Electricity Reform (Implementation) Act 2013 (TAS)

The matter came before the Supreme Court of Tasmania for judicial review of decisions made by the Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Resources under the Electricity Reform (Implementation) Act 2013 (TAS). The applicants, two electricity retailers, challenged the validity of two orders made by the Minister. The first order declared Aurora Energy to be a regulated offer retailer in respect of premises on mainland Tasmania. The second order specified the maximum prices that could be charged by Aurora Energy under standard retail contracts in respect of small customers. The applicants argued that the Minister's decisions were unreasonable and not in accordance with the principles set out in the Act. The court had to determine whether the Minister's orders were valid and whether they complied with the legislative requirements. After examining the relevant provisions of the Act and the evidence presented, the court found that the Minister's orders were valid and in accordance with the principles set out in the Act. The court held that the Minister had properly exercised his discretion in making the orders, and that the orders were not unreasonable. The court dismissed the applicants' claims and upheld the validity of the Minister's orders.