APA Group (ASX:APA) today welcomes the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) final decision confirming their draft decision that the South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP) will not be subject to full price regulation and that the existing light regulation regime will remain in place.

The AER’s decision is now final and follows the end of a consultation process following release of the draft decision on 9 October 2024.

“APA welcomes the AER’s final decision to maintain the current form of regulation in place for the SWQP,” APA Group CEO and Managing Director Adam Watson said.

“This decision helps build confidence to continue making the necessary investment in our East Coast Gas Grid to help meet gas demand on the east coast and support energy security for our customers and energy consumers.

“Now that we have clarity in our regulatory framework for our East Coast Gas Grid, we will move at pace to bring to market opportunities to optimise high-capacity compressor infrastructure across the network, as well as add capacity either on existing pipeline infrastructure or through new pipeline construction and looping.

“We are committed to working with customers to get more, much needed, domestic gas to market along the east coast. We will confirm our expansion plans for the East Coast Gas Grid in the coming months.”