Energy Networks Australia has acknowledged the latest Grattan Institute report Down to the wire: A sustainable electricity network for Australia and its rejection of risky regulatory intervention that would impact all energy customers.

Energy Networks Australia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said the report correctly concluded that intervention to force write-downs of all network regulated asset bases would not be an effective way to bring consumer costs down.

“Much of the Grattan report’s analysis is based on assumptions that are challengeable, however the message is clear – forcing a broad write-down of all network asset values will inevitably be detrimental to customers, as it increases regulatory risks and financing costs for all network businesses,” he said.