AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd has reported on its emissions reduction efforts under the Safeguard Mechanism and compliance with EMF exposure guidelines. The company outlined its approach to managing Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of the Safeguard Mechanism on its operations.
Material actions and disclosures
AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd has been subject to the Australian Government’s Safeguard Mechanism since 1 July 2016. The Safeguard Mechanism establishes a production-adjusted baseline for Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions, and if net emissions exceed this baseline, the company must surrender Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). In its 2024/25 reporting period, AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd surrendered 6,713 ACCUs.
The company expects its emissions to reduce by 4.9% per year until 2030, as required by the Safeguard Mechanism. However, there are limited opportunities for AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd to directly reduce its emissions, and it is anticipated that operating costs will increase to cover the cost of purchasing ACCUs to offset these emissions. These additional costs are recoverable through adjustments to annual tariffs.
Forward commitments
AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd is committed to complying with local regulations, recognised national and international EMF exposure guidelines and standards. The company’s distribution, sub-transmission, and transmission lines EMFs are within the ICNIRP guidelines and IEEE standards. However, retrospectively applying ICNIRP guidelines could require the company to limit some maintenance works on legacy installations to ensure EMF are within acceptable employee exposure limits, which could adversely affect financial performance.
AusNet Gas Services Pty Ltd recognises the potential for future adverse findings relating to EMF, which could lead to litigation against the company and expose it to material damages claims.
Attributed to the original announcement excerpt from AusNet Pty Ltd’s Directors’ Report.