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

The AER held three public workshops between 25 and 27 August 2025 as part of its consultation on the Community Power Network application.
 
A de-identified summary of the discussions within the workshops is published below. The workshop PowerPoint slides are also provided. These summaries are a reflection of participant views and do not reflect the views or position of the AER. They have been edited slightly for clarity or to ensure participants are not identifiable.  

Feedback provided in these workshops will assist in the AER’s assessment of this trial application.
We thank participants for their time and encourage submissions to be made by 16 September 2025. Submissions should be lodged at the following email address: regulatorysandbox@aer.gov.au.

Issues Paper and Application Documents