Tariffs and charges

Determining electricity charges

Electricity bills include many charges, including retail, wholesale, network and green (e.g. solar feed-in tariff) costs.

We collect revenue through network costs charged on customer bills. The amount we can charge for supply is determined by an independent body, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Reviewing charges

Generally, we submit a revenue proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator for network charges, once every 5 years.

The proposals include funding for our planned work programs, network maintenance and improvements so we can operate safe, reliable and efficient networks that meet the long-term needs of our customers and community.

We listen to customers and other groups reliant on our energy networks during this process. This means our programs and revenue proposals are reflect customers’ needs and preferences.

The AER then reviews our proposals and determines how much we can charge. This decision is reflected in the bill you receive from your energy retailer. Read more about your energy bill on the AER’s website.

Our most recent revenues proposals are listed below:

Tariffs and allocation

Our proposal for our electricity distribution network includes how we charge our customers for using our network (called a ‘tariff structure’).  For example, this may be by amount of energy used, and may be different at peak and off-peak times.  

Different types of customers for example, residential, commercial and industrial customers,  are charged in different ways.  Our tariff structures are also approved by the Australian Energy Regulator. Find out more about network tariffs.

Electricity cost allocation method

We use a Cost Allocation Method (CAM). The CAM outlines the approach, principles and policies we have taken to attribute direct and shared costs.

Developing a CAM is a requirement of the National Electricity Rules (NER). The method has been developed to meet the NER and AER Cost Allocation Guidelines for network service providers.

The CAM promotes effective cost allocation, which supports the National Electricity Objective by:

• ensuring that only efficient costs are allocated to different services
• ensuring prices paid by customers aren't inappropriately inflated or discounted
• promoting transparency of information provided to decisions made by the AER.

For more information about the method:

• AusNet' Electricity Distribution Cost Allocation Method  (PDF, 274 KB)
• AusNet' Electricity Transmission Cost Allocation Method (PDF, 833 KB)