The electricity system in NSW is changing rapidly as part of the broader transition to renewable energy. Increasing volumes of renewable generation and storage are being connected to the existing electricity network through power lines and equipment known as supply connection infrastructure (SCI).
The NSW legislation that applies to our electricity system was put in place before this broader transition began. It does not easily accommodate the SCI that has emerged during the energy transition.
The NSW Government has asked IPART to investigate and report on the regulatory framework for SCI. Our Terms of Reference asked us to make recommendations on:
- The regulatory framework that should apply to Supply Connection Infrastructure
- Whether any of the assets currently regulated by the ES Act are more appropriately regulated under the new framework
- Any other regulatory framework improvements identified as part of the review.
Next steps
We will publish an Options Paper in February/ March 2026 identifying different approaches for regulating supply connection infrastructure. We will seek feedback on the different options.
If you would like to provide information or perspectives ahead of the Options Paper release, please contact us at any time.