Past Consultations

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Completed consultations are listed below.

Previous amendments to the Gas Retail Code, Gas Distribution Code and Gas Customer Transfer and Reconciliation Code can be found here.

Amendments to the Tasmanian Electricity Code can be found here.​

Amendments to the Water and Sewerage Customer Service Code can be found here.


CategoryConsultationClosed
2024

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2023



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2022


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Electricit​y



Draft Standing Methodology Review Paper
The Regulator received five written submissions and held consultation meetings with members of the OTTER Customer Consultative Committee (OCCC) in relation to the draft Standing Offer Methodology Review paper. The draft report and submissions can be found here.


Draft Price and Service Plan Guideline
The Regulator received six submissions, and held consultation meetings with members of the OTTER Customer Consultative Committee (OCCC) in relation to the Draft Price and Service Plan Guideline Issues Paper​.



Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument pricing investigation
The Regulator received three submissions on its Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument pricing investigation draft report. The draft report and submissions can be found here​.


Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) Scheme 

The Regulator recently undertook a review of the GSL Scheme and prepared a Consultation Paper
 outlining proposed changes to the GSL Scheme, including updating the associated supply reliability category boundaries, and introducing amendments to the Guideline - Guaranteed Service Level Scheme, July 2012 - Version 3 (GSL Guideline).

The Consultation Paper, proposed revised supply reliability category boundary maps and marked-up version of the GSL Guideline, to apply from 1 July 2024, are available for viewing here:

 Consultation Paper - Review of the Guaranteed Service Level Scheme  (PDF 764Kb)

 MAPS - Urban and Regional Centres  (PDF 36Mb)

 MAPS - Lower Density Rural (PDF 8Mb)

 MAPS - High Density Rural (PDF 45Mb)

 MAPS - High Density Commercial and Critical Infrastructure  (PDF 14Mb)

 Marked-up Guaranteed Service Level Scheme Guideline, Version 4  (PDF 254Kb)

The consultation period closed on 17 April 2024.

Submissions were received from:

 1st Energy Pty Ltd (PDF 78Kb)

 Aurora Energy Pty Ltd (PDF 147Kb)

 TasNetworks Pty Ltd (PDF 306Kb)


The Regulator's responses to the matters raised in submissions are outlined in this 
Statement of Reasons

The Regulator has also prepared a final marked-up version of the 
GSL Guideline, Version 4, which has been revised to address various matters raised through consultation, and as outlined in the Statement of Reasons. Changes to the consultation draft of the GSL Guideline, Version 4, are presented in shaded text.

A final version of the GSL Guideline, Version 4, along with supply reliability category boundary maps, will be published on the OTTER website on 1 July 2024, commencing on that date.


TasWater's Approach to Trade Waste Charging Draft Report
The Regulator invited submissions on its Inquiry into TasWater’s Approach to Trade Waste Charging Draft Report​.


Draft Price and Service Plan Guideline
The Regulator invited submissions on its draft Price and Service Plan Guideline. The draft guideline and submission can be found here.


Inquiry into Sewerage Charging Draft Report
The Regulator invited submissions in response to its Inquiry into Sewerage Charging Draft Report.
The Regulator received four submissions. The draft report and submission can be found here​





Inquiry into the level of TasWater's Service Charges Draft Report
The Regulator invited submissions in response to its Inquiry into the level of TasWater's Service Charges Draft Report.
The Regulator received one submission. The draft report and submission can be found here​.

Regulatory Depreciation on new assets
The Regulator invited submissions on its Inquiry into the calculation of regulatory depreciation allowances for TasWater's new assets- draft report. The Regulator received one submission. The draft report and submission can be found here​.

Proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Electricity Code

The Regulator invited submissions on proposed amendments to Chapter 4A of the Tasmanian Electricity Code. The amendments proposed to change generation performance standards for the electricity network on the Bass Strait Islands. No submissions were received. The Consultation Paper can be found ​​here.


Proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Gas Retail Code
The Regulator invited submissions on proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Gas Retail Code. The amendments introduced customer hardship provisions and protections for customers who are experiencing family violence. The Regulator received two submissions. The amendments and submissions can be found here​.


Approach to sewerage and trade waste charging
The Regulator invited submissions on its Sewerage and Trade Waste Charging Issues Paper. Seven submissions were received. The Issues Paper and submissions can be found here.




Consultation Paper on the proposed changes to the Incident Reporting Guideline for the Tasmanian Electricity Supply Industry
The Regulator invited submissions on its Consultation Paper regarding proposed changes to the notification thresholds and reporting requirements that apply to TasNetworks' distribution network on mainland Tasmania and Bruny Island. The Consultation Paper is available ​here and a marked-up Guideline is available here.

One submission was received from:

 Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd (PDF 666Kb)



Consultation Paper on the proposed changes to Chapter 8A and Chapter 14 of the Tasmanian Electricity Code

The Regulator invited submissions on its Consultation Paper regarding proposed changes to the Distribution Powerline Vegetation Management provisions (chapter 8A) and Glossary (chapter 14) of the Tasmanian Electricity Code. The Consultation Paper is available here.

The proposed changes would:

  • set out vegetation clearance dimensions for a new type of distribution powerline, the covered conductor thick; and
  • allow the distribution network service providers to apply the vegetation clearance dimensions depending on the type of distribution powerline, regardless of its location in the distribution network.
One submission was received from: 





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7 October 2022




Water
2022 Water and Sewerage Price Investigation
TasWater's proposed Price and Service Plan sets out the services and prices it proposes charging for those services for the four years from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026. The Plan also sets out the capital projects TasWater plans to deliver during that period.

On 28 February 2022 the Regulator released its Draft Investigation Report into TasWater's proposed Price and Service Plan for consultation. 

Nine submissions were received as part of the consultation process and can be found here.
28 March 2022
​​

Electricity
​2022 Standing Offer Investigation
The Standing Offer Investigation Draft Report and Determination set out the decisions the Regulator intends making in relation to the regulated electricity prices that are to apply from 1 July 2022 on mainland Tasmania (including Bruny Island).

On 18 February 2022 the Regulator released its Draft Report and Determnation. After considering the submissions received during consultation, the Regulator will release its Final Report and Determination by 29 April 2022.

Seven submissions were received as part of the consultation process and can be found here​.
​25 March 2022


​Electricity
2022 Regulated ​Feed-in Tariff Rate Investigation​​
Electricity retailers operating in Tasmania are required to pay, as a minimum, regulated feed-in tariffs to customers for energy exported to the grid by qualifying electricity generating systems.

On 28 January 2022 the Regulator released its 2022 Regulated Feed-in Tariff Rate Investigation Draft Report and Draft Determination for consultation​.

Five submissions were received as part of the consultation process and can be found here.
15 March 2022
2021  
​Administration

​​​Regulatory Reporting Guideline Update

As part of the development of Version 5 of the Regulatory Reporting Guideline, the Regulator released a Consultation Paper on Version 5 of the Regulatory Reporting Guideline.

The Regulator invited comments and written submissions from licensees and other interested parties.​ One submisison was received from: 

 Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd (651Kb)​

13 December 2021
​​​​Gas
Amendment to the Gas Customer Transfer and Reconciliation Code
On 22 April, the Regulator received a request from Tas Gas Retail Pty Ltd seeking an amendment to the Gas Customer Transfer and Reconciliation Code (the Transfer Code) to allow customers switching from one retailer to another to nominate a retrospective date on their customer transfer notice.

Presently, if a customer wishes to switch retailers, they must nominate a prospective date and they may have to request a special meter read for the date of transfer, at a cost to the customer of $110.00. Allowing customers to nominate the date of the most recent meter read as the transfer date may save them the cost of a special meter read.

A copy of the proposed changes are available here.

The Regulator invited comments and written submissions on the proposed changes. Submission were received from:

 Tas Gas Retail Pty Ltd

17 September 2021
​Electricity
​Application for Transmission Licence
​23 August 2021
​​
​On 30 July 2021, the Regulator received an application for a transmission licence from Marinus Link Pty Ltd to operate those parts of a proposed High Voltage Direct Current electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria located in Tasmania. 

The Regulator invited submissions from interested parties on the application. No submissions were received.

​The Regulator determined to issue a transmission licence to Marinus Link Pty Ltd. The licence and statement of reasons can be found here​


​Taxis
Investigation into the Owner Operator Taxi Licence Reserve Price Issues Paper
The Regulator is conducting an investigation to determine the 
reserve prices for Owner-Operator Taxi Licences for all 24 taxi areas
in Tasmania from 1 December 2021 to 31 December 2025.

The Regulator's Issues Paper has been released for public consultation. After cons​idering submissions received during consultation, the Regulator will then prepare a draft report and draft price determination for a second round of public consultation​


13 August 2021
Electricity

Standing Offer Price Methodology Review

In April 2021,​​ the Regulator reviewed the methodology it uses to determine Aurora Energy's retail electricity (standing offer) prices. 

As a result of this Review, the Regulator prepared a draft Retail Electricity Standing Offer Price Methodology Review Approach Paper. The Paper sets out the Regulator's proposed approach for its 2022 price investigation and 2022 price determination. The Draft Approach Paper is available here .

The Regulator invited submissions from interested parties on the proposals set out in the Paper.

Submissions closed 7 May 2021

7 May 2021
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

In February 2021, the Regulator invited submissions on its pricing investigation relating to certain provisions in the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument. Further details are available here .

28 February 2021
2019  
Electricity

Tasmanian Electricity Code - Bass Strait Islands

In September 2019, the Regulator invited submissions on its Consultation Paper regarding Hydro Tasmania's proposed amendments to the Bass Strait Islands Chapter System Operations and Network Service Provisions (chapter 4A) and Glossary (chapter 14) of the Tasmanian Electricity Code. The Consultation Paper is available here.

11 October 2019
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator invited submissions on its Investigation relating to certain provisions in the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument. Further details on this matter are available here .

16 September 2019
Electricity

2019 Network Reliability Review

In July 2019, the Regulator invited submissions on the draft Terms of Reference for its 2019 Network Reliability Review. Further details on this matter are available here .

19 July 2019
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator invited submissions on its Pricing investigation relating to certain provisions in the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument. Further details on this matter are available here .

27 June 2019
Water

Water and Sewerage Price and Service Plan Guideline - fourth regulatory period

The Regulator invited written comments on its Draft Price and Service Plan Guideline in relation to the preparation and approval of TasWater's proposed price and service plan for the fourth regulatory period commencing 1 July 2021. The draft Guideline also sought feedback from stakeholders on the proposed duration of the fourth regulatory period.

Submissions closed at 5:00pm on 31 May 2019. Submissions were received from:​

  TasWater   (170Kb)

  Environmental Protection Authority (Tasmania)   (163Kb)

Details about the fourth regulatory period are available here.

31 May 2019
Electricity

2019 Regulated Feed-in Tariff Rate Investigation - Draft Report

The Regulator invited written submissions on its Draft Report in relation to the 2019 Regulated Feed-in Tariff Rate Investigation, released on 27 March 2019. Further details on this matter are available here .

30 April 2019
Electricity

Incident Reporting Guideline

The Regulator invited submissions on its Draft Incident Reporting Guideline. Further details are available here .

26 April 2019
2018  
Electricity

Standing Offer Price Approval Guideline

The Regulator invited written submissions on draft changes to the Standing Offer Price Approval Guideline. Further details are available here.

25 January 2019
2017  
Water

2018 Water and Sewerage Price Determination Investigation - Draft Report

The Regulator released its Draft Report including Draft Price Determination in relation to its 2018 Water and Sewerage Price Determination Investigation.

25 January 2018
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator invited written submissions on its updating the inputs in Schedule 1 of the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument - Consultation Paper. Further details on this consultation process are available here .

14 August 2017
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator invited written submissions on its Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument Pricing Investigation Consultation Paper. Further detail on this consultation process are available here.

16 March 2017
Electricity

Structure of Licence Fees

The Regulator invited written submissions on its proposed Structure of Licence Fees for the three year period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020. Further details on this consultation process are available here. Further details on this issue are available here.

27 February 2017
Water, Electricity & GasThe Regulator invited written submissions on its proposed Structure of Licence Fees for the three year period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020. Further details on this consultation process are available here.10 February 2017
2016  
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator released drafts of each of the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument, Wholesale Contract Guideline and Statement of Regulatory Intent for public consultation. The Regulator also prepared a Consultation Paper to assist interested parties in making submissions. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on 11 November 2016.

11 November 2016
Water

Water and Sewerage Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline

The Regulator proposed amendments to the Water and Sewerage Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline (the Guideline) to ensure that all minimum service standard information reflected the approved minimum service standards outlined in Schedule 1 of the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Industry Customer Service Code. Further administrative revisions to the Guideline were proposed to better align with national performance reporting (NPR) requirements and to remove duplication of performance reporting obligations for regulated entities under the NPR Framework. A redundant definition was removed from the 'Glossary'.

The Regulator released a revised Guideline in marked-up format as well as a Consultation Paper which provided a brief discussion of the amendments.

Submissions closed at 5:00pm on 4 November 2016. One submission was received as part of the consultation process: 

  TasWater Submission on Performance Reporting Guideline November 2016   (192Kb)​

Upon consideration, the Regulator agreed with the minor matters raised by TasWater in its submission and amended corresponding provisions of the Guideline accordingly.

4 November 2016
Electricity

2016 Network Reliability Review

The Regulator released its Draft Report in relation to its 2016 Network Reliability Review. The Draft Report outlined the Regulator's proposed findings and invited interested parties to make submissions. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on Friday 30 September 2016.

30 September 2016
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator sought comments on the proposals contained within its draft pricing investigation report in relation to the Review of the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument. The Draft Report outlines the Regulator's proposals and invited interested parties to make submissions. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on Friday 23 September 2016

23 September 2016
Electricity

2016 Standing Offer Price Determination

The Regulator sought comments on its proposed amendments to Aurora Energy's 2016 Standing Offer Price Determination. The Regulator prepared a Consultation Paper and a marked up copy of the Determination outlining the proposed changes to assist interested parties in making submissions. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on Friday 24 June 2016.

24 June 2016
Water

Price and Service Plan Guideline - Water and Sewerage, third regulatory period

The Regulator sought comments on its Draft Price and Service Plan Guideline with respect to the preparation and approval of TasWater's proposed price and service plan for the third regulatory period commencing on 1 July 2018.

The Regulator prepared a Consultation Paper to assist interested parties in making submissions. Submissions closed at 5.00pm on Friday, 3 June 2016.

The Regulator received submissions from:​

  TasWater Submission on PSP Guideline May 2016   (2Mb)

  EPA Submission on PSP Guideline May 2016   (1Mb)

The June 2016 version of the Regulator's Water and Sewerage Industry Price and Service Plan Guideline sets out the Regulator's minimum requirements for the information that should be provided in TasWater's proposed price and service plan for the third regulatory period. The Guideline also provides information on how the investigation will be conducted (including consultation) and specifies the actionsTasWater must take in preparing its proposed price and service plan.

3 June 2016
Electricity

Aurora Energy's Draft Standing Offer Price Strategy (2016)

The Regulator released a Consultation Paper and sought comment on Aurora Energy's Draft Standing Offer Price Strategy in relation to the Regulator's 2016 Standing Offer Pricing Investigation. Submissions closed on Friday 1 April 2016.

1 April 2016
Electricity

2016 Standing Offer Investigation - Draft Report and Determination

The Regulator released a Consultation Paper and sought comment on its Draft Report, Draft Determination and Draft Pricing Approval Guideline in relation to its 2016 Standing Offer Investigation. Submissions closed on Tuesday 15 March 2016 and one late submission was accepted.

The Regulator released its Draft Report for the 2016 Regulated Feed-in Tariff Rate Investigation along with its Draft Determination. Submissions on the Draft Report and Draft Determination closed on 15 March 2016.

15 March 2016
Electricity

Review of the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator released an Issues Paper in relation to the Review of the Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument and called for submissions from interested parties. Submissions closed on Friday 22 January 2016 and one late submission was accepted.

22 January 2016
2015  
Water

Water and Sewerage Accounting Ring Fencing Guideline and Regulatory Accounts

In October 2015, the  Regulator sought comments on a draft revised Water and Sewerage Accounting Ring Fencing Guideline and Regulatory Accounts Template which the Regulator had developed in accordance with section 64(2) of the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008. The Regulator is proposing changes to the following worksheets in the Template - 100A, 200A, 300A, 300B, 300C, 500A, 500C, 500CC, 500d, 500D, 500DD and 500EX.

The proposed amendments were intended to:

·       address interpretation issues in the Guideline by inserting new definitions, expanding existing definitions and removing redundant definitions;

·       clarify the Economic Regulator's objectives and requirements and the regulated entity's obligations;

·       revise the review and adjustment process so that audits can focus on specific issues; and

·       remove redundant worksheets from the Template thereby streamlining the regulated entity's preparation of its regulatory financial statements.

The Regulator also released a Consultation Paper to assist interested parties in making a submission. Submissions closed on 20 November 2015. TasWater made the only submission. The Regulator's response to the matters in TasWater's submission is outlined in the following Statement of Reasons

On 24 March 2016, following consultation, the Regulator published the Water and Sewerage Regulatory Accounting Ring Fencing Guideline and Regulatory Accounting Template  Version 2. The Guideline and Template apply to the preparation. lodgement and approval of regulatory financial statements for the 2015-16 and future financial years.

20 November 2015
Electricity

2016 Network Reliability Review

In October 2015, the Regulator released the Terms of Reference for its electricity Network Reliability Review and called for submissions from interested parties. Submissions closed on Friday 6 November 2015 and two submissions were received.

6 November 2015
Water

Water and Sewerage Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline

The Regulator invited written submissions on proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline (the Guideline). The Regulator reviewed the Guideline following recent legislative changes, including amendments to the national reporting framework, abolition of the National Water Commission and changes made by the Economic Regulator Amendment Act 2015 (Tas). During the review, the Regulator identified, and also proposed, other appropriate administrative amendments to be made to the Guideline.

The Regulator prepared a Consultation Paper to assist interested parties in making submissions. Submissions closed on Friday, 16 October 2015, and one submission was received from TasWater Pty Ltd.

The Regulator's view of the matter raised by TasWater in its submission is that it is outside the scope of the proposed Guideline amendments, which are being made to correct inconsistencies. Furthermore, the Regulator did not support the alignment of the state of the industry reporting cycle with the price and service plan, as there are other reporting and monitoring requirements both nationally and under the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008 (Tas) that may be impaired as a result of such a change.

The Regulator published the revised Guideline, Version 1.3, effective 28 October 2015.

16 October 2015
Electricity

Raise contingency FCAS as a declared electrical service

In April 2015, the Regulator released a Consultation Paper and sought comments on whether the declaration of raise contingency FCAS as a declared electrical service should be retained or revoked. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on Monday 15 May 2015.

15 May 2015
Water

2015 Water and Sewerage Price Investigation and Determination

The Regulator sought comment on its Draft Report and Draft Price Determination for the Tasmanian water and sewerage industry for the three-year regulatory period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018. Submissions closed at 5.00 pm on 27 February 2015.

27 February 2015
2014  
Electricity

Tasmanian Electricity Code​

In November 2014, the Regulator sought comment on draft amendments to Chapters 8A (vegetation management) and 14 of the Tasmanian Electricity Code following receipt of a code change proposal from Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd. The Regulator prepared a consultation paper to assist interested parties in making submissions. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on 19 December 2014. No submissions were received other than a letter of endorsement from the Tasmanian Fire Service. The Code was amended, effective 14 January 2015

19 December 2014
Electricity

Electricity Supply Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline

In September 2014, the Regulator issued version 2.3 of its Electricity Supply Industry Performance and Information Reporting Guideline on 15 September 2014.

The Regulator reviewed the Guideline's wholesale reporting requirements in the context of the reporting requirements imposed on Hydro Tasmania under the Basslink Ministerial Notice (in force under section 36 of the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995). The Regulator's review identified a number of opportunities to streamline the reporting processes and remove duplication. The Regulator consulted with Hydro Tasmania on the proposed changes. Hydro Tasmania did not have any concerns and supported the changes

15 September 2014
Water & Electricity

Regulatory Reporting Guideline

The Regulator reviewed its Regulatory Reporting Guideline and identified a number of changes to the Guideline which it considered would improve outcomes from the risk assessment process and, in turn, the independent appraisal process.

The Regulator sought comments from regulated entities in the water and sewerage sector on the proposed changes to the Regulatory Reporting Guideline (marked up version). Submissions closed at 5.00pm on Friday 20 June 2014.

The Regulator received submissions from the following parties:

  Aurora Submission on Regulatory Reporting Guideline June 2014   (374Kb)

  Hydro Submission on Regulatory Reporting Guideline June 2014   (41Kb)

  TasWater Submission on Regulatory Reporting Guideline June 2014   (208Kb)

After considering matters raised, the Regulator published the revised regulatory reporting guideline, version 3, effective 30 July 2014.

The Regulator issued Version 3 of its Regulatory Reporting Guideline  on 1 August 2014.

20 June 2014
Electricity

Wholesale Contract Regulatory Instrument

The Regulator released a Consultation Paper and sought comments on an alternative methodology with respect to calculating wholesale contract capacity volumes under the wholesale contract regulatory framework. Submissions closed at 5:00pm on Monday 19 May 2014.

The Regulator sought comments on its draft amended Guideline with respect to performance and information reporting obligations of participants in the Tasmanian Electricity Supply Industry. Consultation closed at 5:00pm on Monday 5 May 2014.

5 May 2014
Electricity

Performance and Information Reporting Guideline

In April 2014, the Regulator reviewed the Performance and Information Reporting Guideline and sought comments on its draft amended Guideline with respect to performance and information reporting obligations. The draft amended Guideline proposed a number of changes, including:

·       the addition of reporting requirements in respect of Hydro Tasmania's wholesale regulation activities;

·       replicating the Australian Electricity Regulator's performance reporting requirements in relation to Hydro Tasmania's retail operations on the Bass Strait Islands;

·       amending the Guideline to refer to the recently introduced legislative reporting requirements in respect of feed-in tariff customers; and

·       revising retailer reporting requirements to account for the impact of Tasmania's adoption of the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) from 1 July 2012.

To assist stakeholders the Regulator released two versions of the draft amended Guideline; one with the proposed changes in mark up and a clean version with the proposed changes accepted.

The Regulator also prepared a Consultation Paper inviting comments on the draft amended Guideline.

Submissions on the proposed amendments closed on 5 May 2014. The Regulator received submissions from the following parties:​

  Hydro Performance Reporting Guideline 2014   (296Kb)

  Aurora Energy Performance Reporting Guideline 2014   (502Kb)

5 May 2014




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