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Get help launching your energy business idea

The Energy Innovation Toolkit is a free service offered by the AER in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Commission, Australian Energy Market Operator, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and the Essential Services Commission. The Toolkit can help you understand energy regulation, explore options to launch your energy business under current frameworks, and get clear guidance. You can now apply for proof-of-concept trials offering relief from specific energy regulations through time-limited waivers and trial rule changes. It's never too early to get free help. We can help you with projects and ideas at any stage.

How we can help

Latest Updates

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Becoming an Authorised Retailer - Regulatory Explainer

To establish that a retailer has the capacity and resources to enter the energy retail market and comply with relevant energy laws, they must obtain a retailer authorisation from the Australian Energy Regulator . 

The Energy Innovation Toolkit receives many enquiries about retailer authorisations and the information in this article provides a basic overview of information that prospective retailer should consider prior to entering the energy retail market.

Updates
Energy Innovation Toolkit - Latest Update Image
Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism – 2025 AEMC Review – Draft report findings and overview

This regulatory explainer article provides an easy-to-understand overview of the AEMC’s 2025 review into the wholesale demand response mechanism (WDRM) and summarises the findings of the AEMC’s draft report.

Regulatory changes, Updates
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Ausgrid Community Power Network trial waiver application

The AER is currently considering a trial waiver application from Ausgrid. Consultation on this trial closes 16 September 2025, and will include three public workshops on the proposal. A final decision on the application will be made after completion of consultation. 

Updates

Helping energy innovators power ahead

Access tools and services to help your business launch trials, share knowledge, and enter the market.

Understanding energy regulation
Understand energy regulation

Access interactive energy regulation tools, market explainers, and hypothetical business model use cases, designed to make complex frameworks easy to navigate. 
Case Study
NEW - read real guidance we have provided and explainers of common topics

Learn from case studies developed in partnership with real innovators we've helped, as well as explainers on regulatory issues our users want to understand. 
Questions / Innovation Enquiry Service
Ask your questions

Contact us for feedback on your regulatory questions.
Trials
Read about trials

Find out what kinds of regulatory relief we offer through proof-of-concept trials. 
About this project

Delivered by trusted experts

The Australian Government has created the Energy Innovation Toolkit to better respond to the energy sectors’ evolving needs, to encourage competition resulting in better outcomes for energy consumers, and to allow Australia’s energy frameworks to better adapt to rapid technological change.

The Energy Innovation Toolkit is delivered by the Australian Energy Regulator, in coordination with our Project Partners.

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See regulations that may apply to your energy project

Use our Regulation Navigator tool to see what licensing, authorisation and registration requirements might apply to your business model, as well as what exemptions may be available.  

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