Minor and intermediate retailers price determination
In June 2013, the Commission made a price determination which applies to minor and intermediate retailers for the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2017 under the Essential Services Commission Act 2002 and the Water Industry Act 2012. The price determination requires minor and intermediate retailers to comply with the National Water Initiative Pricing Principles when charging for water and sewerage services, and report to the Commission on how they are complying with those principles.
The price determination was amended in July 2015 to give effect to the Commission’s decision to simplify the reporting requirements for minor and intermediate retailers. To further refine the reporting requirements of minor and intermediate water retailers, the Commission initiated the Small-Scale Network Inquiry (SSNI), focusing on the regulatory arrangements of small-scale and off-grid water, sewerage, and energy networks. As a result of the SSNI, the Commission has adopted a Verified Trust and Accountability (VTA) approach toward the regulation of small-scale entities, effective from 1 July 2022.
Minor and intermediate water retailers are now subject to requirements set out in Guideline No. 5, which have been developed to support the implementation of the VTA approach. The classification of individual licensees as either a Category A or Category B entity will determine the entity’s annual reporting requirements. The classification is based on an entity’s compliance record and the sustainability of its services. As part of the VTA approach, all small and intermediate water entities must become members of the Energy and Water Ombudsman SA (EWOSA) scheme by 30 June 2022.
The price determination was last varied in June 2018, allowing the determination to continue until such time as a new price determination is made or the current price determination is revoked.
The Commission may make price determinations specifically applicable to individual water retailers, if the Commission believes an individual determination is required. The Commission has made the following individual price determinations for minor and intermediate retailers: