Application for amendments to the Retail Supply Code by Power and Water Corporation
The Power and Water Corporation (PWC) has made an application to the Commission for amendments to the Retail Supply Code in light of substantial reform to the NT electricity sector, including the introduction of a wholesale market, structural separation of PWC and the entrance of new retailers. PWC provided a public version of its application for amendments on 12 May 2016.
Under Section 24 of the Utilities Commission Act the Commission can make, vary or revoke a Code or rules if authorised to do so by the relevant industry regulation Act or by regulations under this Act.
In response to PWC’s application, the Commission has published a consultation paper that sets out the issues being considered. The Commission may decide to release a further issues paper based on submissions received for consultation prior to issuing its draft decision. A public copy of PWC’s submission is attached in Appendix A of the Commission’s Consultation Paper.
In considering an amendment to the Code, the Commission notes that several issues are contingent on other developments in the wholesale market and the Government’s electricity reform program. The Commission invites submissions from industry participants and stakeholders on PWC requested amendments to the Code and other proposed amendments.
The indicative timeframes for consultation are:
| Release of Consultation Paper on PWC’s request to amend the Code | 29 July 2016 |
| Submissions due | 2 September 2016 |
| Commission issues draft decision on whether to proceed to amend the Code | 14 October 2016 |
| Comments due on draft decision | 11 November 2016 |
| Final Decision to amend the Retail Supply Code, including the issuing of a varied Retail Supply Code. | 14 December 2016 |
Submissions on this Consultation Paper and proposed amendments to Code should be submitted by close of business, 2 September 2016. Submissions can be made via:
- Electronic copy to utilities.commission@nt.gov.au or
- Hard copy by mail to by GPO Box 915, Darwin, NT 0801.
Where submissions contain commercial or confidential information, this information should be clearly indicated, and in the interest of a transparent consultation process, a version suitable for publication should be provided to the Commission.
Queries should be directed to the Utilities Commission at +61 8 8999 5480 or email at utilities.commission@nt.gov.au.
Proposed Amendments to the ERS Code – Consultation Paper
NT Electricity Retail Supply Code – last amended 18 January 2016