Consultation: Application for Electricity Retail Licence - Next Business Energy Pty Ltd

​The Commission has received an application from Next Business Energy Pty Ltd as required by Section 14 of the Electricity Reform Act (the Act), for a licence to sell electricity in accordance with Section 23 of the Act.

Electricity Retail Licence Application – Next Business Energy Pty Ltd

Next Business Energy wishes to expand into the Northern Territory, proposing to target contract offerings to customers in the small to medium business segment of the market.

In deciding whether or not to issue an electricity retail licence, Section 16(2)(d) of the Act requires the Commission to consider whether the applicant will be able to meet the reasonably foreseeable obligations for the sale of electricity. Section 16(3) also requires the Commission to consider whether Next Business Energy 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 Friday 19 January 2018.

For further information go to Consultation on licence applications.

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