Ring-fencing compliance
Ausgrid is committed to full compliance with its regulatory obligations, including the Ring-fencing Guideline, to ensure that we operate fairly and transparently in competitive markets. On this page, you will find our commitment to ring-fencing compliance, our annual ring-fencing report, registers and other related information.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has implemented and enforces a national Ring-fencing Guideline (Guideline) to promote competition in the electricity services market. The Guideline prevents Ausgrid, and all other Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), from offering contestable electricity services that can be performed by any qualified electrical contractor unless a waiver is granted. Ausgrid does not ordinarily provide certain electrical services, including upgrades or repairs within a customers property. Customers requiring these services will generally need to engage their own qualified electrical contractor (see below).
Limited exceptions apply where Ausgrid may undertake certain works, including:
- Carrying out minor repairs or restoration works (within 30 minutes) as permitted under the Guideline
- Through an waiver granted by the AER
- Restoring power to registered life support customers
Life Support and Vulnerable Customers
Ausgrid places a strong emphasis on customer safety and care.
- Ausgrid can restore supply to registered life support customers who rely on life support equipment
- Ausgrid has a vulnerable customer protocol, which may be triggered where a customer meeting strict vulnerability criteria has lost supply and faces heightened health or safety risks if power is not restored urgently
In these circumstances, Ausgrid may carry out the necessary restoration work at no cost to the customer.
Related documents and information
Ausgrid Ring-fencing Compliance Report
The Guideline requires DNSPs to submit an annual compliance report to the AER outlining how ring fencing obligations have been met during each regulatory year. Download our 2025 Ring-fencing Compliance Report here.
Information Sharing Protocol
Ausgrid has an Information Sharing Protocol that sets out how information is managed and shared in accordance with the Guideline. Ausgrid is committed to fair dealing and encouraging competition in contestable markets, while ensuring compliance with our regulatory obligations. You can read our Information Sharing Protocol here.
Finding an Accredited Service Provider
If you require an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) (Level 1, 2 or 3) to perform electrical services, a full list of ASPs is available on the NSW Energy website.
Contact Us
For enquiries about ring fencing or Ausgrid’s compliance with the Guideline, please contact: ringfencing@ausgrid.com.au.