferred,(b) that a particular adjustment may or may not require the revenue determination to be reviewed and remade.Example—An adjustment may be made for inflation without a review or remake of the revenue determination. The occurrence of a significant event may require the revenue determination to be reviewed and remade.(3) All adjustments, whether or not the revenue determination is reviewed and remade, must be carried out in accordance with—(a) the guidelines issued under clause 47, and(b) for a contestable revenue determination or a contestable component of a non-contestable revenue determination—the contractual arrangements the network operator entered into as required under the relevant authorisation, and(c) for a revenue determination for a contestable augmentation—(i) the existing contractual arrangements, and(ii) for an amount determined under clause 47E(2)—another contract entered into by the network operator if—(A) the contract is entered into under an authorisation in relation to the contestable augmentation, and(B) the regulator is satisfied the contract was made following a genuine and appropriate competitive assessment process, and(iii) for an amount determined under clause 47E(3)—adjustments set out in an appropriate referenced costs process.(4) In reviewing and remaking a determination for the purposes of adjustment, the regulator may adopt, without recalculation, the existing capital costs calculated using the transmission efficiency test for the previous determination.(5) A revenue determination may include provision for adjustment that is to be carried out in relation to the termination or expiry of the contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under the relevant authorisation.cl 51: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[9][10]; 2022 (785), Sch 1[7]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[10]; 2024 (405), Sch 1[4]; 2024 (627), Sch 1[7] [8].
52 Information to be included in revenue determination—the Act, s 38(10)(d)
(1) A revenue determination must include a schedule of the amounts required to be paid to or by the network operator.(2) The schedule must—(a) set out each amount required to be paid and the date on which the amount must be paid, and(b) for a contestable revenue determination—correspond with the term of the contractual arrangements that the network operator enters as required under the relevant authorisation, and(c) for a non-contestable revenue determination—set out the amounts required to be paid for the following 5 years, and(d) for a revenue determination for a contestable augmentation—correspond with the term of the existing contractual arrangements.(2A) A revenue determination must specify the network infrastructure for which the network operator is entitled to payment in accordance with the relevant authorisation.(3) A non-contestable revenue determination may also include other information the regulator considers appropriate, taking into account the regulator’s guidelines.cl 52: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[11] [12]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[11]; 2024 (627), Sch 1[9]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[8].
53 Publication of revenue determinations and related information—the Act, s 38(10)(f)
(1) The regulator must publish the following on its website—(a) if a revenue determination is made or remade—(i) the revenue determination, and(ii) the reasons for making the revenue determination,(b) if an adjustment is made to a revenue determination under clause 51 that did not require the revenue determination to be reviewed and remade—an updated schedule of amounts required to be paid to or by the network operator.(1A) Despite clause 52(2)(b) and (d), the schedule required to be published for a contestable revenue determination and a revenue determination for a contestable augmentation must only set out the amounts required to be paid for the following 5 years.(2) The revenue determination or schedule must be published as soon as reasonably practicable.(3) The regulator must consult with the infrastructure planner before publishing a revenue determination on its website.(4) The regulator may decide not to publish part of a revenue determination if satisfied it is not appropriate, taking into account the following—(a) the public interest,(b) the extent to which publishing the part of the revenue determination would disclose information that is confidential or commercially sensitive,(c) the effect of publishing the part of the revenue determination on future competitive assessment processes.(5) The regulator may also publish on its website information given to the regulator under clause 48 that relates to—(a) a non-contestable revenue determination, or(b) a determination under clause 47E(4) for a contestable augmentation.(6) The regulator must not publish information under subclause (5) if satisfied that the information is confidential or commercially sensitive.cl 53: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Am 2022 (686), Sch 1[13] [14]; 2024 (6), Sch 1[12]; 2024 (472), Sch 1[6]; 2024 (627), Sch 1[10].
53A Revenue determination ceases to have effect—the Act, s 38(10)(f)
(1) A revenue determination ceases to have effect if the relevant authorisation ceases to have effect.Note—An authorisation ceases to have effect on the termination or expiry of the contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under the authorisation. See clauses 19A(4) and 20(3).(2) Despite subclause (1), a provision in a revenue determination about the adjustment of amounts may have effect after the expiry of the revenue determination.Note—See also the Act, section 38(3B), which provides that a provision of a revenue determination about the adjustment of amounts may have effect after the expiry of the relevant authorisation.cl 53A: Ins 2022 (785), Sch 1[8]. Am 2024 (627), Sch 1[11].
54 Review and remake of revenue determination for errors—the Act, s 40
(1) The regulator may review and remake a revenue determination to the extent necessary to correct—(a) a material error, misdescription or miscalculation, or(b) an error resulting from the provision of false or materially misleading information to the regulator.(2) Before reviewing or remaking a revenue determination under subclause (1), the regulator must consult the following—(a) the network operator,(b) the consumer trustee,(c) the infrastructure planner,(d) other persons the regulator considers appropriate.(3) This clause does not require the regulator to review or remake a revenue determination because of a change to a forecast or assumption relied on by the regulator to make the revenue determination.cl 54: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9].
54AA Review and remake or adjustment of determinations for transfers—the Act, ss 38(10)(f), 40 and 42
(1) This clause applies if the transfer of part of network infrastructure to which an authorisation relates is approved under clause 21(1)(c)(ii).(2) The regulator must, as soon as practicable—(a) review and remake the revenue determination that applies to the transferor, or(b) carry out an adjustment of the revenue determination if—(i) the determination includes provision for the adjustment of amounts included in the determination in circumstances where part of the network infrastructure is transferred by the network operator, and(ii) the regulator is satisfied reviewing and remaking the determination is not required in the circumstances.(3) If the regulator does not make a revenue determination in accordance with clause 21(3A)(a), the regulator must, as soon as practicable—(a) review and remake another revenue determination that applies to the transferee, or(b) carry out an adjustment of another revenue determination that applies to the transferee if—(i) the determination includes provision for the adjustment of amounts included in the determination in circumstances where network infrastructure is transferred to the transferee, and(ii) the regulator is satisfied reviewing and remaking the determination is not required in the circumstances.(4) Before reviewing and remaking a revenue determination under this clause, the regulator must consult the following—(a) if the determination is to be reviewed and remade under—(i) subclause (2)(a)—the transferor, or(ii) subclause (3)(a)—the transferee,(b) the consumer trustee,(c) the infrastructure planner,(d) other persons the regulator considers appropriate.cl 54AA: Ins 2024 (627), Sch 1[12].
Division 3 Cost recovery of infrastructure project costs—the Act, ss 39(2) and 41
pt 9, div 3: Ins 2022 (786), Sch 1[2].
54A Meaning of “eligible network operator”
In this Division—eligible network operator means a network operator who—(a) is subject to an authorisation, and(b) is subject to a non-contestable revenue determination, and(c) if the network operator is a distribution network service provider—(i) is subject to an existing distribution determination under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6, and(ii) provides distribution services to customers in the NSW region, and(d) if the network operator is a transmission network service provider—(i) is subject to an existing transmission determination under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 6A, and(ii) provides transmission services to customers in the NSW region.cl 54A: Ins 2022 (786), Sch 1[2]. Am 2024 (626), Sch 1[9].
54B Cost recovery declaration
(1) The Minister may make a declaration (a cost recovery declaration) that an eligible network operator is entitled to receive a cost recovery amount in relation to specified network infrastructure.(2) On the commencement of the declaration—(a) the scheme financial vehicle ceases to be required to pay the eligible network operator for the network infrastructure in accordance with a revenue determination by the regulator, and(b) the regulator ceases to be required to make revenue determinations, or to review or remake revenue determinations, in relation to the network infrastructure, and(c) the eligible network operator is entitled to receive a cost recovery amount for the network infrastructure.(3) In this clause—cost recovery amount, for network infrastructure, means an amount under the National Electricity (NSW) Law that the network operator is entitled to receive for carrying out the network infrastructure project under the authorisation to which the network operator is subject.cl 54B: Ins 2022 (786), Sch 1[2].
54C Making a declaration
(1) The Minister may make a cost recovery declaration—(a) on the Minister’s own initiative, or(b) on the application of a relevant person for the declaration.(2) Before making a cost recovery declaration, the Minister must consider the following—(a) the costs and savings, if the declaration is made, for—(i) the eligible network operator to whom the declaration is proposed to apply, and(ii) the regulator, and(iii) the scheme financial vehicle,(b) the impact of the declaration on the financial interests of electricity customers in the NSW region,(c) anything else the Minister considers relevant.(3) Before making a cost recovery declaration, the Minister must—(a) consult with each relevant person for the declaration, and(b) get the written consent of the eligible network operator.(4) The cost recovery declaration must be published in the Gazette.(5) In this clause—relevant person, for a declaration, means the following—(a) the eligible network operator to whom the declaration is proposed to apply,(b) the regulator,(c) the infrastructure planner,(d) the consumer trustee.cl 54C: Ins 2022 (786), Sch 1[2].
54D Content of cost recovery declaration
(1) A cost recovery declaration must—(a) specify the network infrastructure of the eligible network operator to which the declaration applies, and(b) specify whether, for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules, the network infrastructure forms part of—(i) the transmission system, or(ii) the distribution system, and(c) classify, for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules—(i) services provided by the eligible network operator in relation to the transmission system as transmission services, and(ii) services provided by the eligible network operator in relation to the distribution system as distribution services, and(d) further classify, for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules—(i) the services classified as transmission services as—(A) prescribed common transmission services, or(B) prescribed TUOS services, and(ii) the services classified as distribution services as direct control services that are standard control services, and(e) specify a commencement date for the declaration, which must be a date that is—(i) at the start of a regulatory control period for the eligible network operator, and(ii) at least 2 years after the date on which the declaration is published in the Gazette.(2) In this clause—regulatory control period has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.cl 54D: Ins 2022 (786), Sch 1[2].
Part 10 Access schemes
pt 10: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Subst 2022 (465), Sch 1[6].
55 Declaration of access scheme—the Act, s 24(5)(f)
(1) A declaration for an access scheme may specify the following matters in relation to the access scheme—(a) the arrangements for the administration of the access scheme,(b) the classes of the following that may be part of, or subject to, the access scheme—(i) infrastructure, plant or equipment,(ii) owners, controllers or operators of infrastructure, plant or equipment,(c) the eligibility criteria for participating in the access scheme,(d) matters related to the access and connection or disconnection process, including—(i) access and connection to, or disconnection from, an access rights network or access control network under the access scheme, and(ii) the administration of the process for access and connection or disconnection, and(iii) the assessment and approval of changes to a connection or a connected facility to which an access right relates, including disconnection of the facility,(e) matters related to proposals—(i) in relation to the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme, and(ii) made in accordance with the access scheme for the augmentation of network infrastructure in the renewable energy zone in which the access scheme is located,(f) matters related to technical matters for the access scheme, including in relation to the following—(i) network capacity,(ii) network constraints,(iii) network utilisation,(iv) access rights,(v) maximum capacities applying during different periods,(g) requirements for establishing, administering and operating a register for access rights under the access scheme,(h) requirements for giving notices or publishing information in relation to the access scheme,(i) how the access scheme may be extended or terminated,(j) how the declaration may be amended under the Act, section 28(1)(d).(2) In this clause—access control network, under an access scheme, means all or part of a transmission network or distribution network—(a) that is not an access rights network under the access scheme, and(b) to which access is controlled under the access scheme.access rights network, under an access scheme, means all or part of a transmission network or distribution network identified as an access rights network in the declaration for the access scheme.plant has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules and includes plant that consumes electricity but not generation infrastructure or storage infrastructure.cl 55: Ins 2022 (382), Sch 1[9]. Subst 2022 (465), Sch 1[6]; 2022 (751), Sch 1[4].
55A Fees for access scheme—principles—the Act, s 26(1)
For the Act, section 26(1)(d), transparency in total determined or expected fees payable under the access scheme for participants is prescribed.cl 55A: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[13].
56 Fees for access schemes—community purposes—the Act, s 26
(1) For the Act, section 26(2), a component of a fee is taken to be used for a community purpose if it used to provide one or more of the following benefits to the relevant local community—(a) public or community services or infrastructure,(b) health services or infrastructure,(c) accommodation or housing,(d) local or regional energy programs or infrastructure,(e) environmental programs or infrastructure,(f) parks and recreation infrastructure,(g) education programs or research,(h) arts or cultural programs,(i) tourism programs or infrastructure,(j) services, programs or infrastructure for First Nations people,(k) other services, programs or infrastructure that benefit the relevant local community.(2) For the Act, section 26(3)—(a) the minimum proportion for the component of the annual access fee for a participant is—(i) if the participant’s annual access fee is $2,600 per megawatt or more—$1,700 per megawatt, or(ii) otherwise—60%, and(b) the maximum amount for the component of the annual access fee for a participant is—(i) during the term of the access scheme—no maximum is prescribed, or(ii) otherwise—$0.(3) In this section—relevant local community means the local community in the geographic area that forms the renewable energy zone to which the access scheme applies.cl 56: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[6].
57 Fees for access schemes—employment purposes—the Act, s 26
(1) For the Act, section 26(4), a component of a fee is taken to be used for an employment purpose if it used to provide for one or more of the following to relevant employees—(a) employment programs and associated services and facilities,(b) skills and training programs and associated services and facilities,(c) a program, service or facility that supports the relevant employees to gain employment skills or experience relevant to employment.(2) For the Act, section 26(5)—(a) the minimum proportion for the component of the annual access fee for a participant is—(i) if the participant’s annual access fee is $2,600 per megawatt or more—$600 per megawatt, or(ii) otherwise—20%, and(b) the maximum amount for the component of the annual access fee for a participant is—(i) during the term of the access scheme—no maximum is prescribed, or(ii) otherwise—$0.(3) In this section—relevant employee means an employee who is—(a) in the geographic area that forms the renewable energy zone to which the access scheme applies, and(b) affected by changes in electricity generation in the State.cl 57: Ins 2022 (465), Sch 1[6].
Part 11 Modification of National Electricity Rules
pt 11: Ins 2022 (751), Sch 1[5].
58 Modification of National Electricity (NSW) Law—the Act, s 41
(1) A network operator who has a revenue determination under the Act is taken to be a regulated network service provider for the National Electricity (NSW) Law, section 157.(2) The National Electricity (NSW) Law, section 157(1) does not apply to conduct of the network operator that is in accordance with the requirements of an access scheme.cl 58: Ins 2022 (751), Sch 1[5]. Am 2022 (786), Sch 1[3]. Subst 2024 (626), Sch 1[10].
59 Modification of National Electricity Rules—the Act, ss 27 and 41
The National Electricity Rules are modified as set out in the document titled Chapter 9A: Modification of the National Electricity Rules in New South Wales under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act published in the Government Gazette on 6 December 2024.cl 59: Ins 2022 (751), Sch 1[5]. Am 2022 (786), Sch 1[4]. Subst 2024 (626), Sch 1[10].
Part 12 Firming infrastructure
pt 12: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 12, div 1: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
60 Definitions
In this Part—greenhouse gas has the same meaning as in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 of the Commonwealth.higher emission firming infrastructure, for a calendar year, means firming infrastructure where the firming infrastructure emissions intensity in the calendar year is higher than the NSW emissions intensity for the calendar year.LTES operator for firming infrastructure means the LTES operator under the LTES agreement for the firming infrastructure.NSW carbon credit units means Australian carbon credit units registered for a project area under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 of the Commonwealth, section 147 for eligible offset projects in New South Wales.offset requirement—see clause 62(1).offset units means—(a) NSW carbon credit units, or(b) other carbon credit units approved by the regulator.scope 1 emission has the same meaning as in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 of the Commonwealth.surrender of offset units means the voluntary cancellation of the units—(a) for NSW carbon credit units—in accordance with the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units Act 2011 of the Commonwealth, Part 6, or(b) otherwise—in a way that ensures the units can no longer be transferred.cl 60: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
61 Conditions of LTES agreements for firming infrastructure—the Act, s 46(2)(f)
An LTES agreement for firming infrastructure must contain conditions that—(a) set out a framework to require the LTES operator for the firming infrastructure to comply with this Part, and(b) will contribute to the reduction of scope 1 emissions of greenhouse gas in the NSW electricity sector, and(c) otherwise give effect to the requirements set out in this Part.cl 61: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
Division 2 Offset requirements
pt 12, div 2: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
62 Offset requirements for firming infrastructure—the Act, s 46(2)(f)
(1) An LTES operator for firming infrastructure who has been given notice under clause 65(3)(a) requiring the LTES operator to procure and surrender a number of offset units for a calendar year must satisfy the requirement (the offset requirement) by procuring and surrendering the offset units.(2) The offset units procured and surrendered by the LTES operator must be—(a) NSW carbon credit units, and(b) held in the account of the LTES operator in the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units under the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units Act 2011 of the Commonwealth.(3) An LTES operator who is unable to procure and surrender NSW carbon credit units because NSW carbon credit units are not available may instead satisfy the offset requirement by making a payment to the scheme financial vehicle equal to—(a) the cost of the offset units as estimated by the regulator, and(b) a reasonable administration fee decided by the regulator.(4) The LTES operator must—(a) satisfy the offset requirement no later than 3 months after the notice is given, and(b) as soon as practicable after satisfying the offset requirement, give written notice to the regulator that it has been satisfied.cl 62: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
63 Payments must be used to procure offset units—the Act, s 46(2)(f)
(1) A payment received by the scheme financial vehicle to satisfy the offset requirement must be paid into the Fund.(2) The regulator must procure and surrender the offset units required to be procured and surrendered by an LTES operator who made a payment under clause 62(3) instead of procuring and surrendering the offset units.(3) If the cost of the procured offset units is different from the cost estimated by the regulator under clause 62(3)(a), the LTES operator must pay, or be refunded, the difference.cl 63: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
Division 3 Calculations
pt 12, div 3: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
64 Functions of regulator under Division
(1) If a regulator is not appointed under the Act, section 64, the functions of the regulator under this Division must be exercised by the Environment Protection Authority and not the Tribunal.(2) The regulator must—(a) make a calculation under this Division for a calendar year no more than 3 months after the information necessary for the calculation is reported by the Clean Energy Regulator under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 of the Commonwealth, section 24, and(b) publish the calculation on the regulator’s website, and(c) provide information about the following for inclusion in the report under the Act, section 70(2)—(i) the calculation,(ii) offset units procured and surrendered under clauses 62 and 63,(iii) payments made under clause 62(3) as adjusted under clause 63(3).(3) The regulator may exercise a function under this Division in relation to a calendar year during which an LTES agreement is in force even if at the time the function is exercised the LTES agreement is no longer in force.cl 64: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
65 Regulator must calculate emissions intensity and offset units—the Act, s 64(4)
(1) For each calendar year commencing before 1 January 2036, the regulator must, for an LTES agreement for firming infrastructure, calculate in accordance with clause 66—(a) the NSW emissions intensity for the calendar year, and(b) the firming infrastructure emissions intensity for the calendar year, and(c) for higher emission firming infrastructure for the calendar year—the number of offset units that must be procured and surrendered by the LTES operator for the firming infrastructure for the calendar year.(2) For a calendar year commencing on or after 1 January 2036, the regulator must, for an LTES agreement for firming infrastructure, calculate the number of offset units that must be procured and surrendered by the LTES operator for firming infrastructure to offset all scope 1 emissions of greenhouse gas from the firming infrastructure for the calendar year.(3) For higher emission firming infrastructure for a calendar year, the regulator must—(a) give written notice to the LTES operator for the firming infrastructure—(i) as soon as practicable after making a calculation under subclause (1)(c) for the firming infrastructure, and(ii) setting out the number of offset units required to be procured and surrendered, and(b) no more than 2 months after being given notice by the LTES operator under clause 62(4)(b), confirm the LTES operator has—(i) procured and surrendered the offset units, or(ii) paid the required amount to the scheme financial vehicle.cl 65: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
66 Method of calculating emissions intensity and offset units
(1) The regulator must develop a methodology in accordance with this clause for calculating the following—(a) NSW emissions intensity,(b) firming infrastructure emissions intensity,(c) the number of offset units that must be procured and surrendered for firming infrastructure.(2) The NSW emissions intensity for a calendar year must be calculated by—(a) taking the reported amount, in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, of all scope 1 emissions of greenhouse gas by NSW designated generation facilities for the calendar year, and(b) dividing the amount by the reported amount, in megawatt hours, of all electricity generated by NSW designated generation facilities for the calendar year, and(c) expressing the result in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per megawatt hour.(3) The firming infrastructure emissions intensity for firming infrastructure for a calendar year must be calculated by—(a) taking the reported amount, in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, of scope 1 emissions of greenhouse gas by the firming infrastructure for the calendar year, and(b) dividing the amount by the reported amount, in megawatt hours, of the electricity generated by the firming infrastructure for the calendar year, and(c) expressing the result in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per megawatt hour.(4) The number of offset units that must be procured and surrendered for firming infrastructure for a calendar year must be calculated by—(a) deducting the NSW emissions intensity for the calendar year from the firming infrastructure emissions intensity for the calendar year, and(b) multiplying the result by the reported amount, in megawatt hours, of the electricity generated by the firming infrastructure for the calendar year.(5) If the result of the calculation under subclause (4) is less than zero, the result is taken to be zero.(6) If an LTES agreement for firming infrastructure applies for only part of a calendar year, the calculations under this clause must be adjusted proportionally to reflect the proportion of the calendar year.(7) In this clause—designated generation facilities has the same meaning as in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 of the Commonwealth, section 7.NSW designated generation facilities means designated generation facilities connected to the NSW region of the national electricity market.reported means reported by the Clean Energy Regulator under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 of the Commonwealth, section 24.cl 66: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3].
67 Emissions intensity of firming infrastructure
For the purposes of this Division, the firming infrastructure emissions intensity for firming infrastructure is taken to be zero for a calendar year if the electricity generated by the firming infrastructure during the calendar year is zero.cl 67: Ins 2022 (787), Sch 1[3]. Am 2023 (348), Sch 1[4].
Part 13 Performance audits—the Act, s 67
pt 13: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
68 Definitions
In this part—audit subject means the following—(a) the consumer trustee,(b) the financial trustee,(c) the scheme financial vehicle,(d) the infrastructure planner,(e) the energy security target monitor,(f) the regulator.auditor means the following—(a) for an audit of the performance of the energy security target monitor—the person appointed by the Minister under the Act, section 67(3),(b) for an audit of the performance of the regulator—the person appointed by the Minister under the Act, section 67(3),(c) otherwise—the regulator.cl 68: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
69 Annual audit plans
(1) The regulator must prepare an annual audit plan setting out the routine performance audits the regulator plans to undertake in the following year.(2) In preparing an annual audit plan, the regulator must consult—(a) each audit subject the regulator proposes to audit under the plan, and(b) the appointor of each audit subject, and(c) the Auditor-General.(3) An annual audit plan must be published on the regulator’s website at least 1 month before the beginning of the relevant year.(4) In this clause—year means a period of 12 months commencing on 1 July.cl 69: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
70 Frequency of audits
(1) This clause applies to the audit of an entity under the Act, section 67(1).(2) The regulator may conduct a routine performance audit of the entity no more than once every 5 years.(3) If a routine performance audit of an entity identifies matters of high risk, the regulator may conduct a follow-up audit of the entity and assess whether or not the entity has taken action to address identified matters of high risk, including action recommended by the regulator.(4) The regulator may also conduct a performance audit whenever the regulator—(a) reasonably suspects the entity may be unable to effectively undertake its functions under the Act, or(b) receives information that indicates the entity may—(i) be incompetent, or(ii) have engaged in misconduct, or(iii) lack capacity.cl 70: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
71 Scope of audits
(1) In determining the scope of an audit, the auditor must consider the following—(a) high risk areas of the audit subject’s functions,(b) the administrative burden imposed on the audit subject by the audit,(c) external control and assurance measures relevant to the audit subject including under the following—(i) the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth,(ii) the Government Sector Audit Act 1983,(iii) the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 of the Commonwealth.(2) In determining the scope of an audit, the auditor—(a) must consult the following—(i) the audit subject,(ii) the appointor of the audit subject, and(b) may consult the Auditor-General.cl 71: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
72 Guidelines
(1) The regulator must develop guidelines about how the regulator proposes to conduct performance audits of entities under the Act, section 67(1) (the guidelines).(2) The guidelines must include the following—(a) guidance on how the auditor may—(i) give notice of an audit, and(ii) consult on the scope of an audit, and(iii) consult the audit subject on adverse comments or findings proposed to be included in an audit report, and(iv) audit more than 1 audit subject at the same time,(b) examples of what may—(i) constitute incompetence, misconduct or incapacity on the part of the audit subject, or(ii) compromise the ability of an audit subject to effectively carry out its functions,(c) guidance on the roles and responsibilities of the auditor and the audit subject.(3) The guidelines may include other matters the regulator considers appropriate.(4) In developing or reviewing the guidelines, the regulator must—(a) consult the Minister and audit subjects, and(b) consider the submissions made.(5) The guidelines must be published on the regulator’s website.(6) The regulator must publish the guidelines under this clause before undertaking the first performance audit under this part.cl 72: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
73 Conduct of audits
(1) An audit under this part must be conducted in accordance with—(a) the Australian Auditing Standards, and(b) the equivalent international standards.(2) In conducting an audit, the auditor must, without limitation, assess the following—(a) the extent to which the audit subject, in exercising functions and complying with obligations under the Act, is acting efficiently, effectively and economically,(b) the exercise of the audit subject’s functions under the Act,(c) compliance with the audit subject’s obligations under the Act.(3) The auditor must notify the Minister before commencing an audit.(4) If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision of the Australian Auditing Standards and a provision of an equivalent international standard, the provision of the Australian Auditing Standards prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.(5) In this clause—Australian Auditing Standards means the Australian Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing and Assurances Standards Board from time to time.international standards means the international standards on auditing issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.cl 73: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
74 Obligation to give information to auditor
An audit subject must, if requested to do so by an auditor, provide information to the auditor that the auditor considers reasonably necessary for the audit.cl 74: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
75 Reporting
(1) An audit report must, as soon as practicable after the audit is completed, be published—(a) if the regulator is the auditor—on the regulator’s website, or(b) otherwise—on the Department’s website.(2) Before publishing an audit report, the auditor must—(a) consult the audit subject, and(b) give a copy of the report to—(i) the Minister, and(ii) the audit subject.(3) The auditor may decide not to publish part of an audit report if satisfied it is not appropriate, taking into account the following—(a) the public interest,(b) the extent to which publishing the part of the report would disclose information that is confidential or commercially sensitive,(c) the effect of publishing the part of the report on competitive assessment processes.cl 75: Ins 2023 (601), Sch 1[2].
Schedule 1 Members and procedures of NSW renewable energy sector board
clause 7
1 Payment of allowances
An appointed member is entitled to be paid allowances to reimburse the member for expenses, including travel and accommodation, as determined by the Minister.
2 Vacancy
(1) The office of an appointed member becomes vacant if the appointed member—(a) dies, or(b) completes a term of office and is not re-appointed, or(c) resigns the office by written instrument to the Minister, or(d) is removed by the Minister under subclause (2), or(e) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with the member’s creditors or makes an assignment of the member’s remuneration for their benefit, or(f) becomes a mentally incapacitated person, or(g) is convicted in New South Wales of an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more or is convicted elsewhere than in New South Wales of an offence that, if committed in New South Wales, would be an offence so punishable.(2) The Minister may remove an appointed member from office at any time.
3 Disclosure of pecuniary and other interests
(1) If—(a) a member has a direct or indirect pecuniary or other interest in a matter being considered or about to be considered at a Board meeting, andthe member must, as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to the member’s knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest at a Board meeting.(b) the interest appears to raise a conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter,(2) A disclosure by a member at a Board meeting that the member—(a) is a member, or is in the employment, of a specified company or other body, or(b) is a partner, or is in the employment, of a specified person, oris a sufficient disclosure of the nature of the interest in a matter relating to that company or other body or to that person which may arise after the date of the disclosure and which is required to be disclosed under subclause (1).(c) has some other specified interest relating to a specified company or other body or to a specified person,(3) Particulars of a disclosure made under this clause must be recorded by the Board and made available to any person on request.(4) After a member has disclosed the nature of an interest in a matter, the member must not, unless the Board otherwise determines—(a) be present during a deliberation of the Board that relates to the matter, or(b) take part in a decision of the Board that relates to the matter.(5) The member who made the disclosure may be present at the time the Board is making a determination under subclause (4) but must not take part in the making of the determination.(6) Before making a determination under subclause (4), the Board must consult with a person who has relevant experience in probity and conflicts of interest.(7) A contravention of this clause does not invalidate a decision of the Board.
4 General procedure
(1) The joint chairpersons together may call a Board meeting at any time.Note.Section 7(5) of the Act requires the Board to meet at least once every 6 months.(2) The joint chairpersons together must call a Board meeting if requested by a simple majority of the members.(3) The procedure for the calling of Board meetings and for the conduct of business at those meetings is, subject to the Act and this Regulation, to be determined by the Board.
5 Presiding member
(1) Each joint chairperson is to preside at alternate Board meetings, as agreed to by both joint chairpersons or, in the absence of an agreement, as determined by the Secretary.(2) In the absence of the joint chairperson nominated to preside at a Board meeting, the other joint chairperson is to preside at the meeting.(3) In the absence of both joint chairpersons at a Board meeting, a member elected by the members who are present at the meeting is to preside at the meeting.
6 Quorum
(1) The quorum for a Board meeting is a majority of the members for the time being, subject to subclause (2).(2) The quorum must consist of at least—(a) 1 member appointed under section 7(2)(a)(i), (ii) or (vii) of the Act, and(b) 1 member appointed under section 7(2)(a)(iii)–(vi) of the Act, and(c) 1 member appointed under section 7(2)(a)(viii) of the Act, and(d) 1 member appointed under section 7(2)(a)(ix) of the Act, and(e) the Energy Corporation.
7 Voting
(1) A decision supported by the majority of votes cast at a Board meeting at which a quorum is present is the decision of the Board, subject to subclauses (2)–(4).(2) A majority must consist of—(a) a majority of the votes cast by the members appointed under section 7(2)(a)(i)–(vii) of the Act, and(b) a majority of the votes cast by the members appointed under section 7(2)(a)(viii) and (ix) and (c) of the Act and the Energy Corporation.(3) If there is an equality of votes among the votes cast by the members specified in subclause (2)(a), the member who is also appointed as joint chairperson under section 7(3)(a) of the Act has a second or casting vote.(4) If there is an equality of votes among the votes cast by the members specified in subclause (2)(b), the member who is also appointed as joint chairperson under section 7(3)(b) of the Act has a second or casting vote.
8 Transaction of business outside meetings or by telecommunication
(1) The Board may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business—(a) by the circulation of papers, by email or other electronic means, among all members, or(b) at a meeting at which all or some members participate by telephone, audio-visual link or other means, but only if a member who speaks on a matter at the meeting can be heard by the other members.(2) If the Board transacts its business by the circulation of papers under subclause (1)(a), a written resolution approved in writing by a majority of the members, as specified in clause 7 of this Schedule, is taken to be a decision of the Board made at a Board meeting.(3) For the purposes of a meeting held under subclause (1)(b) or the approval of a resolution under subclause (2), each member has the same voting rights as at an ordinary Board meeting.(4) A resolution approved under subclause (2) is to be recorded in the minutes of the Board meeting.
9 Alternate members
(1) An appointed member may, at any time with the approval of the Secretary, appoint a person to act in the place of the appointed member during the absence or illness of the member.(2) While acting in the place of the appointed member, the alternate member has all the functions of the appointed member and is taken to be an appointed member.(3) The Secretary may delegate the Secretary’s function under subclause (1) to an employee of the Department.
10 Minutes
The Board must keep minutes of each Board meeting and the minutes must include all decisions of the Board.
11 Code of conduct
The Minister may issue a code of conduct for appointed members.
12 First meeting
The Secretary may call the first Board meeting as the Secretary thinks fit.
Schedule 1A Access scheme functions
clause 42C
1 Administer scheme
To administer the access scheme.
2 Access rights register
(1) To establish, administer, regularly update and operate a publicly available register for access rights under the access scheme.(2) To ensure the register specifies—(a) whether the access fee for each participant in an access scheme includes a component that is attributable to the centralised provision of system strength for the access rights network, and(b) if paragraph (a) applies—the megawatt capacity in relation to which the component is payable.(3) To ensure the register also specifies—(a) whether each participant in the access scheme is subject to a REZ access standard, and(b) if paragraph (a) applies—the details of the REZ access standard applicable to the participant.
3 Competitive tenders
(1) For a competitive tender, in relation to the granting or increasing of access rights, not conducted by the consumer trustee—(a) to make rules about the conduct of the competitive tender, and(b) to conduct the competitive tender in accordance with the rules.(2) For a competitive tender, in relation to the granting or increasing of access rights, conducted by the consumer trustee—to provide to the consumer trustee information relevant to—(a) determining fees payable under the Act, section 26, and(b) conducting the competitive tender.
4 Eligibility criteria
To determine the eligibility criteria for the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme—(a) in consultation with the consumer trustee, and(b) before the competitive tender is conducted.
5 Grant or increase of access rights
(1) To determine the terms and conditions for the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme.(2) To assess and determine the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme.(3) To consider, assess and determine proposals—(a) in relation to the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme, and(b) made in accordance with the access scheme for the augmentation of network infrastructure in the renewable energy zone in which the access scheme is located.(4) The consideration, assessment and determination of proposals includes whether the grant or increase may involve the following—(a) the contestable provision of services related to assets required for connection under the National Electricity Rules,Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.4.3.(b) the provision of negotiated transmission services under the National Electricity Rules by the network operator for an access rights network under the access scheme,(c) the giving of consent to—(i) the design and construction of a designated network asset, or(ii) the conversion of a dedicated connection asset to a dedicated network asset,Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.4.3.(d) the giving of a written direction to a network operator to publish or give information for a relevant network infrastructure project.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clauses 5.2A.5 and 9A.4.3.(5) As soon practicable after the grant or increase of access rights to participants in the access scheme following a competitive tender—(a) to notify the network operator for an access rights network under the access scheme of the grant or increase, and(b) to give the network operator for an access rights network under the access scheme the information relating to the type, magnitude and timing of proposed connections to the access rights network.(6) In this clause—negotiated transmission service has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.
6 Assessing and approving connections and disconnections
To assess and approve connections to, and disconnections from, an access rights network or access control network under the access scheme, including to give consent in accordance with the following provisions of the National Electricity Rules—(a) clause 5.3.4(a1) and (a2),(b) clause 5.3.6(a4) and (a5),(c) clause 5.3.9(b1).Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clauses 9A.5.5(a), 9A.5.6(b) and 9A.5.8.
7 Determining notification readiness criteria
(1) To determine notification readiness criteria that must be met to determine the notification response trigger date, having regard to—(a) whether the access rights network or part of the access rights network is a considered project, and(b) the network information required to be included in a response to an access right notification under the National Electricity Rules, Chapter 9A.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.5.3.(2) In this clause—considered project has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.
8 Technical matters
To assess, calculate, forecast, determine and implement technical matters for the access scheme, including in relation to the following—(a) network capacity,(b) network constraints,(c) network utilisation,(d) access rights,(e) maximum capacities applying during different periods.
9 Functional specifications for assets
(1) To specify the functional specification for any designated network asset or identified user shared asset—(a) that will form part of an access rights network under the access scheme, and(b) to which the giving of a consent in accordance with the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.4.3 relates.(2) In this clause—designated network asset and have the same meanings as in the National Electricity Rules.
10 Extending term of scheme
To extend, if applicable, the term of the access scheme.
11 Giving notices and information
To give notices or publish information in relation to the access scheme.
12 Amendment of declaration of scheme
For a proposed amendment of the declaration for the access scheme—(a) to consider, consult on and assess the proposal, and(b) to provide advice to the Minister, and(c) to determine voting procedures.
sch 1A: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[14]. Subst 2024 (626), Sch 1[11].
Schedule 1B Functions relating to National Electricity Rules, Chapter 9A
clause 42E(c)
1 REZ access standards—preparation—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner for an access scheme may make REZ access standards.(2) REZ access standards must address each technical requirement of access for a generating system or integrated resource system specified in the National Electricity Rules, Schedule 5.2.(3) A REZ access standard may—(a) be expressed as a range, and(b) apply differently to different participants.(4) In this clause—generating system and integrated resource system have the same meanings as in the National Electricity Rules.
2 REZ access standards—consultation and approval—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner, when making the REZ access standards—(a) must consult with—(i) transmission network service providers in New South Wales, and(ii) if a network operator for the access rights network is subject to an authorisation—the network operator, and(iii) AEMO, and(iv) network operators that the infrastructure planner considers may be affected by the REZ access standards, and(b) may consult other persons the infrastructure planner considers appropriate.(2) The infrastructure planner must obtain the approval of AEMO before finalising the REZ access standards.(3) AEMO may consult other parties before determining whether or not to approve the REZ access standards.(4) The infrastructure planner must publish the REZ access standards on its website.
3 REZ access standards—review and amendment—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner for an access scheme—(a) must review a REZ access standard for the scheme if—(i) the capacity cap is increased by 5% or more, and(ii) because of the increase, the infrastructure planner intends to grant or increase access rights under the scheme, and(b) may review a REZ access standard for the scheme at any other time.(2) A review conducted under subclause (1)(a) must be completed before the infrastructure planner or the consumer trustee commences a process to allocate the increased capacity.(3) The infrastructure planner must—(a) consult AEMO during the review, and(b) obtain AEMO’s approval of the outcome of the review, and(c) if the review recommends amendment of the REZ access standard—implement the recommendation.(4) An amendment to a REZ access standard must be prepared and made in the same way as a new REZ access standard.(5) In this clause—capacity cap means the cap on the aggregate maximum capacity available to be allocated under access rights to participants in the access scheme connecting to the access rights network, or a part of the network.
4 REZ access standards—exception REZ access standard—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner for an access scheme may approve an objective proposed by a network operator for the purposes of an exception REZ access standard.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.6.4.(2) In this clause—exception REZ access standard has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.
5 Joint planning of network infrastructure—the Act, s 63(4)(d)
(1) The infrastructure planner for a renewable energy zone must undertake joint planning for REZ network infrastructure projects related to an IP planned REZ network—(a) instead of the transmission network service provider for the IP planned REZ network, and(b) as if the infrastructure planner were the transmission network service provider.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clauses 9A.9.6 and 9A.10.(2) The infrastructure planner for an IP planned REZ network must provide information requested by AEMO for the preparation of—(a) a draft or final Integrated System Plan, or(b) an ISP update.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.10.4(c).(3) In this clause—Integrated System Plan and ISP update have the same meanings as in the National Electricity Rules.joint planning means the joint planning activities specified in the National Electricity Rules, clause 5.14.
6 IP planned REZ network
(1) The infrastructure planner may declare a transmission network to not be an IP planned REZ network if—(a) the network operator for the transmission network is the jurisdictional planning body for New South Wales, and(b) AEMO has given written approval for the declaration.Note—See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.2.1.(2) The declaration must be made by written notice published on the infrastructure planner’s website.(3) Before making the declaration, the infrastructure planner must consult with a network operator if the network operator is subject to an authorisation in relation to the transmission network.(4) The transmission network ceases to be an IP planned REZ network on the making of the declaration.(5) This clause applies to part of a transmission network in the same way as it applies to the whole transmission network.(6) In this clause—jurisdictional planning body and transmission network have the same meanings as in the National Electricity Rules.
sch 1B: Ins 2024 (626), Sch 1[11].
Schedule 2 Penalty notice offences
1 Application of Schedule
(1) For the purposes of the Act, section 76(2)—(a) each offence created by a provision specified in this Schedule is an offence for which a penalty notice may be issued, and(b) the amount payable for the penalty notice is the amount specified opposite the provision.(2) If the provision is qualified by words that restrict its operation to limited kinds of offences or to offences committed in limited circumstances, the penalty notice may be issued only for—(a) the limited kind of offence, or(b) an offence committed in the limited circumstances.
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provision | Penalty—corporations | Penalty—individuals |
Offences under the Act | ||
Section 17(1) | $55,000 | $2,750 |
Section 18(4) | $55,000 | $2,750 |
Section 75(1) | $22,000 | $1,100 |
sch 2: Ins 2021 (659), Sch 1[6].
Schedule 3 (Repealed)
sch 3: Ins 2022 (751), Sch 1[6]. Am 2022 (786), Sch 1[5] [6]. Rep 2024 (626), Sch 1[12].
Schedule 4 Dictionary
clause 3
advocate means the electricity infrastructure jobs advocate.
appointed member means a member of the Board appointed by the Minister under the Act, section 7(2)(a) or (c).
appropriate referenced costs process—see clause 47E(7).
audit subject, for Part 13—see clause 68.
auditor, for Part 13—see clause 68.
has the same meaning as in the Act, section 36.
basis risk, for Part 5—see clause 22.
Board means the board for manufacturing and construction in the NSW renewable energy sector established under the Act, section 7.
competitive assessment process means a process carried out by the infrastructure planner under clause 45 to competitively assess persons who apply to carry out all or part of—
(a) REZ network infrastructure project, or
(b) a priority transmission infrastructure project.
component, of a revenue determination, means a component referred to in the Act, section 38(2) and includes part of a component.
contestable augmentation means a network infrastructure project carried out by a network operator where—
(a) the project is an augmentation to a network infrastructure project (the ), and
(b) the network operator is subject to a contestable revenue determination in relation to the related project.
contestable component, of a non-contestable revenue determination, means a component where the costs of the component are derived as a result of a competitive assessment process.
contestable revenue determination means a revenue determination made as a result of a competitive assessment process.
cost recovery declaration, for Part 9, Division 3—see clause 54B(1).
declaration, for an access scheme, means the declaration made under the Act, section 24 for the scheme.
development agreement—see clause 42CA(1).
development pathway means the development pathway referred to in the Act, section 45(1)(a).
eligible network operator, for Part 9, Division 3—see clause 54A.
existing contractual arrangements, for a contestable augmentation, means contractual arrangements entered into by the network operator under an authorisation in relation to the related project.
finance and construction criteria means the project commitment criteria named as the finance criteria and the construction criteria on the generator information page being the information resource established, maintained and published by AEMO under the National Electricity Rules, rule 3.7F, from time to time.
Note—
The information page is available at www.aemo.com.au.
fixed shape, fixed volume derivative arrangement, for Part 5—see clause 22.
greenhouse gas—see clause 60.
higher emission firming infrastructure, for Part 12—see clause 60.
infrastructure investment objectives report means a report prepared by the consumer trustee under the Act, section 45(1).
IP planned REZ network has the same meaning as in the National Electricity Rules.
Note—
See the National Electricity Rules, clause 9A.2.1.
joint chairperson means either of the 2 members appointed as the joint chairperson of the Board under the Act, section 7(3).
LTES operator for firming infrastructure, for Part 12—see clause 60.
member means any member of the Board.
National Electricity Rules means the National Electricity Rules as modified by clause 59.
nominated date, in relation to a development agreement—see clause 42CA(1)(a).
non-contestable revenue determination means a revenue determination, made other than as a result of a competitive assessment process, that —
(a) does not include a contestable component, or
(b) includes at least—(i) 1 contestable component, and(ii) 1 component that is not a contestable component.
non-financial value criteria, for an LTES agreement, means matters that are not directly related to the financial value of the LTES agreement, including the following—
(a) the use of land,
(b) community engagement activities undertaken by the LTES operator,
(c) how the LTES operator will share with the local community the benefits of the construction and operation of infrastructure under the LTES agreement,
(d) regional economic development in New South Wales,
(e) for firming infrastructure—the extent to which an LTES agreement contributes to a reduction in scope 1 emissions of greenhouse gas in the NSW electricity sector.
NSW carbon credit units, for Part 12—see clause 60.
NSW region means the region identified as the New South Wales region in the Regions Publication, published by AEMO under the National Electricity Rules, clause 2A.1.3.
offset requirement, for Part 12—see clause 62(1).
offset units, for Part 12—see clause 60.
plan has the same meaning as in the Act, Part 2.
recommended contractual arrangements—see clause 43.
regulator’s guidelines means the guidelines prepared by the regulator about revenue determinations under clause 47.
, for a contestable augmentation—see the definition of contestable augmentation.
revenue determination means a determination made by the regulator under the Act, section 38 in relation to a network operator subject to an authorisation.
REZ access standard, for an access scheme, means a technical standard of performance for connection to an access rights network under the access scheme—
(a) made under Schedule 1B, clause 1 by the infrastructure planner for the access scheme, and
(b) expressed as a standard of performance or a range of standards of performance.
scope 1 emission, for Part 12—see clause 60.
surrender, for Part 12—see clause 60.
standard development agreement—see clause 42CA(2).
the Act means the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020.
transmission efficiency test means the transmission efficiency test under the Act, section 38(4).
sch 4: Ins 2024 (96), Sch 1[15]. Am 2024 (405), Sch 1[5]; 2024 (626), Sch 1[13].