Provision of AER Consumer Challenge Panel IV

The Australian Energy Regulator (the AER) is an independent Commonwealth statutory agency that is focused on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia. We regulate wholesale and retail energy markets, and energy networks, under national energy legislation and rules. Our functions relate mostly to energy markets in eastern and southern Australia. Consumer Challenge Panel The AER is seeking expressions of interest for the fourth iteration of the Consumer Challenge Panel (CCP). The CCP is a key source of consumer insights for the AER and helps to ensure consumers’ voices are heard and considered in our work and decisions. Membership of the CCP provides panel members with the opportunity to contribute to the AER’s regulatory determination processes by bringing a consumer perspective to the assessment of network businesses’ proposals. CCP membership provides members with the opportunity to identify key issues and areas of contention in regulatory proposals, provide the AER with an assessment of the credibility of engagement on key issues, and to advise the AER on whether those proposals reflect the views and long-term interests of consumers. It also provides members with the opportunity to constructively challenge the AER’s analysis, consideration and assessment of issues, while assisting the AER to scrutinise network businesses’ proposals and consider complex and technical matters arising during regulatory determinations. For further requirements regarding the roles, activities and governance arrangements, including management of conflict of interest, for CCPIV refer to the Terms of Reference. The CCP commenced in 2013 and there have been three panels to date. The third cohort concluded on 30 June 2026. CCPIV will commence on 1 September 2026 for three years, with two potential extensions of one year duration. The Networks Committee assists the AER to perform its statutory decision-making functions, through providing strategic oversight of the prioritisation, impact and timely decision making of work programs relating to Networks. The Networks Committee will set out a forward work program for the CCP as well as providing direction and specification on the involvement of the CCP in resets and CCP projects. The CCP will be provided with an opportunity to comment on the forward work program prior to its finalisation. To perform their roles, CCP members must have some energy or regulatory experience or expertise (or from a similar regulated utility sector), and an ability to bring a strong consumer perspective. The AER will seek to appoint CCP members who collectively reflect a breadth and balance of expertise and experience, including across jurisdictions, consumer groups and relevant fields. AER Engagement with Panel Members: The CCP Secretariat will manage the day-to-day operation of the CCP, with communication over email supported by quarterly all-CCP meetings. The CCP Secretariat will draw on CCP members to undertake work related to providing advice and challenge on regulatory determinations. The commissioning of work will be directed by the CCP Secretariat on an annual basis and will set out the issues CCP members will focus on, and the activities they will undertake, in order to deliver on the work. The CCP Secretariat will provide CCP members with guidance as to the timing and milestones for each phase of the determination. The cadence of project or reset specific meetings will be determined by the CCP Secretariat. For further information regarding the AER’s engagement with panel members, including reimbursement of pre-approved travel costs, refer to the Terms of Reference. Weighted Selection Criteria: The AER is seeking applications based on the following selection criteria: i. Knowledge in, or an ability to, acquire an understanding of the role of the AER, regulatory determination processes and the context in which they are made – 20% weighting. ii. Summary of relevant qualifications and experience, 25% weighting, with reference to one or more of the following: a. regulatory decision-making processes (including as a consumer advocate and academic) b. engineering c. economics d. consumer advocacy and representing the interests of consumers. iii. Evidence of ability to critically analyse and assess information relevant to the AER, regulated businesses and other stakeholders – 25% weighting. iv. Evidence of ability to provide independent, consumer centric and evidence-based advice to the AER – 20% weighting. v. Demonstrated ability to provide robust challenge to the AER and energy network businesses – 10% weighting. Non-weighted Selection Criteria: i. Appropriate capacity and time availability to fulfil the Appointment Agreement for the proposed term and to manage possible conflicts of interest. ii. Any risk the AER may identify in the Application. For clarity, the selection criteria in clause A.B.5, items 5.3 and 5.4 of the ATM Terms and Conditions do not apply to this ATM. Contact Details: Contact Officer Email Address: procurement@aer.gov.au