AER issues final decision on SA Power Networks' 2020-25 Regulatory Proposal

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today has announced its final decision in regard to SA Power Networks’ 2020-25 Regulatory Proposal.

The AER has approved revenue of $3,914 million for the 2020-25 period, 5.5 per cent lower than the allowed revenue in the 2015–20 final decision. This revenue reflects the cost of maintaining and upgrading the network of substations, Stobie poles and wires that delivers electricity reliably and safely to about 900,000 residential and business customers across South Australia.

Real revenues will fall from 2019–20 levels by 9.4 per cent in the first year of the regulatory control period with a smaller 1.79 per cent decrease over the remaining years of the regulatory control period. The decision means SA Power Networks’ charges for customers will be held below inflation for the five-years.

The actual first-year impact for residential and business customers will be announced later this month when the AER confirms SA Power Networks’ proposed tariffs for 2020/21. These tariffs will reflect the revenue decision and other factors, including the impact of regulatory incentive schemes; lower business energy sales (due to solar uptake and lower business demand including from COVID 19); and Government FiT scheme costs.

Announcing the AER decision, AER Chair Clare Savage said “We have largely supported what SA Power Networks proposed to us because of their strong consumer engagement. Consumers were clear in their support for lower prices, increased spending to accommodate more solar PV and new tariff structures,” said Ms Savage.


Ms Savage said “Rooftop solar is now mainstream for South Australian households and businesses but that has an effect on the operation of the network. We’ve funded increased capability to help the network cope with this change.

“We’ve also approved discounted daytime tariffs to encourage consumers to use power when the sun is shining. The decision will allow SA Power Networks to come back to us for more funding if they need to further strengthen the network to cope with very low levels of grid demand during the day,” said Ms Savage.

The new "solar sponge" tariff will see charges increase during mornings and evenings to encourage consumers to access the cheaper pricing in the middle of the day. This will only be available for those homes with time-of-use meters installed and where the retailers pass on the new tariff structure.

“We welcome finalisation of what has been a long and detailed process to determine our revenue for 2020-25,” said SA Power Networks General Manager Customer & Community, Jess Vonthethoff. “We particularly appreciate the extensive contribution of time and effort from our customer and stakeholder representatives in helping shape our proposal.”

For more information on this determination, please visit the AER's website here

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today has announced its final decision in regard to SA Power Networks’ 2020-25 Regulatory Proposal.

The AER has approved revenue of $3,914 million for the 2020-25 period, 5.5 per cent lower than the allowed revenue in the 2015–20 final decision. This revenue reflects the cost of maintaining and upgrading the network of substations, Stobie poles and wires that delivers electricity reliably and safely to about 900,000 residential and business customers across South Australia.

Real revenues will fall from 2019–20 levels by 9.4 per cent in the first year of the regulatory control period with a smaller 1.79 per cent decrease over the remaining years of the regulatory control period. The decision means SA Power Networks’ charges for customers will be held below inflation for the five-years.

The actual first-year impact for residential and business customers will be announced later this month when the AER confirms SA Power Networks’ proposed tariffs for 2020/21. These tariffs will reflect the revenue decision and other factors, including the impact of regulatory incentive schemes; lower business energy sales (due to solar uptake and lower business demand including from COVID 19); and Government FiT scheme costs.

Announcing the AER decision, AER Chair Clare Savage said “We have largely supported what SA Power Networks proposed to us because of their strong consumer engagement. Consumers were clear in their support for lower prices, increased spending to accommodate more solar PV and new tariff structures,” said Ms Savage.


Ms Savage said “Rooftop solar is now mainstream for South Australian households and businesses but that has an effect on the operation of the network. We’ve funded increased capability to help the network cope with this change.

“We’ve also approved discounted daytime tariffs to encourage consumers to use power when the sun is shining. The decision will allow SA Power Networks to come back to us for more funding if they need to further strengthen the network to cope with very low levels of grid demand during the day,” said Ms Savage.

The new "solar sponge" tariff will see charges increase during mornings and evenings to encourage consumers to access the cheaper pricing in the middle of the day. This will only be available for those homes with time-of-use meters installed and where the retailers pass on the new tariff structure.

“We welcome finalisation of what has been a long and detailed process to determine our revenue for 2020-25,” said SA Power Networks General Manager Customer & Community, Jess Vonthethoff. “We particularly appreciate the extensive contribution of time and effort from our customer and stakeholder representatives in helping shape our proposal.”

For more information on this determination, please visit the AER's website here

  • What is happening?
    SA Power Networks processes around 3000 enquiries per year from customers and contractors requesting approval to work near our distribution network. At present, applications are submitted through the SA Power Networks website, or directly to the Network Access Officer at nao@sapowernetworks.com.au.

    The terms and conditions for Network Access Requests can be found on our website.

    We are seeking input from regular users of this service to identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve the customer experience. 

    What do I need to know?

    Approximately 85% of requests result in the need to deactivate the automated reclose protection functionality which is often referred to as, applying ‘non-auto’ settings. The other 15% of requests typically involve more complex technical assessment and / or isolations of the network which warrant a quotation.

    In relation to the 85% of applications (the ‘non-auto’ service), there is currently a published Network Access Management Fee of $291 + GST for the preliminary processing of all requests. The actual labour costs of site attendance to deliver the permit are then captured and presented to the applicant once the work is completed. The typical minimum charge at present is $1,070 + GST, for a non-auto permit per day of issue. SA Power Networks is required to respond to the request and provide access within 28 days.

    We are seeking your feedback on Non-auto requests moving to a Standard charge

    Feedback received from applicants to date has indicated that a quicker delivery and more certainty around costs would be ideal. In response, we are looking at ways we can improve the process and would value your opinion on the concept of an agreed Standard charge for a ‘non-auto’ permit.

    What does a Standard charge mean?

    A Standard charge for non-auto permits would provide certainty at the time of accepting a scheduled date for the works. We are proposing that once the application is received, the technical assessment will occur, and the applicant contacted to confirm available dates and pricing. This becomes the ‘response time’. The ‘delivery time’ is measured as the time taken between application and receipt of a permit on site. This service would be available from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays).

    Please tell us what you think of this proposed approach:

    Take Survey
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Page last updated: 20 Sep 2021, 04:00 PM