Review of the Northern Territory Electricity Supply Licensing Regime (stage 1) - scope and design
The Commission is reviewing the application and operation of the licensing regime that applies to the Northern Territory’s electricity supply industry to ensure it continues to be relevant and effective.
Status: final
- Initiate
- Consultation
- Draft
- Consultation
- Final
The Commission published the Review of the Northern Territory Electricity Supply Licensing Regime - Final Decision - scope and design on 21 August 2023.
The Commission has responsibility for performing licensing functions in the electricity supply industry under the Electricity Reform Act 2000. These functions include the power to grant, amend and revoke licences; grant (subject to ministerial approval) an exemption from the requirement to hold a licence; determine the conditions to be included in a licence or exemption; and monitor and enforce compliance against those conditions.
The operation of the licensing regime has not been subject to major review since its establishment in 2000. In 2022, the Commission commenced a review of the licensing regime to ensure it continues to perform effectively and achieve its objectives given substantial change in the industry, market and regulatory environment. While the Commission will ultimately examine all aspects of the regime, this first stage of the review focussed on the coverage, relevance and flexibility (scope and design) of the licensing regime.
Following consultation with stakeholders through the publication of an Issues Paper and Draft Decision, and consideration of stakeholder feedback, the Commission published its Final Decision for stage 1 of the licensing review, which provides the Commission's decisions on matters including:
- licensing requirements for energy storage systems, virtual power systems, electric vehicle recharging and other alternative supply models
- principles to further guide the Commission’s decision-making on exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence
- recommendations for changes to clarify and extend the standing exemption for small scale renewable energy operations.
Related documents
Initiate
Northern Territory Electricity Supply Licensing Regime Review - Issues Paper
Consultation
Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities submission
Eni Australia Limited submission
Northern Territory Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet submission
Power and Water Corporation submission
Territory Generation submission
Draft
Northern Territory Electricity Supply Licensing Regime Review - Draft Decision
Consultation
Power and Water Corporation submission
Final
Northern Territory Electricity Supply Licensing Regime Review - Stage 1 - Final Decision