The current rate of return guideline could lead to systematic overcompensation of network businesses and may not be reflective of the significant risk mitigation that is provided by the regulatory framework.

Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) is the national voice for residential and small business energy consumers. Established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2015, our objective is to promote the long-term interests of consumers with respect to price, quality, reliability, safety and security of supply.

We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) issues paper for the Review of the rate of return guidelines (Issues Paper) (AER, 2017a).

The full submission can be read here.

The letter sent to the AER regarding the submission can also be read here.