Electric Traction Services DAAU
On 16 December 2011, QR Network Pty Ltd (QR Network) submitted a draft amending access undertaking (DAAU) to the Authority for its approval.
In it, QR Network proposed to amend the pricing arrangements for electric traction services in the approved 2010 access undertaking, in particular to:
- introduce a single network AT5 charge, combining the total costs and total forecast demand of the Blackwater and Goonyella electric networks;
- introduce a requirement that operators pay AT5 for at least 90% of train services that could feasibly be operated with electric trains, including services actually operated with diesel trains; and
- limit the revenue adjustments in a single year to be no more than 5% per annum to recoup any substantial under-recoveries of the AT5 revenue cap.
Under section 142 of the Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997 (the QCA Act), the Authority must consider QR Network's DAAU and either approve, or refuse to approve, it.
On 21 December 2011, the Authority issued QR Network with a notice of investigation, under section 146 of the QCA Act, indicating its intention to undertake an investigation into the DAAU.
On 7 February 2012, the Authority extended the deadline for submissions to 9 March 2012, in response to requests from several stakeholders who indicated they wished to undertake further work to analyse QR Network's proposal, with assistance from specialist consultants. In this regard, it is noted that QR Network's proposal raises some very complex issues with significant implications for stakeholders.
A copy of QR Network’s letter to the Authority, its DAAU and its submission in support of the DAAU can be found below.
Interim Reports/Papers
Sending Submissions
Submissions should be sent to:
Queensland Competition Authority
GPO Box 2257
Brisbane QLD 4001
Fax: 07 3222 0599
or e-mailed to rail@qca.org.au
