ACT Assembly Approves Data Centre Energy Rules, Affecting Canberra Electricity Costs from 2027

The ACT Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the Electricity (National Scheme) Act on 7 July 2026, requiring new data centres above 10 megawatts to source at least 70 per cent of their energy from renewable contracts by the end of 2028. The changes apply directly to developments in the Molonglo Valley and eastern Gungahlin corridors where several proposals are under assessment.

Why the vote occurred now

Federal approvals for two major facilities in the Australian Capital Territory have advanced through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water this year. ACT officials brought the amendments forward to align local planning rules with the 2026 update to the National Energy Rules before construction contracts are finalised.

Residents in Belconnen will notice the first effects through revised connection timelines for local substations, with the ACT Electricity Distribution Code requiring network upgrades to be completed by June 2027. Gungahlin commuters using the light rail corridor may experience temporary road works near the Mitchell substation site during the same period as cabling is installed.

Timeline for residents

The government has stated that the first compliance reports from operators will be published in December 2027, after which the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal can review any exemptions. Daily services such as bus timetables and waste collection schedules are not expected to change, though the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission will incorporate the new demand forecasts into its 2027 price determination.

ACT Budget Papers 2026-27 list $87 million for transmission upgrades in the Belconnen and Gungahlin districts, with funds drawn from the existing Infrastructure Investment Program. Policy analysts note that these figures are based on modelling released by the Australian Energy Market Operator in its 2025 Integrated System Plan.

Further public consultation on exemption guidelines opens on 15 August 2026 and closes on 12 September 2026. The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate will publish final implementation dates by November 2026.