Zahlungsverzögerungen durch Streitigkeiten über Tarife und Abrechnungen

Definition

Australian gas pipelines can be either scheme pipelines with regulated reference tariffs, or non‑scheme pipelines where access is governed by negotiate/arbitrate models and tariffs are set by agreement with shippers.[7][8] In both cases, the underlying tariff structures and service classifications (firm vs interruptible, storage, bi‑directional) are complex, as illustrated by APA’s multi‑service tariff tables and Epic Energy’s premium bi‑directional pricing.[3][4] When invoices do not clearly reconcile nominations and scheduled quantities with the exact tariff line items, adjustment factors and CPI escalations, shippers are likely to query charges, especially in a negotiate/arbitrate environment where each shipper’s deal may deviate from standard reference tariffs.[8] While Australian sources do not publish DSO figures specific to pipelines, experience from other network industries suggests that disputed or unclear invoices can add 15–45 days to payment times for 5–15 % of annual invoice value. For a pipeline with, for example, AUD 200 million in annual revenue and average DSO of 30 days, an additional 20 days of delay on just 10 % of revenue equates to approximately AUD 10.96 million extra working capital tied up (200m * 10 % * 20/365). The cost of capital on this tied‑up working capital (e.g. 6–8 % per year) represents a recurring financial drag.

Why This Matters

The Pitch: Pipeline transportation players in Australia 🇦🇺 tie up millions of AUD in working capital as disputed invoices sit unpaid for 15–45 extra days. Automation that generates transparent, contract‑aligned invoices with supporting tariff logic can reduce DSO materially and release cash.

Affected Stakeholders

Accounts receivable and credit control, Commercial managers and account managers, Regulatory affairs and pricing teams, CFO / treasury, IT and billing operations

Related Business Risks