The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its final decision on Epic Energy's proposed revised access arrangement for the South West Queensland Pipeline. The ACCC has been advised by the Australian Energy Regulator in this review.*
"Epic proposed that the current provisions of its access arrangement for the SWQP would continue for another two years with some minor variations", AER Chairman, Mr Steve Edwell said.
"The ACCC concluded that a two year regulatory period backed by the possibility of early review is appropriate given uncertainty about the likely usage of the pipeline over the next few years".
The ACCC could bring forward the next review under certain circumstances.
"Early review could occur if a new pipeline interconnected with the SWQP or a significant new source of gas supply was introduced to one of the SWQP's markets. There would also need to be a substantial change in the types of services that are likely to be sought by the market or a substantial effect on the direction of flow of gas through all or part of the SWQP".
"The ACCC has decided to approve the revised access arrangement. The ACCC is satisfied that the revisions proposed by Epic are consistent with the provisions and principles of the national gas code".
The final decision concludes the current review process which commenced just four months ago in July when Epic lodged its proposed revisions.
The ACCC's final decision is available from the AER's website.