

Guidance Note: flexibility in ring-fencing and sandboxing waiver pathways
Ring-fencing and regulatory sandboxing are two regulatory tools that the AER can use to allow for exceptions to be made from regulatory requirements where good reason exists to grant them. Both ring-fencing and sandboxing frameworks offer waivers, but these waivers have different functions and considerations.
There are circumstances in which distribution network
The AER is now open to receiving applications under either of these two regulatory waiver pathways, as is set out in this guidance note.
In the current regulatory and commercial context of increased interest in regulatory sandboxing
The below Guidance Note outlines some of the differences between these two frameworks. DNSPs are encouraged to carefully consider whether a ring-fencing or a sandboxing waiver is more appropriate to the needs of their business and project, and should obtain independent legal advice if necessary.
AER staff can provide general information only about the two respective frameworks and are not able to provide indications of relative likelihood for success under each pathway.
More information is available in our Guidance Note.