SAPN loses power play
The Federal Court has dismissed an appeal by SA Power Networks (SAPN) to recover an additional $250 million in revenue.
SAPN appealed the Australian Energy Regulator’s denial of the network’s application to take in $4.53 billion for the period 2015 to 2020.
The government body said SAPN would be provided $3.84 billion over five years instead.
Australian Energy Regulator chair Paula Conboy says it is a win for consumers.
“It's important in a time when energy affordability is a serious concern,” Ms Conboy said.
“It's more important than ever that consumers have the confidence that the Australian Energy regulator is carefully examining all aspects of network costs.”
SA Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said SAPN should not appeal the matter.
“What SAPN was seeking to do was to charge hundreds of millions of dollars more for the use of poles and wires, which would have been added straight to the bill of every South Australian,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“We have now had determinations from the Australian Energy Regulator, the Australian Competition Tribunal and the Federal Court, which have all found that the attempts by SA Power Networks to charge South Australians more are unjustified.
“It's time they accept those decisions and I urge them not to appeal today's ruling to the High Court.”