We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Regulatory Sandbox Arrangements to Support Proof Of-Concept Trials as set out in the Consultation Paper published by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on 20 December 2018.

Energy Consumers Australia supports the creation of formal Regulatory Sandbox arrangements as a key element to developing the future energy system. We encourage market bodies and industry participants to focus on how such arrangements can be leveraged to best promote the long-term interests of consumers and deliver an affordable, individualised and optimised energy system. ^[1] Regulatory Sandbox Arrangement to Support Proof-Of-Concept Trials: Consultation Paper 

The success of a formal Regulatory Sandbox arrangement in facilitating proof-of-concept trials whilst maintaining consumer protections will depend on the design of the arrangement. The eligibility of trials for the Regulatory Sandbox, the relief provided and the ability to access the Regulatory Sandbox should be crafted to focus on good consumer outcomes from a high-level design perspective.

The full submission can be read here.