On 30 March 2011, the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) submitted a Rule change request to the AEMC in relation to the introduction of a national framework for electricity distribution network planning and expansion.

The Rule change request stems from the AEMC's Review of National Framework for Electricity Distribution Network Planning and Expansion (the Review). The Final Report for the Review, published in September 2009, set out the AEMC's recommendations and supporting reasoning in respect of the establishment of a national framework. A proposed Rule to implement the new arrangements was also published, for consideration by the MCE.

The AEMC's recommended design for the national framework consisted of three key components:
an annual planning and reporting process;
a Demand Side Engagement Strategy; and
a Regulatory Investment Test for Distribution (RIT-D).
The AEMC considered that it was through the interaction of these three elements that the intended purpose and objectives of the national framework would best be achieved.

In September 2010, the MCE provided its response to the AEMC's Final Report. Overall, the MCE expressed support for the AEMC's findings and recommendations. Accordingly, on 30 March 2011 the MCE requested that the AEMC progress the Rule change request having regard to the contents of its response.

On 29 September 2011, the AEMC published a notice under section 95 of the National Electricity Law (NEL) of the commencement of consultation on the Rule change request. This was accompanied by a staff Consultation Paper. Submissions on the Consultation Paper closed on 24 November 2011. In total, 16 submissions were received.
On the same date, the AEMC also gave notice under section 107 of the NEL that it had extended the period of time for making the draft Rule determination until 22 March 2012. Given the complex and detailed nature of the Rule change request, the AEMC considered an extension of time was necessary to allow additional time for consultation with stakeholders and analysis of the issues.