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The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is responsible for economic regulation and rule enforcement in Australian energy markets.

The AER has been established as a separate legal entity, and a constituent part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission under Part IIIAA of the Trade Practices Act 1974.

The AER may make decisions in relation to its functions under the National Electricity Law and National Electricity Rules, and may also seek an order from the Federal Court that a person is in breach of a relevant energy law.

Decisions of the AER are subject to judicial review by the Federal Court of Australia.

The AER is to be the designated regulator for gas transmission pipelines in all states and territories (except WA) and for transmission and distribution pipelines in the Northern Territory. The enabling legislation to transfer the ACCC’s current functions in this area to the AER has yet to be enacted.

The AER is comprised of three members who are statutory appointments, including a full-time chair. Steve Edwell is the inaugural Chair of the AER. Part IIIAA of the Trade Practices Act provides that one of the members of the AER must be a commissioner of the ACCC and Ed Willett has been appointed in that capacity. The third member, currenty Geoff Swier, is selected by the States and Territories.

[edit] References

[1] AER Website