New Standard Generation Licence Application

The Commission has received an application from Northern Power Opco Pty Ltd as required by Section 14 of the Electricity Reform Act (the Act), for a licence to generate electricity in accordance with Section 21 of the Act. The project will be undertaken with General Electric.

In deciding whether or not to issue a standard generation licence, Section 16(2)(b) of the Act requires the Commission to consider whether the proposed generating plant will have the necessary characteristics to generate electricity of the appropriate quality. Section 16(3) also requires the Commission to consider whether Northern Power Opco Pty Ltd is suitable to hold a licence with regard to:

(a) the applicant's previous commercial and other dealings and the standard of honesty and integrity shown in those dealings;

(b) the financial, technical and human resources available to the applicant;

(c) the officers and, if applicable, major shareholders of the applicant and their previous commercial and other dealings and the standard of honesty and integrity shown in those dealings (including breaches of statutory and other legal obligations); and

(d) other matters prescribed by the Regulations.

In considering an application, the Commission will also have regard to the factors specified in Section 6(2) of the Utilities Commission Act.

In accordance with good regulatory practice, the Commission seeks comments on the licence application from market participants and stakeholders. Any comments should be provided by 19 June 2014.

Any comments or queries should be directed to Utilities Commission Office at utilities.commission@nt.gov.au or 08 89 995480.