Australian Energy RetailerAuthorisation & Licensing
Navigate Australia's complex energy retail regulatory landscape with Compliance Quarter's comprehensive expertise. Whether you're seeking authorisation from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) under the National Energy Customer Framework or applying for a retail licence from Victoria's Essential Services Commission (ESC), our experienced team guides you through the intricate requirements, substantial costs, and lengthy processes required to become a licensed energy retailer in Australia.
Assess Your Licensing Readiness
Take our comprehensive self-assessment to evaluate your organisation's readiness for energy retail licensing. Get a personalised report with recommendations and next steps.
Internal Resources
Evaluate your staffing and organisational capacity
Financial Readiness
Assess your financial capacity and planning
Compliance History
Review your regulatory and compliance background
Two Regulatory Pathways
Australia operates under two distinct regulatory frameworks for energy retail licensing, each with specific requirements and processes.
Regulated by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) under the National Energy Customer Framework.
Regulated by the Essential Services Commission (ESC) under Victoria's independent regulatory system.
National Framework (AER Authorisation)
Three fundamental entry criteria must be satisfied for AER authorisation
Toggle to see exactly what we handle vs what you provide - most work is done by us!
Demonstrate comprehensive capability to meet all regulatory obligations through robust systems, qualified personnel, and proven operational procedures.
Prove sufficient financial resources to operate sustainably and manage market risks, including volatile wholesale energy costs and prudential requirements.
Demonstrate the character, reputation, and integrity of the organisation and its key personnel through comprehensive background checks and compliance history disclosure.
Victorian Framework (ESC Licence)
Victoria maintains its own regulatory system with distinct requirements
Victoria operates under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 and Gas Industry Act 2001, maintaining its own regulatory framework that predates the National Energy Customer Framework.
The Essential Services Commission applies similar fundamental criteria to the AER but with Victorian-specific requirements and regulatory objectives.
Documentation Requirements
Comprehensive documentation is essential for both frameworks
Required Policy Attachments
Your application must include comprehensive policies and procedures demonstrating your organisation's capability to meet all regulatory obligations. These policies form the foundation of your compliance framework and operational procedures as an energy retailer.
Core Policies and Procedures
The following policies are required for energy retail licence applications and must demonstrate comprehensive coverage of regulatory requirements, operational procedures, and customer protection measures. This represents a sample of the required policies - additional policies may be required based on your specific business model and operations.
Core Policies and Procedures
Compliance Quarter Develops All Required Policies
We draft, customize, and maintain all 12+ required policies and procedures for your organization. Each policy is tailored to your specific business model while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Additional Required Documents
Beyond policies and procedures, your application must include various supporting documents that demonstrate organisational structure, financial capacity, and operational arrangements.
ASIC Extract
Current company extract from Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Organisational Chart
Detailed organisational structure showing reporting lines and key positions
Structural Diagram
Corporate structure diagram including subsidiaries and related entities
List of Providers and Key Individuals
Comprehensive list of all service providers and key personnel with roles and responsibilities
Third-Party Service Agreements
Copies of all agreements with billing systems, metering services, and other outsourced service providers
Ombudsman Scheme Correspondence
Copies of all correspondence and agreements with relevant Energy Ombudsman schemes
Code of Ethics
Comprehensive code of ethics and conduct for all staff and management
Financial Models and Declarations
Detailed financial models, projections, and formal declarations from qualified accountants
Important Considerations
External Auditing: The AER requires that compliance and risk management plans be externally audited by qualified professionals to ensure robustness and independence.
Jurisdictional Variations: Policies must account for differences between jurisdictional requirements where operating across multiple states.
Regular Updates: All policies must include provisions for regular review and updating to reflect regulatory changes and operational improvements.
Implementation Evidence: Regulators expect to see evidence of how policies will be implemented, including staff training, system capabilities, and monitoring procedures.
Completeness: This list represents core requirements - additional policies and documents may be required based on your specific business model, operational arrangements, and regulatory feedback.
Why Choose Compliance Quarter?
Proven Track Record
Our team has successfully guided numerous clients through the energy retail licensing process, with deep understanding of both AER and ESC requirements.
Comprehensive Service
From initial policy development through to ongoing compliance support, we provide end-to-end regulatory expertise.
Regulatory Expertise
Our specialists maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes and requirements across all Australian energy market jurisdictions.
Tailored Solutions
Every policy and procedure is customised to your specific business model and operational requirements while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Application Already Submitted?
If you've already submitted your application but are facing delays, requests for additional information, or concerns about approval, Compliance Quarter can step in to help get your application back on track.
Regulator Requests Additional Information
Multiple rounds of questions indicating gaps in original submission
Extended Processing Times
Application sitting with regulator for 12+ months without clear progress
Policy Deficiencies Identified
Regulator feedback indicating policies don't meet requirements
Financial Viability Concerns
Questions about business model sustainability or capital adequacy
Application Review & Gap Analysis
Comprehensive review of your submission to identify weaknesses and missing elements
Regulator Liaison & Communication
Professional engagement with AER/ESC to understand concerns and expedite process
Policy & Documentation Enhancement
Rewrite or supplement existing policies to meet regulatory standards
Strategic Application Recovery
Complete application overhaul if necessary to ensure approval
Our Rescue Process
We've successfully helped numerous clients recover stalled applications
Rapid Assessment
Complete review of your current application status within 48 hours
Strategic Planning
Develop targeted approach to address regulator concerns
Implementation
Execute improvements and manage all regulator communications
Approval
Guide application through to successful authorisation/licence grant
Expert Team
Regulatory specialists with deep AER and ESC experience
Fast Response
Immediate action to prevent further delays in your application
Proven Results
Track record of rescuing stalled applications successfully
Don't Let Your Application Fail
Every day of delay costs you money and market opportunity. Let our experts get your application back on track.
Free initial assessment of your current application status
Setup & Ongoing Costs
Substantial investment required across multiple cost categories
Get the complete breakdown of upfront capital expenditure required for energy retail licensing, including real-world cost ranges and insider insights.
Process Timeline
Understanding the journey from application to authorisation is key. Here is a typical timeline.
Preparation Phase
Develop policies, procedures, and documentation. Engage legal and consulting support.
Application Submission
Submit ~600 page application to AER and/or ESC with all required documentation.
Public Consultation
Stakeholders can provide submissions on the application during this period.
Regulatory Review
Regulator conducts thorough assessment and may request additional information.
Authorisation Grant
Receive authorisation/licence and begin market operations.
Ready to Navigate the Licensing Process with Compliance Quarter?
Our experienced regulatory specialists have guided numerous clients through successful energy retail licence applications. With deep expertise in both the National Energy Customer Framework and Victorian regulatory requirements, Compliance Quarter ensures your application meets all necessary criteria and maximises your chances of approval.
Policy Development
Comprehensive policy frameworks tailored to regulatory requirements
Application Management
End-to-end application preparation and regulatory liaison
Ongoing Compliance
Continuous compliance support and regulatory monitoring