The ACCC proposes to grant authorisation for five years.

CS Energy is the owner of the Callide B power station, while CPM and CS Energy are 50:50 joint venture partners in the Callide C power station. Anglo Coal owns the Callide coal mine.

Under the joint negotiation, CS Energy and CPM propose to agree to use the same data as the basis for the review, to engage joint experts and consultants and to conduct the negotiation process with Anglo Coal jointly.

Both applicants have existing agreements with Anglo Coal which contain a price review mechanism to be conducted on a five yearly basis.

“Although not extensive, there are public benefits flowing from the joint negotiations through avoiding duplication and streamlining the price review," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

“The ACCC accepts that there is little, if any, public detriment from the joint negotiation process. It recognises that the quantities of coal purchased will not be altered and, therefore, demand within the market will not be significantly impacted. Additionally, the ACCC places particular weight on the fact that Anglo Coal, the party most likely to be affected by the proposed conduct, does not oppose the joint review.

“The ACCC is currently satisfied that public benefits likely to flow from the joint negotiations outweigh potential anti-competitive detriment. As a result, the ACCC is proposing to grant authorisation."