The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to LGA Procurement to enable it and participating councils in South Australia to commence a joint tender process for the supply of retail electricity services, including renewable electricity.
In its substantive application, LGA Procurement seeks authorisation on behalf of itself, 64 local councils in South Australia, and 7 associated local government entities (together, the Participating Entities), to collectively tender and contract for the provision of retail electricity services, and accredited renewable electricity and unspecified electricity from an electricity retailer.
Interim authorisation is granted to enable the Participating Entities to commence the joint tender process, but not to enter into any contracts arising from the tender process.
Interim authorisation protects the arrangements from legal action under the relevant provisions in the Act while the ACCC considers the merits of the substantive application for authorisation.
The ACCC expects to issue a draft determination in June 2022. Further information about the ACCC's interim authorisation and the substantive application for authorisation is available on the ACCC’s public register.