Guidance Note: fast-tracked sandboxing trial waivers
The AER recognises the need for flexibility in approaches to assessing trial waivers, where small, targeted trials may be better suited to a fast-tracked approach in addition to the standard approach to the assessment of trial waiver applications. This guidance note is a complement to the existing Trial Projects Guidelines and Explanatory Statement.
On 4 July 2025, the Treasurer asked Commonwealth regulators to suggest simple and useful ways to improve productivity. In response to this, the AER provided a response identifying regulatory reform opportunities. One of which is to introduce fast-tracked sandboxing waivers for technical metering proposals.
This fast-tracked approach to the assessment of trial waivers responds to stakeholder concerns that the burden of the trial waiver
The AER sees this as a way to support innovation in the energy sector, and consider this approach may be particularly beneficial to parties seeking minor technical metering changes, minor waivers from AEMO’s metrology procedures or technical, small-scale trials that do not impact other participants.
Read our guidance note to learn more.
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