Ausgrid Community Power Network trial waiver application

Overview

The AER is currently considering a trial waiver application from Ausgrid. Consultation on this trial closes 16 September 2025. Submissions to this consultation should be lodged at the following email address: regulatorysandbox@aer.gov.au.

Recently the AER released an Issues Paper seeking views on Ausgrid's trial waiver application. Ausgrid is a distribution network service provider (or DNSP, a company that owns and operates the poles and wires that transmit energy to customers) servicing the greater Sydney region of New South Wales. It is seeking a waiver from provisions of the National Electricity Law and Rules to allow it to trial its Community Power Network in two regions: Charmhaven (a largely, residential area on the Central Coast of NSW) and Mascot-Botany (an area in inner Sydney, which has a mix of commercial and industrial customers, as well as many apartment buildings). These locations were chosen as they represent different challenges in providing equitable access to CER/DER assets under current market structures. 

This trial would directly affect around 32,000 of Ausgrid’s customers who live or own properties/businesses within the trial areas. The trial would also indirectly affect Ausgrid’s broader customer base in relation to funding, emissions reduction and broader network learnings. If successful, the trial may lead to increased solar network capacity, improved network utilisation and reduce emissions. The distribution of dividends from a DNSP to customers may also be novel and innovative, and customers in the pilot area may experience lower costs overall.

Below are the Issues Paper (which sets out a number of questions that the AER is seeking feedback from stakeholders in relation to), and Ausgrid's application and supporting document. When submissions are received, all public submissions will be published here also.  

Ausgrid's proposal is the first trial application under the policy-led sandboxing approach launched by the AER in February 2025.

Map of proposed trial areas

Public Workshops

Stakeholder workshops

To facilitate discussions, three stakeholder workshops will be held during the public consultation period, with a workshop for each of the following groups of stakeholders:

• Networks and network advocacy groups. Monday 25 August 10-11:30am.
• Retailers aggregators and advocacy groups. Tuesday 26 August 10-11:30am.
• Government, consumer advocates and consumers. Wednesday 27 August 10-11:30am. In particular, we’re keen to seek the views of customers identified within the targeted trial areas.

The aim of these workshops is for stakeholders to engage with the AER and have an opportunity to discuss their views directly with the AER. 

Please register your interest at this link here.

Feedback provided in these workshops will assist in the AER’s assessment.

Issues Paper and Application Documents