Electricity
The Commission administers a licensing regime and industry codes and guidelines for industry participants, regulates various pricing, prepares annual reporting on the NT’s power system and electricity industry, and deals with complaints regarding licensed industry participants.
The electricity industry in the NT is regulated by the Electricity Reform Act 2000, Utilities Commission Act 2000 and associated legislation, and the National Electricity Law and National Electricity Rules. This statutory framework was introduced in 2000, with parts of the National Electricity Rules, as modified, being progressively applied from 1 July 2016.
The Electricity Reform Act 2000 is the primary electricity legislation relevant to the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission is responsible for certain regulatory functions in the electricity supply industry.
The Australian Energy Regulator is the regulator for third-party access and network pricing under the National Electricity Law and National Electricity Rules as applied in the NT.
The objects of the Electricity Reform Act 2000 are to:
- promote efficiency and competition in the electricity supply industry
- promote the safe and efficient generation, transmission, distribution and selling of electricity
- establish and enforce proper standards of safety, reliability and quality in the electricity supply industry
- establish and enforce proper safety and technical standards for electrical installations
- facilitate the maintenance of a financially viable electricity supply industry
- protect the interests of consumers of electricity.