Regulatory sandboxing

We are working closely with the Australian Energy Regulator and other market bodies to support a national regulatory sandboxing framework being established in the national energy market. A website for regulatory sandboxing across all participating jurisdictions (including Victoria) will be launched and include resources such as case studies, market maps and other information to help innovators navigate the regulatory frameworks relevant to their project. The website will house an Innovation Enquiry Service and a trial waiver application portal, which will provide a centralised hub for innovators to submit enquiries and seek informal feedback specific to their trial project. The portal will also enable innovators to apply for a trial waiver for projects in Victoria and nationally.

From 1 June 2022, under Victorian legislation, we have powers to establish a new regulatory sandboxing function in Victoria. This will enable businesses to trial new products and services in the energy market for a time-limited period. The regulatory sandbox will allow testing of new products and services, in a controlled setting, and help inform whether permanent changes to particular energy rules would benefit Victorian consumers.

To support the regulatory sandboxing framework, we have developed a Trial Project Guideline to provide Victoria-specific guidance to innovators on the requirements to operate a project in Victoria. The Trial Project Guideline sets out our proposed approach, information and process requirements that we will consider for trial waiver applications and how decisions on trial waiver applications will be made.

Submit your feedback on our Trial Project Guideline

Submissions on our draft decision and draft Trial Project Guideline closed on 17 May 2022. Our final guideline will be published in June 2022.

Feedback on the national regulatory sandboxing framework

To support the development of a national regulatory sandboxing framework, the Australian Energy Regulator is also consulting with stakeholders on their draft Trial Projects Guidelines. We have had regard to the Australian Energy Regulator’s guidelines in developing our guideline, and sought to achieve consistency where possible and appropriate. For more information on their guidelines and consultation process, visit their website.