We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the proposal that the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) delay its final network revenue determinations for the 2020-2025 period in respect of SA Power Networks, Energex, Ergon Energy, Directlink and Jemena Gas Networks.

Energy Consumers Australia supports the proposed delay and agrees with the reasoning given by the AER. In particular, we support the view that a better forecast for inflation will be issued by the Reserve Bank in May 2020 rather than the February 2020 figures.

While the extent of the impacts of COVID – 19 continue to be uncertain, the May 2020 forecast can be expected to be more robust in relation to the next regulatory control period.

The full submission can be read here.