HVAU Version 1
ARTC’s Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking (HVAU Version 1) was accepted by the ACCC on 29 June 2011, after extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the ACCC. Although Version 1 did not become effective until 19 July 2011, ARTC operated in accordance with the provisions of Version 1 from 1 July 2011. Version 1 has a term of 5 years.
Version 1 covered the following parts of ARTC’s network:
- Newcastle Ports (Pt Waratah, Kooragang, NCIG) – Gap, excluding Newcastle main lines
- Muswellbrook – Ulan
HVAU Version 2
On 17 October 2012, the ACCC approved a variation to the HVAU incorporating the Initial Indicative Service and Initial Indicative Access Charge (HVAU Version 2). The Initial Indicative Service reflected the preferred coal train configuration for operation on the Hunter Valley Network designed to maximise coal chain throughput based on initial modelling by the HVCCC.
HVAU Version 3
On 25 June 2014, the ACCC approved a variation to the HVAU incorporating new Segments between Gap and Turrawan (HVAU Version 3).
HVAU Version 6
On 29 June 2017, the ACCC approved a variation to the HVAU to extend the term of the HVAU to 31 December 2021 and update the key commercial parameters of Rate of Return, Remaining Mine Life and the allocators for non-segment specific costs (HVAU Version 6).
HVAU Version 7
On 29 November 2018, the ACCC approved a variation to the HVAU to incorporate the concepts of Path-Based Pricing and Incremental Cost Methodology including amendments to the RCG process for capital allocation decisions (HVAU Version 7).
HVAU Version 8
On 2 June 2021, the ACCC approved a variation to extend the HVAU until 31 December 2026 (HVAU Version 8). Version 8 changed a number of provisions including the Rate of Return, Depreciation period and pricing arrangements following the end of loss capitalisation for Pricing Zone 3. Version 8 also incorporates the track utilisation rate used by ARTC in its contractable capacity assumptions for the term and measures to increase transparency.
The most recently varied version of ARTC’s Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking is referred to on this website as the HVAU.