Regulatory Environment

Currently, Multinet's gas distribution pipelines are regulated under the National Third Party Access Code for Natural Gas Pipeline Systems (National Gas Code). However, in 1998 the former Office of the Regulator-General (now the Essential Services Commission of Victoria) approved the access arrangements that apply to Multinet's gas distribution network consistent with the Victorian Third Party Access Code for Natural Gas Pipeline Systems. This Victorian Code has now been replaced by the National Gas Code.

Every five years the Essential Services Commission (ESC) reviews the prices that Multinet can charge for access to its distribution system. The first Access Arrangement period expired 31 December 2002. The current Gas Access Arrangements Review (GAAR) was conducted by the Essential Services Commission in 2001 and 2002. This review set the prices that Multinet can charge retailers for gas distribution services for the five years from January 2003.

Gas Access Arrangements Review (GAAR) 2003

Key Submissions:

Multinet's Access Arrangement submission comprised of two principle documents:

The ESC consulted on Multinet's proposed arrangements during April and June 2002. Copies of documents in relation to all consultation on the GAAR process can be found at the ESC's website: www.esc.vic.gov.au.

In July 2002, the ESC released their Draft Decision on Multinet's Access Arrangement. Multinet's Response to this Draft Decision is listed below:

The ESC's Final Decision was released on 3 October 2002:

The ESC's Final Approval was released on December 2002 and comprises the following three documents:

Gas Access Arrangements Review (GAAR) 2008