Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 (ACT)
Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012
A2012-17
Republication No 19
Effective: 26 November 2025
Republication date: 26 November 2025
Last amendment made by A2025‑28
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 26 November 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 26 November 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at type="disc">
authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register ( For more information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
3 Dictionary 2
4 Notes 2
5Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3
6 Objects 3
Part 2 Targets and important concepts
7 Energy savings target 4
7A Priority households 4
8 Priority household target 4
10 Eligible activities 5
10A Approval of interstate energy efficiency scheme 6
11 Energy savings contribution 7
12 Meaning of compliance period 7
Part 3 Energy savings
13 Working out energy savings obligation 8
14 Achieving energy savings obligations 8
15 Working out priority household obligation 9
16 Achieving priority household obligations 10
17 NERL retailer must lodge compliance plan 11
17A Approved energy savings providers 11
17B Approved energy savings provider must lodge compliance plan 12
18 Approval of acquired energy savings factor 13
19 Information to be given to administrator 13
20 Compliance with energy savings obligations—retailer energy savings result 15
20A Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer energy savings result and contribution 17
20B Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer contribution for shortfall 18
20C Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer failure to pay energy saving contribution 20
20D Redetermining energy savings result 20
21 Compliance with priority household obligations—retailer priority household result 21
21A Redetermining priority household result 23
22 Penalties for noncompliance 23
Part 4 Administration
23 Administrator 25
24 Administrator’s functions 25
24A Delegation 25
25 Codes of practice 26
26 Record keeping requirements 27
27 Annual report by administrator 28
28 Contributions, shortfalls and penalties 28
Part 4A Information sharing
28A Definitions—pt 4A 29
28B Sharing information—territory agencies 30
28C Sharing information—non-territory agencies 31
Part 5 Enforcement
Division 5.1 General
29 Definitions—pt 5 32
Division 5.2 Authorised people
30 Appointment of authorised people 32
31 Identity cards 33
Division 5.3 Powers of authorised people
32 Power to enter premises 33
33 Production of identity card 34
34 Consent to entry 34
35 General powers on entry to premises 36
36 Power to seize things 36
Division 5.4 Search warrants
37 Warrants generally 38
38 Warrants—application made other than in person 39
39 Search warrants—announcement before entry 40
40 Details of search warrant to be given to occupier etc 41
41 Occupier entitled to be present during search etc 41
Division 5.5 Return and forfeiture of things seized
42 Receipt for things seized 42
43 Moving things to another place for examination or processing under search warrant 42
44 Access to things seized 44
45 Return of things seized 44
46 Forfeiture of seized things 45
47 Power to destroy etc unsafe things 45
48 Application for order disallowing seizure 47
49 Order for return of seized thing 47
Division 5.5A Contravention of code of practice
49A Powers of administrator to address contravention 48
49B Notice before exercising power 49
49C When rectification order may be made 51
49D Considerations for deciding under s 49B and s 49C 52
49E Rectification orders 53
49F Failure to comply with order 54
Division 5.5B Public safety restrictions
49G Restriction of people—public safety 56
49H End of restriction 58
Division 5.5C Information requirements
49I Meaning of information requirement—div 5.5C 59
49J Information requirements 59
49K Treatment of documents provided under information requirement 60
Division 5.6 Miscellaneous
50 Damage etc to be minimised 60
51 Compensation for exercise of enforcement powers 60
Part 6 Notification and review of decisions
52 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 6 62
53 Reviewable decision notices 62
54 Applications for review 62
Part 7 Miscellaneous
55A Determination of fees 63
57 Regulation-making power 63
Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions 64
Schedule 2 Greenhouse gases 66
Dictionary68
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 71
2 Abbreviation key 71
3 Legislation history 72
4 Amendment history 75
5 Earlier republications 81
Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012
An Act to encourage the efficient use of energy, and for other purposes
Part 1Preliminary
Name of Act
This Act is the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012.
Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘approved energy savings factor—see section 18.’ means that the term ‘approved energy savings factor’ is defined in that section.
Note 2A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
NoteSee the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.
Objects
The objects of this Act are to—
(a)encourage the efficient use of energy; and
(b)reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use in the Territory; and
(c)reduce household and business energy use and costs; and
(d)increase opportunities for priority households to reduce energy use and costs.
Part 2Targets and important concepts
Energy savings target
(1)The Minister must determine a target (an energy savings target) for the total energy savings to be achieved by NERL retailers in a compliance period, expressed as a percentage of total electricity sales in the ACT.
(2)A determination must be made—
(a)if the determination increases the energy savings target—at least 6 months before the start of the compliance period to which the target relates; and
(b)in any other case—at least 3 months before the start of the compliance period to which the target relates.
(3)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
7APriority households
(1)The Minister must determine priority households for this Act.
(2)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Priority household target
(1)The Minister must determine a target (a priority household target) for the total energy savings to be achieved by tier 1 NERL retailers undertaking eligible activities at priority households in a compliance period, expressed as a percentage of the retailer’s energy savings obligation of tier 1 NERL retailers in the ACT.
(2)A determination must be made—
(a)if the determination increases the priority household target—at least 6 months before the start of the compliance period to which the target relates; and
(b)in any other case—at least 3 months before the start of the compliance period to which the target relates.
(3)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Eligible activities
(1)The Minister may determine an activity (an eligible activity) that is intended to reduce the consumption of energy.
(2)An eligible activity may include an activity undertaken in the Territory under an approved interstate energy efficiency scheme.
NoteApproved interstate energy efficiency scheme—see s 10A (1).
(3)In determining an eligible activity, the Minister must take into account the objects of this Act.
(4)A determination of an eligible activity must include the following:
(a)a description of the activity;
(b)the minimum specifications for the performance of the activity;
(c)the energy savings factor for the activity;
(d)the time at which the activity is taken to be completed.
(5)A determination may include any other matter that the Minister considers relevant.
(6)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(7)A determination may apply, adopt or incorporate a law of another jurisdiction or instrument as in force from time to time.
(8)The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) or (6) does not apply in relation to the law of another jurisdiction or instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under a determination.
NoteLaws of another jurisdiction and instruments mentioned in s (8) do not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (5) and (6) do not apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).
(9)In this section:
law of another jurisdiction—see the Legislation Act, section 47 (10).
10AApproval of interstate energy efficiency scheme
(1)The Minister may approve an energy efficiency scheme operating in another jurisdiction for the purposes of this Act (an approved interstate energy efficiency scheme) if satisfied that—
(a)the approval of the scheme would complement, and not detract from, the achievement of the objects of this Act; and
(b)the arrangements for the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the scheme are adequate.
NoteThe power to make an instrument includes the power to amend or repeal the instrument. The power to amend or repeal the instrument is exercisable in the same way, and subject the same conditions, as the power to make the instrument (see Legislation Act, s 46).
(2)An approval is a notifiable instrument.
NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
Energy savings contribution
(1)The Minister must determine a contribution (an energy savings contribution) payable by tier 2 NERL retailers for a compliance period in place of the retailer’s requirement to achieve a retailer’s energy savings obligation for the period, expressed as an amount in dollars per megawatt hour of energy.
(2)In determining an energy savings contribution, the Minister must take into account—
(a)the impact of the contribution on levels of competition in the retail electricity market in the ACT; and
(b)the cost of achieving the equivalent energy savings through other means including energy efficiency measures and the purchase of renewable energy.
(3)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Meaning of compliance period
For this Act, compliance period means each calendar year within the period beginning 1 January 2013 and ending 31 December 2030.
Part 3Energy savings
Working out energy savings obligation
(1)A NERL retailer must work out the retailer’s energy savings obligation (an energy savings obligation) for a compliance period under this section.
(2)A NERL retailer’s energy savings obligation must be—
(a)expressed as a number of megawatt hours of energy; and
(b)worked out as follows:
electricity sales means the NERL retailer’s total electricity sales in MWh in the ACT for the compliance period.
EST means the energy savings target determined for the compliance period.
(3)A NERL retailer’s energy savings obligation for a compliance period may be modified by including a retailer energy savings result shortfall or surplus carried over from a prior compliance period.
Achieving energy savings obligations
(1)A NERL retailer must achieve the retailer’s energy savings obligation for a compliance period.
(2)A tier 1 NERL retailer achieves the retailer’s energy savings obligation for the compliance period if, in the period—
(a)the retailer—
(i)undertakes eligible activities that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; or
(ii)acquires approved energy savings factors that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; and
(b)the total of the energy savings factors for the eligible activities undertaken and acquired achieve the obligation.
(3)A tier 2 NERL retailer achieves the retailer’s energy savings obligation for the compliance period if, in the period—
(a)the retailer—
(i)undertakes eligible activities that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; or
(ii)acquires approved energy savings factors that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; or
(iii)pays an energy savings contribution to the Territory for all or part of the obligation; and
(b)the total of the energy savings factors for the eligible activities undertaken and acquired, and the energy savings contribution achieve the obligation.
Note 1Energy savings contribution—see s 11.
Note 2An energy savings contribution imposed under this Act must be paid to the Territory.
(4)However, if a NERL retailer starts an eligible activity in a compliance period before the retailer gives a compliance plan for the compliance period to the administrator under section 17, the eligible activity is taken not to comply with the relevant code of practice.
Working out priority household obligation
(1)A tier 1 NERL retailer must work out the retailer’s priority household obligation (a priority household obligation) for a compliance period under this section.
(2)A NERL retailer’s priority household obligation must be—
(a)expressed as a number of megawatt hours of energy; and
(b)worked out as follows:
PHT means the priority household target determined for the compliance period.
RESO means the tier 1 NERL retailer’s energy savings obligation for the compliance period.
(3)A NERL retailer’s priority household obligation for a compliance period may be modified by including a retailer priority household result shortfall or surplus carried over from a prior compliance period.
Achieving priority household obligations
(1)A tier 1 NERL retailer must achieve the retailer’s priority household obligation for a compliance period.
(2)A tier 1 NERL retailer achieves the retailer’s priority household obligation for a compliance period if, in the period—
(a)the retailer—
(i)undertakes eligible activities in priority households that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; or
(ii)acquires approved energy savings factors in relation to priority households that comply with a relevant approved code of practice; and
(b)the total of the energy savings factors for the eligible activities undertaken and acquired achieve the obligation.
(3)However, if a NERL retailer starts an eligible activity in a compliance period before the retailer gives a compliance plan for the compliance period to the administrator under section 17, the eligible activity is taken not to comply with the relevant code of practice.
NERL retailer must lodge compliance plan
(1)A NERL retailer must give a compliance plan for a compliance period to the administrator before undertaking eligible activities in the compliance period.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(2)A compliance plan must include the following:
(a)how the retailer plans to achieve the retailer’s energy savings obligation and priority household obligation (if required);
(b)how the retailer plans to meet health, safety and environmental requirements relating to eligible activities;
(c)any other information required under an approved code of practice.
(3)A NERL retailer commits an offence if the retailer does not give a compliance plan to the administrator in accordance with this section.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
NoteA penalty imposed under this Act must be paid to the Territory.
(4)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
17AApproved energy savings providers
(1)A person, other than a NERL retailer or a contractor engaged by a retailer, may apply to the administrator for approval to undertake an eligible activity as an energy savings provider.
NoteA fee may be determined under s 55A for this provision.
(2)The administrator may, in writing, approve the person to undertake a stated eligible activity as an energy savings provider (an approved energy savings provider), with or without conditions.
(3)The administrator may cancel the approved energy savings provider’s approval if the provider fails to comply with the approval or a condition of the approval.
(4)The administrator must keep a register of approved energy savings providers.
(5)The register—
(a)must include details of each approved energy savings provider; and
(b)may be kept in any form, including electronically, that the administrator decides; and
(c)may be made available to the public.
(6)An approved energy savings provider commits an offence if—
(a)the provider’s approval is subject to a condition; and
(b)the provider fails to comply with the condition.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
17BApproved energy savings provider must lodge compliance plan
(1)An approved energy savings provider must give a compliance plan for a compliance period to the administrator before undertaking an eligible activity in the period.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(2)A compliance plan must include the following:
(a)the proposed number of eligible activities to be undertaken by the provider during the compliance period;
(b)how the provider plans to meet the health, safety and environmental requirements relating to eligible activities;
(c)any other information required under an approved code of practice.
(3)An approved energy savings provider commits an offence if the provider does not give a compliance plan to the administrator in accordance with this section.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(4)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Approval of acquired energy savings factor
(1)A NERL retailer may apply to the administrator for approval of the acquisition of an energy savings factor (an approved energy savings factor) from an approved energy savings provider or another retailer.
(2)The administrator must approve an acquisition if satisfied that—
(a)the acquisition occurred; and
(b)the acquired energy savings factor relates to an eligible activity in the ACT; and
(c)the acquired energy savings factor has not been used to achieve another retailer’s energy savings obligations.
(3)If the administrator approves an acquisition, the retailer may apply the acquired energy savings factor to the retailer’s energy savings obligation.
Information to be given to administrator
(1)This section applies to a NERL retailer in a compliance period unless, during the compliance period the retailer did not—
(a)have electricity sales in the ACT; and
(b)undertake eligible activities, including to complete eligible activities commenced in a previous compliance period; and
(c)acquire or apply for approval to acquire an energy savings factor under section 18; and
(d)have a carried forward shortfall or surplus from a previous compliance period.
(2)A NERL retailer must give the administrator the following information in relation to a compliance period not later than 3 months after the end of the compliance period:
(a)the retailer’s total electricity sales in the ACT;
(b)the eligible activities undertaken by the retailer in the ACT that comply with a relevant approved code of practice;
(c)the approved energy savings factors acquired by the retailer, that comply with a relevant approved code of practice;
(d)the total energy savings factors for the eligible activities undertaken or acquired by the retailer that comply with a relevant approved code of practice;
(e)for a tier 1 NERL retailer—the total energy savings factors for eligible activities undertaken in, or acquired in relation to, priority households by the retailer that comply with a relevant approved code of practice;
(f)for a tier 2 NERL retailer—the extent to which the retailer’s energy savings obligation will be achieved by paying an energy savings contribution;
NoteFor par (f), the energy savings contribution may be expressed as a percentage of the retailer’s energy savings obligation.
(g)any other information reasonably required by the administrator to help the administrator work out if a retailer has met the retailer’s obligations.
Note 1The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and client legal privilege.
Note 2For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(3)The administrator may also require—
(a)an independent audit of some or all of the information provided; and
(b)any other information that the administrator reasonably requires.
(4)A NERL retailer commits an offence if the retailer does not comply with this section.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
NoteA penalty imposed under this Act must be paid to the Territory.
Compliance with energy savings obligations—retailer energy savings result
(1)This section applies to—
(a)a tier 1 retailer; and
(b)a tier 2 retailer that tells the administrator under section 19 (2) (f) that the retailer energy saving obligation will not include an energy savings contribution.
(2)The administrator must determine the result (a retailer energy savings result) of a NERL retailer’s compliance with the retailer’s energy savings obligation, expressed as a number of megawatt hours of energy.
(3)A retailer energy savings result for a NERL retailer must be worked out as follows:
A means the total energy savings factors for eligible activities undertaken or acquired in the compliance period.
CFS means the carried forward shortfall.
RESO means the retailer’s energy savings obligation.
S means the carried forward surplus.
(4)The administrator may exclude from the calculation of a retailer energy savings result the energy savings factor for an eligible activity reported by the retailer under section 19 if the administrator is not satisfied that the activity complies with a relevant approved code of practice.
(5)If the administrator excludes data from a calculation under subsection (4), the administrator may substitute data that the administrator believes on reasonable grounds is correct.
Example—reason for excluding an energy savings factor
the energy savings factor has been miscalculated
(6)A retailer energy savings result is—
(a)if the result is a positive number—a shortfall; and
(b)if the result is a negative number—a surplus.
(7)The administrator must give a NERL retailer written notice of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(8)If the NERL retailer has a surplus, the notice must show the surplus to be carried forward to the next compliance period.
(9)If the NERL retailer has a shortfall, the notice must give the retailer the following information:
(a)the shortfall;
(b)the maximum percentage of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result that the retailer may carry forward to the next compliance period being the following:
(i)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2029—10%;
(ii)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2030 to 31 December 2030—nil.
(10)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice mentioned in subsection (9), the NERL retailer must give the administrator written notice of the percentage of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result that the retailer elects to carry forward to the next compliance period.
(11)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice mentioned in subsection (10), the administrator must give the NERL retailer written notice of—
(a)the amount of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result to be carried forward to the next compliance period; and
(b)the shortfall penalty payable by the retailer.
20ACompliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer energy savings result and contribution
(1)This section applies to a tier 2 retailer that tells the administrator under section 19 (2) (f) that the retailer energy saving obligation will include an energy savings contribution.
(2)The administrator must determine the result (a retailer energy savings result) of a NERL retailer’s compliance with the retailer’s energy savings obligation, expressed as a number of megawatt hours of energy.
(3)A retailer energy savings result for a NERL retailer must be worked out as follows:
(RESO + CFS) – (A + S)
A means the total energy savings factors for eligible activities undertaken or acquired in the compliance period.
CFS means the carried forward shortfall.
RESO means the retailer’s energy savings obligation.
S means the carried forward surplus.
(4)The administrator may exclude from the calculation of a retailer energy savings result the energy savings factor for an eligible activity reported by the retailer under section 19 if the administrator is not satisfied that the activity complies with a relevant approved code of practice.
(5)If the administrator excludes data from a calculation under subsection (4), the administrator may substitute data that the administrator believes on reasonable grounds is correct.
(6)A retailer energy savings result is—
(a)if the result is a positive number—a notional shortfall; and
(b)if the result is a negative number—a surplus.
(7)The administrator must give a NERL retailer written notice of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(8)If the NERL retailer has a surplus, the notice must show the surplus to be carried forward to the next compliance period.
20BCompliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer contribution for shortfall
(1)This section applies if a tier 2 NERL retailer’s retailer energy savings result is a notional shortfall.
(2)The administrator’s notice under section 20A (7) must give the retailer the following information:
(a)the notional shortfall;
(b)the maximum percentage of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result that the retailer may carry forward to the next compliance period being the following:
(i)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2029—10%;
(ii)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2030 to 31 December 2030—nil.
(c)the amount of energy savings contribution the retailer told the administrator would be paid to meet the retailer’s energy savings obligation;
(d)the amount of energy savings contribution that the retailer must pay to—
(i)have no shortfall; or
(ii)if the notional shortfall exceeds the amount that the retailer may carry forward to the next compliance period—carry forward the maximum shortfall that may be carried forward (the minimum payment);
(e)if the retailer does not pay the energy savings contribution—the shortfall penalty payable by the retailer.
(3)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice under section 20A (7), the NERL retailer must give the administrator written notice of—
(a)the percentage of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result that the retailer elects to carry forward to the next compliance period; and
(b)the amount of energy savings contribution that the retailer will pay; and
(c)acknowledgment that a shortfall penalty is payable for any shortfall not paid for by the energy savings contribution.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(4)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice mentioned in subsection (3), the administrator must give the NERL retailer written notice of—
(a)the amount of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result to be carried forward to the next compliance period; and
(b)the amount of the energy savings contribution payment; and
(c)the method of payment; and
(d)the period, of at least 28 days, within which the payment must be made; and
NoteA payment invoice issued to a tier 2 retailer for an energy savings contribution may form part of the written notice.
(e)the shortfall penalty payable by the retailer if the retailer does not pay the energy savings contribution.
20CCompliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer failure to pay energy saving contribution
(1)This section applies if a tier 2 NERL retailer fails to pay the retailer’s energy savings contribution within the period stated in the notice to the retailer under section 20B (4) (d).
(2)For section 22 (Penalties for noncompliance), the NERL retailer’s energy saving contribution is taken to be 0.
20DRedetermining energy savings result
(1)If the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that the determination of a NERL retailer’s retailer energy savings result is not correct, the administrator may make a new determination of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result under section 20 or section 20A.
(2)A new determination under section 20 or section 20A must not be made more than 5 years after the day on which the compliance period, for which the original determination was made, ends.
(3)The following provisions apply to a new determination of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result:
(a)if the new determination is made under section 20—section 20 (6) to (10) and section 22;
(b)if the new determination is made under section 20A—section 20A (6) to (8) and section 22.
Compliance with priority household obligations—retailer priority household result
(1)The administrator must determine the result (a retailer priority household result) of a tier 1 NERL retailer’s compliance with the retailer’s priority household obligation, expressed as a number of megawatt hours of energy.
(2)A retailer priority household result for a tier 1 NERL retailer must be worked out as follows:
A means the total energy savings factors for eligible activities undertaken in priority households or acquired in relation to priority households in the compliance period.
CFS means the carried forward shortfall.
PHO means the retailer’s priority household obligation.
S means the carried forward surplus.
(3)The administrator may exclude from the calculation of a retailer priority household result the energy savings factor for an eligible activity reported by the retailer under section 19 if the administrator is not satisfied that the activity complies with a relevant approved code of practice.
(4)If the administrator excludes data from a calculation under subsection (3), the administrator may substitute data that the administrator believes on reasonable grounds is correct.
(5)A retailer priority household result is—
(a)if the result is a positive number—a shortfall; and
(b)if the result is a negative number—a surplus.
(6)The administrator must give a tier 1 NERL retailer written notice of the retailer’s retailer priority household result.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(7)If the tier 1 NERL retailer has a surplus, the notice must show the surplus to be carried forward to the next compliance period.
(8)If the tier 1 NERL retailer has a shortfall, the notice must give the retailer the following information:
(a)the shortfall;
(b)the maximum percentage of the retailer’s retailer priority household result that the retailer may carry forward to the next compliance period being the following:
(i)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2029—10%;
(ii)for a shortfall in the compliance period 1 January 2030 to 31 December 2030—nil.
(9)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice mentioned in subsection (8), the tier 1 NERL retailer must give the administrator written notice of the percentage of the retailer’s retailer priority household result that the retailer elects to carry forward to the next compliance period.
(10)Not later than 10 working days after receiving a notice mentioned in subsection (9), the administrator must give the tier 1 NERL retailer written notice of—
(a)the amount of the retailer’s retailer priority household result to be carried forward to the next compliance period; and
(b)the shortfall penalty payable by the retailer.
21ARedetermining priority household result
(1)If the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that the determination of a NERL retailer’s retailer priority household result is not correct, the administrator may make a new determination of the retailer’s retailer priority household result under section 21.
(2)A new determination under section 21 must not be made more than 5 years after the day on which the compliance period, for which the original determination was made, ends.
(3)Section 21 (5) to (10) and section 22 apply to a new determination of the retailer’s retailer priority household result.
Penalties for noncompliance
(1)If a NERL retailer’s retailer energy savings result is a net shortfall, the retailer is liable to pay a penalty (a shortfall penalty) to the Territory.
(2)If a tier 1 NERL retailer’s retailer priority household result is a net shortfall, the retailer is liable to pay a shortfall penalty to the Territory.
(3)The amount of a shortfall penalty is the amount per megawatt hour of energy in the net shortfall determined by the Minister.
NoteA shortfall penalty imposed under this Act must be paid to the Territory.
(4)In determining an amount under subsection (3), the Minister must take into account the objects of this Act.
(5)The Minister must make a determination at least 3 months before the start of the compliance period to which the shortfall penalty relates.
(6)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(7)In this section:
net shortfall means—
(a)for a tier 1 NERL retailer—the total of the retailer’s—
(i)retailer energy savings result shortfall less the amount of the shortfall that the retailer carries forward to the next compliance period; or
(ii)retailer priority household result shortfall less the amount of the shortfall that the retailer carries forward to the next compliance period; and
(b)for a tier 2 NERL retailer—the total of the retailer’s retailer energy savings result shortfall, less—
(i)the amount of the shortfall that the retailer carries forward to the next compliance period; and
(ii)the retailer’s energy savings contribution.
Part 4Administration
Administrator
The Minister must appoint a person as administrator for this Act.
Note 1For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).
Administrator’s functions
The administrator has the following functions:
(a)establishing reporting and record keeping requirements for NERL retailers and approved energy savings providers;
(b)determining NERL retailers’ compliance with the retailer’s energy savings obligations;
(c)approving, with or without conditions, and cancelling the approval of energy savings providers;
(d)approving acquisition of energy savings factors;
(e)approving codes of practice;
(f)preparing annual reports;
(g)reporting to the Minister, at the Minister’s request, on anything relating to the operation or administration of this Act.
24ADelegation
The administrator may delegate the administrator’s functions under this Act to a public servant.
NoteFor the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.
Codes of practice
(1)The administrator may approve a code of practice (an approved code of practice) for the following:
(a)consumer protection obligations;
(b)quality, health, safety and environmental requirements applying to eligible activities;
(c)the eligibility of approved energy savings providers;
(d)the acquisition of approved energy savings factors;
(e)record keeping requirements;
(f)reporting requirements;
(g)carrying out an audit of information given to the administrator under section 19 (Information to be given to administrator), including the following:
(i)purpose of the audit;
(ii)qualifications of auditors;
(iii)appointment of auditors;
(iv)removal of auditors;
(v)obligations of auditors;
(vi)reporting requirements for auditors.
(2)An approved code of practice is a notifiable instrument.
(3)An approved code of practice may apply, adopt or incorporate (with or without change or modification)—
(a)a law, an Australian Standard or an Australian/New Zealand Standard as in force from time to time; or
(b)another instrument as in force from time to time.
(4)The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) and (6) do not apply to an instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (3).
(5)The administrator must ensure that an instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (3) (b) is—
(a)available for inspection by anyone without charge during ordinary business hours at an ACT government office; or
(b)accessible on an ACT government website, or by a link on an ACT government website.
(6)An instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (3) (b) is not enforceable by or against the Territory or anyone else unless it is made accessible in accordance with subsection (5).
Record keeping requirements
(1)A NERL retailer must keep the records that are necessary for the administrator to determine whether the retailer’s energy savings obligations have been complied with.
(2)An approved energy savings provider must keep—
(a)the records that are necessary for the administrator to determine whether the provider has complied with any conditions on the approval; and
(b)any records about an eligible activity undertaken by the provider.
(3)A record must be kept for at least 5 years after the end of the compliance year to which the record relates.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units
(4)Records must be kept in accordance with a relevant approved code of practice.
Annual report by administrator
The administrator must provide an annual report to the Minister on the operation and administration of this Act including—
(a)NERL retailer compliance with this Act; and
(b)the number and type of eligible activities undertaken under this Act.
Contributions, shortfalls and penalties
The Territory must ensure that an amount equivalent to the amount paid to the Territory as an energy savings contribution, shortfall penalty, or penalty under this Act is appropriated to support initiatives or undertake activities consistent with the objects of this Act.
NoteAn amount paid to the Territory as an energy savings contribution, shortfall penalty, or penalty under this Act is public money for the Financial Management Act 1996.
Part 4AInformation sharing
28ADefinitions—pt 4A
In this part:
compliance information means information that—
(a)the administrator has as a result of exercising a function under this Act; or
(b)a regulatory agency has—
(i)as a result of exercising a function under a territory law; and
(ii)that is relevant to a function of the administrator under this Act.
non-territory agency means an agency of the Commonwealth or a State that promotes energy efficiency or greenhouse gas abatement or that exercises functions corresponding to those exercised by a regulatory agency.
NoteState includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
regulatory agency means any of the following:
(a)the construction occupations registrar;
(b)the territory planning authority;
(c)the environment protection authority;
(d)the commissioner appointed under the Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Act 1992;
(e)the director-general responsible for the Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Act 1992;
(f)the director-general responsible for the Work Health and Safety Act 2011;
(g)the commissioner appointed under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011;
(h)the independent competition and regulatory commission;
(i)the chief executive officer appointed under the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission Act 1997;
(j)an entity prescribed by regulation.
28BSharing information—territory agencies
(1)The administrator may—
(a)give compliance information to a regulatory agency; and
(b)impose conditions on how the regulatory agency uses, stores or shares the information.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(2)The administrator may request compliance information from a regulatory agency.
(3)A regulatory agency that receives a request under subsection (2) may—
(a)give the information to the administrator; and
(b)impose conditions on how the administrator uses, stores or shares the information.
(4)However, compliance information must not be given under this section unless the entity that gives the information is satisfied that—
(a)the entity that receives the information (the recipient) will use the information to exercise a function the recipient has under a territory law; and
(b)giving or receiving the information will not compromise the exercise of a function under a territory law.
Example—instance where exercise of function could be compromised
XYZ Pty Ltd carries out an eligible activity under this Act. The work health and safety commissioner (the WHS commissioner) is investigating XYZ for possible breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. The WHS commissioner receives a request for compliance information from the administrator. The WHS commissioner believes that giving the administrator the information could jeopardise the investigation. The WHS commissioner may refuse the request.
28CSharing information—non-territory agencies
(1)The administrator may give compliance information to a non‑territory agency if the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that—
(a)the information relates to the undertaking of eligible activities; and
(b)the information relates to compliance with a law of another jurisdiction that makes provision for energy efficiency or greenhouse gas abatement.
Note 1Law of another jurisdiction—see s 10 (9).
Note 2For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(2)The administrator may impose conditions on how the non-territory agency uses, stores or shares the information.
(3)However, the administrator must not give compliance information under this section unless the administrator is satisfied that—
(a)the entity that receives the information (the recipient) will use the information to exercise a function the recipient has under a law mentioned in subsection (1) (b); and
(b)giving the information will not compromise the exercise of a function under a territory law.
Part 5Enforcement
Division 5.1 General
Definitions—pt 5
In this part:
connected—a thing is connected with an offence if—
(a)the offence has been committed in relation to it; or
(b)it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or
(c)it was used, is being used, or is intended to be used, to commit the offence.
occupier, of premises, includes—
(a)a person believed on reasonable grounds to be an occupier of the premises; and
(b)a person apparently in charge of the premises.
offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been, is being, or will be, committed.
Division 5.2 Authorised people
Appointment of authorised people
The administrator may appoint a public servant as an authorised person for this Act.
Note 1For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).
Identity cards
(1)The administrator must give an authorised person an identity card stating the person’s name and that the person is an authorised person.
(2)The identity card must show—
(a)a recent photograph of the person; and
(b)the card’s date of issue and expiry; and
(c)anything else prescribed by regulation.
(3)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person stops being an authorised person; and
(b)the person does not return the person’s identity card to the administrator as soon as practicable, but not later than 7 days after the day the person stops being an authorised person.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
(4)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Division 5.3 Powers of authorised people
Power to enter premises
(1)For this Act, an authorised person may—
(a)at any reasonable time, enter premises that the public is entitled to use or that are open to the public (whether or not on payment of money); or
(b)at any time, enter premises with the occupier’s consent; or
(c)enter premises in accordance with a search warrant; or
(d)at any time, enter premises if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the circumstances are so serious and urgent that immediate entry to the premises without the authority of a search warrant is necessary.
Example—par (d)
an imminent risk to the health or safety of a person
NoteAn authorised person who enters premises may seize anything at the premises in accordance with s 36 (3) and (4). The authorised person has the power to make a direction to destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing, or make the thing safe or arrange for someone else to make it safe in accordance with s 47.
(2)However, subsection (1) (a) does not authorise entry into a part of premises that is being used only for residential purposes.
(3)An authorised person may, without the consent of the occupier, enter land around the premises to ask for consent to enter the premises.
(4)To remove any doubt, an authorised person may enter premises under subsection (1) without payment of an entry fee or other charge.
(5)In this section:
at any reasonable time includes at any time when the public is entitled to use the premises, or when the premises are open to or used by the public (whether or not on payment of money).
Production of identity card
An authorised person must not remain at premises entered under this part if the authorised person does not produce the authorised person’s identity card when asked by the occupier.
Consent to entry
(1)When seeking the consent of an occupier to enter premises under section 32 (1) (b), an authorised person must—
(a)produce the authorised person’s identity card; and
(b)tell the occupier—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused.
(2)If the occupier consents, the authorised person must ask the occupier to sign a written acknowledgment (an acknowledgment of consent)—
(a)that the occupier was told—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused; and
(b)that the occupier consented to the entry; and
(c)stating the time and date when consent was given.
(3)If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the authorised person must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
(4)A court must find that the occupier did not consent to entry to the premises by the authorised person under this part if—
(a)the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the occupier consented to the entry; and
(b)an acknowledgment of consent is not produced in evidence; and
(c)it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
General powers on entry to premises
(1)An authorised person who enters premises under this part may, for this Act, do 1 or more of the following in relation to the premises or anything on the premises:
(a)inspect or examine;
(b)take measurements or conduct tests;
(c)take samples;
(d)take photographs, films, or audio, video or other recordings;
(e)require the occupier, or anyone at the premises, to give the authorised person reasonable help to exercise a power under this part.
NoteThe Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and client legal privilege.
(2)A person must take all reasonable steps to comply with a requirement made of the person under subsection (1) (e).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Power to seize things
(1)An authorised person who enters premises under this part with the occupier’s consent may seize anything at the premises if—
(a)the authorised person is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry told to the occupier when seeking the occupier’s consent.
(2)An authorised person who enters premises under a warrant under this part may seize anything at the premises that the authorised person is authorised to seize under the warrant.
(3)An authorised person who enters premises under this part (whether with the occupier’s consent, under a warrant or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
(a)the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing from being—
(i)concealed, lost or destroyed; or
(ii)used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
(4)Also, an authorised person who enters premises under this part (whether with the consent of a person in charge of the premises, under a warrant or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing poses a risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to property or the environment.
(5)The powers of an authorised person under subsections (3) and (4) are additional to any powers of the authorised person under subsections (1) or (2) or any other territory law.
(6)Having seized a thing, an authorised person may—
(a)remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the place of seizure) to another place; or
(b)leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.
(7)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person interferes with a seized thing, or anything containing a seized thing, to which access has been restricted under subsection (6); and
(b)the person does not have an authorised person’s approval to interfere with the thing.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Division 5.4 Search warrants
Warrants generally
(1)An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter premises.
(2)The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3)The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the authorised person gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate requires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.
(4)The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a)there is a particular thing or activity connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)the thing or activity—
(i)is, or is being engaged in, at the premises; or
(ii)may be, or may be engaged in, at the premises within the next 7 days.
(5)The warrant must state—
(a)that an authorised person may, with any necessary assistance and force, enter the premises and exercise the authorised person’s powers under this part; and
(b)the offence for which the warrant is issued; and
(c)the things that may be seized under the warrant; and
(d)the hours when the premises may be entered; and
(e)the date, within 7 days after the day of the warrant’s issue, the warrant ends.
Warrants—application made other than in person
(1)An authorised person may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio or other form of communication if the authorised person considers it necessary because of—
(a)urgent circumstances; or
(b)other special circumstances.
(2)Before applying for the warrant, the authorised person must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3)The authorised person may apply for the warrant before the application is sworn.
(4)After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately fax a copy to the authorised person if it is practicable to do so.
(5)If it is not practicable to fax a copy to the authorised person—
(a)the magistrate must—
(i)tell the authorised person the terms of the warrant; and
(ii)tell the authorised person the date and time the warrant was issued; and
(b)the authorised person must complete a form of warrant (the warrant form) and write on it—
(i)the magistrate’s name; and
(ii)the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
(iii)the warrant’s terms.
(6)The faxed copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the authorised person, authorises the entry and the exercise of the authorised person’s powers under this part.
(7)The authorised person must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send to the magistrate—
(a)the sworn application; and
(b)if the authorised person completed a warrant form—the completed warrant form.
(8)On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the warrant.
(9)A court must find that a power exercised by the authorised person was not authorised by a warrant under this section if—
(a)the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the exercise of power was authorised by a warrant; and
(b)the warrant is not produced in evidence; and
(c)it is not proved that the exercise of power was authorised by a warrant under this section.
Search warrants—announcement before entry
(1)An authorised person must, before anyone enters premises under a search warrant—
(a)announce that the authorised person is authorised to enter the premises; and
(b)give anyone at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the premises; and
(c)if the occupier, or someone else who apparently represents the occupier, is present at the premises—identify himself or herself to the person.
(2)The authorised person is not required to comply with subsection (1) if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure—
(a)the safety of anyone (including the authorised person or any person assisting); or
(b)that the effective execution of the warrant is not frustrated.
Details of search warrant to be given to occupier etc
If the occupier, or someone else who apparently represents the occupier, is present at the premises while a search warrant is being executed, the authorised person or a person assisting must make available to the person—
(a)a copy of the warrant; and
(b)a document setting out the rights and obligations of the person.
Occupier entitled to be present during search etc
(1)If the occupier, or someone else who apparently represents the occupier, is present at the premises while a search warrant is being executed, the person is entitled to observe the search being conducted.
(2)However, the person is not entitled to observe the search if—
(a)to do so would impede the search; or
(b)the person is under arrest, and allowing the person to observe the search being conducted would interfere with the objectives of the search.
(3)This section does not prevent 2 or more areas of the premises being searched at the same time.
Division 5.5 Return and forfeiture of things seized
Receipt for things seized
(1)As soon as practicable after an authorised person seizes a thing under this part, the authorised person must give a receipt for it to the person from whom it was seized.
(2)If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the authorised person must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously, at the place of seizure under section 36 (Power to seize things).
(3)A receipt must include the following:
(a)a description of the thing seized;
(b)an explanation of why the thing was seized;
(c)the authorised person’s name, and how to contact the authorised person;
(d)if the thing is moved from the premises where it is seized—where the thing is to be taken.
Moving things to another place for examination or processing under search warrant
(1)A thing found at premises entered under a search warrant may be moved to another place for examination or processing to decide whether it may be seized under the warrant if—
(a)both of the following apply:
(i)there are reasonable grounds for believing that the thing is or contains something to which the warrant relates;
(ii)it is significantly more practicable to do so having regard to the timeliness and cost of examining or processing the thing at another place and the availability of expert assistance; or
(b)the occupier of the premises agrees in writing.
(2)The thing may be moved to another place for examination or processing for not longer than 72 hours.
(3)An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for an extension of time if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the thing cannot be examined or processed within 72 hours.
(4)The authorised person must give notice of the application to the occupier of the premises, and the occupier is entitled to be heard on the application.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(5)If a thing is moved to another place under this section, the authorised person must, if practicable—
(a)tell the occupier of the premises the address of the place where, and time when, the examination or processing will be carried out; and
(b)allow the occupier or the occupier’s representative to be present during the examination or processing.
(6)The provisions of this part relating to the issue of search warrants apply, with any necessary changes, to the giving of an extension under this section.
Access to things seized
A person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to inspect a thing seized under this part may—
(a)inspect it; and
(b)if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of it.
Return of things seized
(1)A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid by the Territory to the owner for the loss of the thing, if before the thing is forfeited to the Territory under section 46, the administrator—
(a)becomes satisfied that there has been no offence against this Act with which the thing was connected; or
(b)decides not to proceed in relation to an offence.
(2)However, this section does not apply—
(a)to a thing seized under section 36 (4) (which is about the seizure of things that pose a risk to the health or safety of people or of damage to property or the environment); or
(b)to a thing if the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that the only practical use of the thing in relation to the premises where it was seized would be an offence against this Act; or
(c)to a thing if possession of it by its owner would be an offence.
Forfeiture of seized things
(1)This section applies if—
(a)anything seized under this part has not been destroyed or otherwise disposed of under section 47 or returned under section 45; and
(b)an application for disallowance of the seizure under section 48—
(i)has not been made within 10 working days after the day of the seizure; or
(ii)has been made within that period, but the application has been refused or has been withdrawn before a decision in relation to the application had been made.
(2)If this section applies to the seized thing—
(a)it is forfeited to the Territory; and
(b)it may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the administrator directs.
Power to destroy etc unsafe things
(1)This section applies to anything inspected or seized under this part by an authorised person if the person is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing—
(a)puts the health or safety of people at risk; or
(b)is likely to cause damage to property or the environment.
(2)The authorised person may give a written direction to any of the following to destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing, or make the thing safe:
(a)a person who owned the thing;
(b)a person in charge of the premises where the thing is;
(c)if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that an eligible activity by a NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider relating to the thing is a reason for the matters mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b)—the retailer or provider.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(3)The direction may state 1 or more of the following:
(a)what action must be taken;
(b)how the thing must be kept until the action is taken;
(c)the period within which the action must be taken.
(4)A person must comply with a direction given to the person under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(5)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(6)Alternatively, if the thing has been seized under this part, the authorised person may—
(a)destroy or otherwise dispose of the thing; or
(b)make the thing safe.
(7)Costs incurred by the Territory in relation to an action under subsection (6) are a debt owing to the Territory by, and are recoverable together and separately from, the following people:
(a)if the authorised person is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the owner is responsible for making the thing unsafe—the owner of the thing;
(b)if the authorised person is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a person in control of the premises where the thing was is responsible for making the thing unsafe—the person in control of the premises who is responsible for making the thing unsafe;
(c)if the authorised person is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider is responsible for making the thing unsafe—the retailer or provider.
Application for order disallowing seizure
(1)A person claiming to be entitled to anything seized under this part may apply to the Magistrates Court within 10 working days after the day of the seizure for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2)The application may be heard only if the applicant has served a copy of the application on the administrator.
NoteFor how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(3)The administrator is entitled to appear as respondent at the hearing of the application.
Order for return of seized thing
(1)This section applies if a person claiming to be entitled to anything seized under this part applies to the Magistrates Court under section 48 for an order disallowing the seizure.
(2)The Magistrates Court must make an order disallowing the seizure if the court is satisfied that—
(a)the applicant would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to the return of the seized thing; and
(b)the thing is not connected with an offence against this Act; and
(c)possession of the thing by the person would not be an offence.
(3)The Magistrates Court may also make an order disallowing the seizure if satisfied there are exceptional circumstances justifying the making of the order.
(4)If the Magistrates Court makes an order disallowing the seizure, the court may make 1 or more of the following ancillary orders:
(a)an order directing the administrator to return the thing to the applicant or to someone else who appears to be entitled to it;
(b)if the thing cannot be returned or has depreciated in value because of the seizure—an order directing the Territory to pay reasonable compensation;
(c)an order about the payment of costs in relation to the application.
Division 5.5A Contravention of code of practice
49APowers of administrator to address contravention
(1)If the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that a NERL retailer, the retailer’s agent or an approved energy savings provider has contravened a code of practice, the administrator may do any of the following:
(a)require the retailer, agent or provider to complete a stated course of training to the satisfaction of the administrator;
(b)restrict or place a condition on the performance of an activity by the retailer, agent or provider;
Examples—condition
1retailer must notify administrator before performing an activity
2retailer must arrange for independent quality assurance
3retailer must report more often
(c)require the retailer or provider to rectify the contravention within a stated time;
(d)if the administrator is satisfied that it would not be appropriate to require the retailer or provider to rectify the contravention because of the relationship between the retailer or provider and the land owner—authorise someone else to rectify the contravention, and require the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider to pay for the work;
Example where relationship requires another party to do work
A NERL retailer installed an article on land owned by another person (the owner). The owner has been seeking redress for bad workmanship from the retailer in relation to this and/or other installations on the land. The owner has no confidence in the retailer’s ability to properly carry out the work. It would not be appropriate to require the retailer to do the work.
(e)require the retailer or provider to pay a financial penalty of not more than $1 000 in relation to each contravention.
NoteA penalty imposed under this Act must be paid to the Territory.
(2)If the administrator requires a person to complete training under subsection (1) (a), the person must pay—
(a)for the training; and
(b)if the Territory incurs expense in arranging the training—the Territory the amount of expense incurred.
(3)However, if the person who is required to complete training under subsection (1) (a) is a retailer’s agent, the retailer must pay the costs mentioned in subsection (2).
49BNotice before exercising power
(1)The administrator must not take action under section 49A unless the administrator has given notice in relation to the following matters to a relevant person:
(a)details of the action that may be taken;
(b)an explanation of why the administrator intends to take the action;
(c)that the person may make submissions about the proposed action during a period stated in the notice that is not less than 5 working days after the day the person receives the notice.
(2)However, the administrator must not give notice of action to be taken under section 49A to an owner of land unless the action requires work to be carried out on the land.
(3)Subsection (4) applies if the rectification work must be carried out on land that is not owned or occupied by the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider.
(4)The notice must—
(a)state that the administrator will not make a rectification order unless the administrator is satisfied that it is appropriate to make the order in relation to the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider, because of the relationship between the retailer or provider and the land owner; and
(b)if the administrator is not satisfied that it is appropriate to make the order in relation to the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider, because of the relationship between the retailer or provider and the land owner—tell the retailer or provider that the administrator proposes to take action under section 49A (1) (d).
(5)In this section:
relevant person means a—
(a)NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider; and
(b)person on whose land the retailer or provider has carried out an activity.
49CWhen rectification order may be made
(1)This section applies if—
(a)the administrator has given a relevant person notice under section 49B; and
(b)the person carried out the activity to which the notice relates; and
(c)after considering any submissions made within the time mentioned in the notice, the administrator is satisfied—
(i)the person is contravening, or has contravened, this Act; and
(ii)it is appropriate to make a rectification order in relation to the person.
Note 1If deciding under this section whether it is appropriate to make a rectification order, the registrar must consider the considerations mentioned in s 49D.
Note 2A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).
(2)The administrator may make an order under section 49E (Rectification orders) in relation to the person.
(3)If the administrator receives a submission within the period stated in subsection (1) (c), the administrator may not make an order under section 49E if a submission is made that satisfies the administrator that the act that caused the contravention happened, or ended, more than 10 years before the day the registrar proposes to make the order.
(4)The following do not prevent the administrator making an order under section 49D:
(a)a report has been accepted;
(b)a retailer energy savings result has been determined under section 20 (Compliance with energy savings obligations—retailer energy savings result) or section 20A (Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer energy savings result and contribution);
(c)a retailer priority household result has been determined under section 21 (Compliance with priority household obligations—retailer priority household result);
(d)a penalty notice has been issued.
49DConsiderations for deciding under s 49B and s 49C
(1)In deciding whether it is, or may be, appropriate to make a rectification order in relation to a NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider that is contravening, or has or may have contravened, this Act, the administrator must consider the following:
(a)any injury or damage caused, or that could be caused, by the contravention;
(b)if a rectification order is proposed—how the proposed order may affect people affected by the contravention.
Example—effect of contravention, including injury and damage
adverse effect on health of user of thing affected by contravention
(2)The administrator may not make a rectification order if an order has been made under another Territory law that requires a person to carry out work that would address the matters that the rectification order would cover.
(3)Also, if there is another Territory law that could address the matters that the rectification order would cover, the administrator—
(a)must refer the matter to the administrative unit responsible for the law; and
(b)may make a rectification order only if the administrator remains satisfied that injury or damage is, or could be, caused by the contravention.
49ERectification orders
(1)The administrator may make an order (a rectification order) in relation to a NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider, requiring the retailer or provider—
(a)to take stated action to rectify work done as part of an eligible activity or the retailer’s operations under this Act; or
(b)to start or finish stated work in relation to which an eligible activity or operation of the retailer has been, is being or was proposed to be provided.
Example—stated action
rectify work to comply with a stated performance requirement of the Building Code of Australia
(2)The rectification order may also require the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider to give the administrator written information about a thing required to be done under the order.
Example
an engineer’s report about whether rectified work complies with relevant standards
(3)Subsection (4) applies if—
(a)the order requires the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider to do a thing; and
(b)the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider—
(i)is not licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or
(ii)if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to do the thing—does not have appropriate experience and skill to do the thing.
(4)The NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider must arrange, and pay for, the thing to be done by someone who—
(a)is licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or
(b)if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to do the thing—has appropriate experience and skill to do the thing.
Example
A rectification order requires Freddie to take stated action to rectify work he has done. The action includes having to provide written information about whether the rectified work complies with relevant standards. Freddie is not qualified to provide the information so he must arrange, and pay for, a qualified person to prepare a report about the rectified work.
(5)The rectification order must state a period within which what is required to be done must be done.
(6)The stated period for a rectification order must not be less than 1 month after the day the rectification order is given to the NERL retailer or approved energy savings provider.
(7)A copy of the rectification order must be given to the land owner.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
49FFailure to comply with order
(1)This section applies if an entity (the ordered entity) in relation to whom a rectification order is made contravenes the rectification order.
(2)The Territory may, in writing, authorise a person to enter the land where the work to which the rectification order relates is to be done and—
(a)take the action stated in the rectification order; or
(b)start or finish the work stated in the rectification order.
(3)The authorised person must—
(a)give the owner of the land written notice that the person intends to enter the land at least 24 hours before the person enters the land; and
(b)give a copy of the notice to the ordered entity before entering the land.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(4)However, the Territory must not authorise someone until—
(a)if the ordered entity applied for review of the decision within the period for review (the review period) of the decision to make the rectification order allowed under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008—the review is finally disposed of; or
(b)the review period has ended.
(5)The ordered entity is liable for the reasonable cost incurred in doing anything under subsection (2) and the cost is taken to be a debt owing to the Territory.
Division 5.5B Public safety restrictions
49GRestriction of people—public safety
(1)This section applies if the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that a person has engaged in conduct, or demonstrated insufficient skills and knowledge in carrying out an eligible activity, that presents or is likely to present a risk of death or injury to a person, significant harm to the environment or significant damage to property.
Examples
1 An installer authorised by a retailer to carry out eligible activities is not an electrician but nevertheless undertakes electrical wiring work in consumer’s premises.
2 An inspection of the installation of sealing to a ventilation opening shows that a person has undertaken the work without the required building approval and has sealed a room in which there is a flueless gas heater. When questioned by the administrator, it is apparent that the person is not familiar with the requirements of the building code or the standards for ventilation for gas appliances and has undertaken a number of installations that are not compliant and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning or other problems for the occupants.
3 An installer is replacing a window and frame and disturbs friable asbestos. Although the installer has taken an asbestos awareness course, the installer is not a licensed asbestos assessor or an asbestos removalist. The installer attempts to remove the asbestos himself and places the removed asbestos in a normal garbage bin, releasing asbestos fibres into the air and causing a potential health problem to residents and other members of the public.
4 A retailer or contractor engaged by a retailer employs unlicensed people to undertake gasfitting work.
(2)The administrator may place a restriction on a person that—
(a)prevents the person from undertaking an eligible activity; or
(b)prevents the person from undertaking certain prescribed activity requirements; or
(c)prevents the person from undertaking eligible activities or certain prescribed activity requirements without supervision; or
(d)requires the person to undertake specific training, assessment or other remedial activity.
Examples
1 After undertaking inspections on a number of solar water heater installations, the administrator determines that a number of installers employed by an authorised contractor have failed to install appropriate tempering devices, making the installations unsafe. The administrator restricts the authorised contractor from undertaking solar water heater installations until its installers undertake remedial training and the contractor puts in place a quality assurance system for checking installations.
2 A retailer has been permitting unlicensed people to undertake degassing of refrigerators. The administrator may prevent the retailer from undertaking activities requiring the degassing of refrigerators until it can demonstrate that it has engaged suitably licensed people to undertake the work.
(3)A restriction mentioned in subsection (2) does not make it unlawful for the person to undertake an eligible activity, but the eligible activity is taken to generate no energy savings factor for this Act.
(4)The restriction mentioned in subsection (2) applies when the administrator gives the person a notice that includes—
(a)the name of the person to whom the restriction applies; and
(b)the nature of the conduct or deficiency; and
(c)the nature of the risk; and
(d)the duration of the restriction; and
(e)the eligible activities, or prescribed activity requirements the restriction applies to; and
(f)a statement that the retailer or approved energy savings provider may apply in writing to the administrator to revoke the restriction.
(5)The administrator may give the notice orally or in writing.
(6)However, if the administrator gives the notice orally, the administrator must give the notice in writing not later than 2 days after the day the administrator gave the notice orally.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(7)In this section:
person, in relation to a restriction, means a retailer, an agent or a representative of a retailer, or an approved energy savings provider that arranges or carries out eligible activities or certain actions required as part of an eligible activity under this Act.
49HEnd of restriction
(1)This section applies if a restriction has been placed on a person under section 49G.
(2)The administrator must end the restriction if satisfied that the reason for placing the restriction on the person no longer exists.
(3)The administrator may end the restriction if the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that ending the restriction on the person will not put consumers of the person’s services at greater risk from using the services than if the restriction continued in force.
(4)The administrator must review the restriction not later than 3 months after the day the restriction is placed on the person, unless the restriction ends earlier.
(5)A restriction under section 49G continues in force after the 3 months mentioned in subsection (4) if—
(a)the administrator is not satisfied that the reason for placing the restriction on the person no longer exists; or
(b)the person has not complied with the restriction.
Division 5.5C Information requirements
49IMeaning of information requirement—div 5.5C
In this division:
information requirement—see section 49J (2).
49JInformation requirements
(1)This section applies if the administrator believes on reasonable grounds that a person—
(a)has information (the required information) reasonably required by the administrator for the administration or enforcement of this Act; or
(b)has possession or control of a document containing the required information.
(2)The administrator may give the person a notice (an information requirement) requiring the person to give the information, or produce the document, to the administrator.
NoteFor how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(3)The information requirement must be in writing and must include details of the following:
(a)the identity of the person to whom it is given;
(b)why the information is required;
(c)the time by which the notice must be complied with.
(4)A person does not incur any civil or criminal liability only because the person gives information, or produces a document, to the administrator in accordance with an information requirement.
49KTreatment of documents provided under information requirement
(1)The administrator must return a document produced in accordance with an information requirement to the person who produced the document as soon as practicable.
(2)Before returning the document, the administrator may make copies of, or take extracts from, the document.
Division 5.6 Miscellaneous
Damage etc to be minimised
(1)In the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under this part, an authorised person must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the authorised person, and any person assisting the authorised person, causes as little inconvenience, detriment and damage as practicable.
(2)If an authorised person, or a person assisting an authorised person, damages anything in the exercise or purported exercise of a function under this part, the authorised person must give written notice of the particulars of the damage to the person the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds is the owner of the thing.
(3)If the damage happens at premises entered under this part in the absence of the occupier, the notice may be given by leaving it, secured conspicuously, at the premises.
Compensation for exercise of enforcement powers
(1)A person may claim compensation from the Territory if the person suffers loss or expense because of the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under this part by an authorised person or a person assisting an authorised person.
(2)Compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding for—
(a)compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(b)an offence against this Act brought against the person making the claim for compensation.
(3)A court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the loss or expense only if it is satisfied it is just to make the order in the circumstances of the particular case.
(4)A regulation may prescribe matters that may, must or must not be taken into account by the court in considering whether it is just to make the order.
Part 6Notification and review of decisions
Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 6
In this part:
reviewable decision means a decision mentioned in schedule 1, column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in column 2 in relation to the decision.
Reviewable decision notices
If the administrator makes a reviewable decision, the administrator must give a reviewable decision notice to each person mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision.
Note 1The administrator must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).
Note 2The requirements for a reviewable decision notice are prescribed under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008.
Applications for review
The following people may apply to the ACAT for review of a reviewable decision:
(a)a person mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision;
(b)any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.
NoteIf a form is approved under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 for the application, the form must be used.
Part 7Miscellaneous
55ADetermination of fees
(1)The Minister may determine fees for this Act.
NoteThe Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3)
(2)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Regulation-making power
(1)The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
NoteA regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(2)A regulation may create offences and fix maximum penalties of not more than 20 penalty units for the offences.
Schedule 1Reviewable decisions
(see pt 6)
| column 1 item | column 2 section | column 3 decision | column 4 entity |
| 1 | 17A (2) | impose condition | approved energy savings provider |
| 2 | 17A (3) | cancelling an approval in relation to energy savings provider | approved energy savings provider |
| 3 | 18 | approving an application in relation to acquisition of energy savings factors | NERL retailer applying for the approval |
| 4 | 20 | determining retailer energy savings result | NERL retailer receiving the result |
| 5 | 20A | determining retailer energy savings result | NERL retailer receiving the result |
| 6 | 20B | determining minimum payment for tier 2 retailer | NERL retailer receiving the result |
| 7 | 21 | determining retailer priority household result | tier 1 NERL retailer receiving the result |
| 8 | 49A | making requirement, imposing restriction or condition | person to whom requirement, restriction or condition applies |
| 9 | 49H | refusing to end restriction under s 49G | person to whom restriction applies |
Schedule 2Greenhouse gases
(see dict, def greenhouse gas)
| column 1 item | column 2 greenhouse gas | column 3 chemical formula |
| 1 | carbon dioxide | CO2 |
| 2 | methane | CH4 |
| 3 | nitrous Oxide | N2O |
| 4 | sulphur hexafluoride | SF6 |
| 5 | hydrofluorocarbon-23 | CHF3 |
| 6 | hydrofluorocarbon-32 | CH2F2 |
| 7 | hydrofluorocarbon-41 | CH3F |
| 8 | hydrofluorocarbon-43-10mee | C5H2F10 |
| 9 | hydrofluorocarbon-125 | C2HF5 |
| 10 | hydrofluorocarbon-134 | C2H2F4 (CHF2CHF2) |
| 11 | hydrofluorocarbon-134a | C2H2F4 (CH2FCF3) |
| 12 | hydrofluorocarbon-143 | C2H3F3 (CHF2CH2F) |
| 13 | hydrofluorocarbon-143a | C2H3F3 (CF3CH3) |
| 14 | hydrofluorocarbon-152a | C2H4F2 (CH3CHF2) |
| 15 | hydrofluorocarbon-227ea | C3HF7 |
| 16 | hydrofluorocarbon-236fa | C3H2F6 |
| 17 | hydrofluorocarbon-245ca | C3H3F5 |
| 18 | perfluoromethane (tetrafluoromethane) | CF4 |
| 19 | perfluoroethane (hexafluoroethane) | C2F6 |
| 20 | perfluoropropane | C3F8 |
| 21 | perfluorobutane | C4F10 |
| 22 | perfluorocyclobutane | c-C4F8 |
| 23 | perfluoropentane | C5F12 |
| 24 | perfluorohexane | C6F14 |
Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
· commencement
· disallowable instrument (see s 9)
· Minister (see s 162)
· territory planning authority.
administrator means a person appointed as administrator under section 23.
approved code of practice—see section 25.
approved energy savings factor—see section 18.
approved energy savings provider—see section 17A.
approved interstate energy efficiency scheme—see section 10A.
authorised person means a person appointed as an authorised person under section 30.
compliance information, for part 4A (Information sharing)—see section 28A.
compliance period—see section 12.
connected, with an offence, for part 5 (Enforcement)—see section 29.
eligible activity—see section 10.
energy includes electricity and gas.
energy savings contribution—see section 11.
energy savings factor means the number of megawatt hours that an eligible activity is taken to save.
energy savings obligation—see section 13.
energy savings target—see section 7.
greenhouse gas means a gas mentioned in schedule 2, column 2.
information requirement, for division 5.5C (Information requirements)—see section 49J (2).
NERL retailer means a person who holds a retailer authorisation under the National Energy Retail Law (ACT) to sell electricity to premises in the ACT for consumption.
non-territory agency, for part 4A (Information sharing)—see section 28A.
occupier, of premises, for part 5 (Enforcement)—see section 29.
offence, for part 5 (Enforcement)—section 29.
priority household means a priority household determined under section 7A.
priority household obligation—see section 15.
priority household target—see section 8.
rectification order—see section 49E (Rectification orders).
regulatory agency, for part 4A (Information sharing)—see section 28A.
retailer energy savings result—see section 20.
retailer priority household result—see section 21.
reviewable decision, for part 6 (Notification and review of decisions)—see section 52.
shortfall penalty—see section 22 (1).
tier 1 NERL retailer, for a compliance period, means a NERL retailer that, in the previous compliance period—
(a)had, at any time during that period, at least 5 000 customers in the ACT; and
(b)sold at least 500 000MWh of electricity to customers in the ACT.
tier 2 NERL retailer means a NERL retailer that is not a tier 1 NERL retailer.
Endnotes
About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument AF = Approved form o = order am = amended om = omitted/repealed amdt = amendment ord = ordinance AR = Assembly resolution orig = original ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph CN = Commencement notice pres = present def = definition prev = previous DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously dict = dictionary pt = part disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule Assembly reloc = relocated div = division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No Gaz = gazette RI = reissue hdg = heading s = section/subsection IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law LR = legislation register sub = substituted LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Legislation history
Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 A2012-17
notified LR 16 May 2012
s 1, s 2 commenced 16 May 2012 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 17 May 2012 (s 2)as amended by
National Energy Retail Law (Consequential Amendments) Act 2012 A2012-32 pt 8
notified LR 14 June 2012
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 June 2012 (LA s 75 (1))pt 8 commenced 1 July 2012 (s 2 (1) and see National Energy Retail Law (ACT) Act 2012 A2012-31, s 2 (1) and CN2012-12)
Construction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Act 2013 A2013-31 pt 9
notified LR 26 August 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 August 2013 (LA s 75 (1))pt 9 commenced 27 August 2013 (s 2 (3))
Construction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Act 2014 A2014-2 pt 7
notified LR 5 March 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 5 March 2014 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 7 commenced 6 March 2014 (s 2)Construction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (No 2) A2014-10 pt 5
notified LR 17 April 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 April 2014 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 5 commenced 18 April 2014 (s 2)Statute Law Amendment Act 2014 (No 2) A2014‑44 sch 3 pt 3.4
notified LR 5 November 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 5 November 2014 (LA s 75 (1))sch 3 pt 3.4 commenced 19 November 2014 (s 2)
Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Amendment Act 2015 A2015-24
notified LR 18 August 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 18 August 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
ss 4-6, ss 10-12, s 43, s 44 commenced 18 February 2016 (s 2 (2) and LA s 79)
remainder commenced 19 August 2015 (s 2 (1))Statute Law Amendment Act 2017 A2017-4 sch 3 pt 3.11
notified LR 23 February 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 23 February 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.11 commenced 9 March 2017 (s 2)Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (No 2) A2017-20 pt 5
notified LR 15 June 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 15 June 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 5 commenced 16 June 2017 (s 2)Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Amendment Act 2019 A2019-30
notified LR 3 October 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 3 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
s 3, s 5, s 14, s 21, s 23, s 25, s 28 commenced 4 October 2019 (s 2 (1))
s 4 (1), s 11, s 27 commenced 10 April 2020 (s 2 (2) and CN2020-10)
remainder commenced 1 January 2021 (s 2 (5))Work Health and Safety Amendment Act 2019 A2019-38 sch 1 pt 1.5
notified LR 31 October 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 31 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.5 commenced 30 April 2020 (s 2 (1) and LA s 79)Statute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.14
notified LR 9 June 2021
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.14 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1 pt 1.23
notified LR 29 September 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))sch 1 pt 1.23 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see Planning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 4 pt 4.69
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 4 pt 4.69 awaiting commencementEnvironment Legislation Amendment Act 2025 A2025-28 pt 6
notified LR 12 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 12 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 6 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2)
Amendment history
Commencement
s 2om LA s 89 (4)
Dictionary
s 3am A2012‑32 s 40; A2019‑30 s 34
Objects
s 6am A2019‑30 s 5
Energy savings target
s 7am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 s 4; A2019‑30 s 6
Priority households
s 7Ains A2019‑30 s 7
Priority household target
s 8am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 s 5; A2019‑30 s 8
Emissions multiplier
s 9sub A2015‑24 s 6
om A2019‑30 s 9
Eligible activities
s 10am A2013‑31 s 77
(9)-(11) exp 27 August 2014 (s 10 (11))
am A2015‑24 s 7; ss renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 10, s 11, s 34
Approval of interstate energy efficiency scheme
s 10Ains A2015‑24 s 8
Energy savings contribution
s 11am A2012‑32 s 51; A2019‑30 s 12, s 13
Meaning of compliance period
s 12am A2015‑24 s 9
sub A2019‑30 s 14
Working out energy savings obligation
s 13am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 ss 10-12; A2019‑30 ss 15-17
Achieving energy savings obligations
s 14am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑10 s 42; A2019‑30 s 34
Working out priority household obligation
s 15am A2012‑32 s 41, s 42, s 51; A2019‑30 s 18
Achieving priority household obligations
s 16am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑10 s 43; A2019‑30 s 34
NERL retailer must lodge compliance plan
s 17 hdgam A2012‑32 s 51
s 17am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑10 s 44; A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2021-12 amdt 3.32
Approved energy savings providers
s 17A hdgam A2019‑30 s 34
s 17Ains A2015‑24 s 13
am A2019‑30 s 34; A2021-12 amdt 3.32
Approved energy savings provider must lodge compliance plan
s 17B hdgam A2019‑30 s 34
s 17Bins A2015‑24 s 13
am A2019‑30 s 34; A2021-12 amdt 3.32
Approval of acquired energy savings factor
s 18am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 s 14
sub A2019‑30 s 19
Information to be given to administrator
s 19am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑2 s 33, s 34; ss renum R4 LA; A2014‑44 amdt 3.18; A2019‑30 s 34; A2021-12 amdt 3.32
Compliance with energy savings obligations—retailer energy savings result
s 20 hdgam A2012‑32 s 51
s 20am A2012‑32 s 43, s 44, s 51; A2014‑2 s 35, s 36; ss renum R4 LA; A2014‑10 s 45; ss renum R5 LA; A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 s 15; A2019‑30 s 20, s 21, s 34
Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer energy savings result and contribution
s 20Ains A2014‑2 s 37
am A2014‑10 s 46; ss renum R5 LA; A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2019‑30 s 22, s 34
Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer contribution for shortfall
s 20Bins A2014‑2 s 37
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 s 16; A2019‑30 s 23
Compliance with energy savings obligations—tier 2 retailer failure to pay energy saving contribution
s 20Cins A2014‑2 s 37
Redetermining energy savings result
s 20Dins A2014‑10 s 47
Compliance with priority household obligations—retailer priority household result
s 21 hdgam A2012‑32 s 51
s 21am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑2 s 38; A2014‑10 s 48; ss renum R5 LA; A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 s 17; A2019‑30 s 24, s 25, s 34
Redetermining priority household result
s 21Ains A2014‑10 s 49
Penalties for noncompliance
s 22am A2012‑32 s 51
sub A2014‑2 s 39
am A2015‑24 s 22; ss renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 26
Administrator’s functions
s 24am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 s 19, s 20; pars renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 34
Delegation
s 24Ains A2014‑2 s 40
Codes of practice
s 25am A2014‑10 s 50; A2014‑44 amdt 3.19; A2015‑24 s 21; pars renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 27, s 34; A2025‑28 s 17, s 18
Record keeping requirements
s 26am A2012‑32 s 51; A2015‑24 s 22; ss renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 34
Annual report by administrator
s 27am A2012‑32 s 51
Information sharing
pt 4A hdgins A2014‑10 s 51
Definitions—pt 4A
s 28Ains A2014‑10 s 51
def compliance information ins A2014‑10 s 51
def non-territory agency ins A2014‑10 s 51
sub A2019‑30 s 28
def regulatory agency ins A2014‑10 s 51
am A2023-36 amdt 1.127
Sharing information—territory agencies
s 28Bins A2014‑10 s 51
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2019‑38 amdt 1.11
Sharing information—non-territory agencies
s 28Cins A2014‑10 s 51
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.20; A2017‑20 s 12
Power to enter premises
s 32am A2014‑2 s 41
Production of identity card
s 33am A2017‑4 amdt 3.56
Consent to entry
s 34am A2017‑4 amdt 3.56
Moving things to another place for examination or processing under search warrant
s 43am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24
Forfeiture of seized things
s 46am A2014‑2 s 42
Power to destroy etc unsafe things
s 47sub A2014‑2 s 43
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 s 23, s 24; A2019‑30 s 34
Application for order disallowing seizure
s 48am A2014‑2 s 44; A2014‑44 amdt 3.21
Contravention of code of practice
div 5.5A hdg ins A2014‑10 s 52
Powers of administrator to address contravention
s 49Ains A2014‑10 s 52
am A2015‑24 ss 25-30; A2019‑30 s 34
Notice before exercising power
s 49Bins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2015‑24 s 31, s 32; A2019‑30 s 34
When rectification order may be made
s 49Cins A2014‑10 s 52
Considerations for deciding under s 49B and s 49C
s 49Dins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2015‑24 s 33; A2019‑30 s 34
Rectification orders
s 49Eins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 ss 34-36; A2019‑30 s 34
Failure to comply with order
s 49Fins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24
Public safety restrictions
div 5.5B hdgins A2014‑10 s 52
Restriction of people—public safety
s 49Gins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24; A2015‑24 s 37, s 38; A2019‑30 s 34
End of restriction
s 49Hins A2014‑10 s 52
Information requirements
div 5.5C hdgins A2014‑10 s 52
Meaning of information requirement—div 5.5C
s 49Iins A2014‑10 s 52
Information requirements
s 49Jins A2014‑10 s 52
am A2014‑44 amdt 3.24
Treatment of documents provided under information requirement
s 49Kins A2014‑10 s 52
Review of Act
s 55om A2017‑4 amdt 3.57
Determination of fees
s 55Ains A2015‑24 s 39
Approved forms
s 56om A2021-12 amdt 3.33
Transitional—Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Amendment Act 2015
pt 15 hdgins A2015‑24 s 40
exp 19 August 2016 (s 102)
Meaning of commencement day—pt 15
s 100ins A2015‑24 s 40
exp 19 August 2016 (s 102)
Penalties for noncompliance
s 101ins A2015‑24 s 40
exp 19 August 2016 (s 102)
Expiry—pt 15
s 102ins A2015‑24 s 40
exp 19 August 2016 (s 102)
Reviewable decisions
sch 1am A2012‑32 s 51; A2014‑2 s 45; items renum R4 LA
sub A2014‑10 s 53
am A2015‑24 s 41; items renum R8 LA; A2019‑30 s 34
Dictionary
dictam A2023-36 amdt 1.128
def abatement factor om A2019‑30 s 29
def approved abatement factor om A2019‑30 s 29
def approved abatement provider ins A2015‑24 s 42
om A2019‑30 s 29
def approved energy savings factor ins A2019‑30 s 30
def approved energy savings provider ins A2019‑30 s 30
def approved interstate energy efficiency scheme ins A2015‑24 s 42
def auditor om A2014‑10 s 54
def carbon dioxide equivalent om A2019‑30 s 31
def compliance information ins A2014‑10 s 55
def electricity supplier om A2012‑32 s 45
def emissions factor om A2015‑24 s 43
def emissions multiplier ins A2015‑24 s 44
om A2019‑30 s 31
def energy savings factor ins A2019‑30 s 32
def information requirement ins A2014‑10 s 55
sub A2014‑44 amdt 3.22
def NERL retailer ins A2012‑32 s 46
def non-territory agency ins A2014‑10 s 55
def priority household sub A2019‑30 s 33
def rectification order ins A2014‑10 s 55
def regulatory agency ins A2014‑10 s 55
def retailer energy savings result ins A2012‑32 s 46
def retailer priority household result ins A2012‑32 s 46
def shortfall penalty ins A2014‑44 amdt 3.23
def supplier energy savings result om A2012‑32 s 47
def supplier priority household result om A2012‑32 s 47
def tier 1 electricity supplier om A2012‑32 s 48
def tier 1 NERL retailer ins A2012‑32 s 48
sub A2015‑24 s 45
def tier 2 electricity supplier om A2012‑32 s 49
def tier 2 NERL retailer ins A2012‑32 s 49
def utility om A2012‑32 s 50
Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical.
Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R1
17 May 201217 May 2012–
30 June 2012not amended new Act R2
1 July 20121 July 2012–
26 Aug 2013A2012-32 amendments by A2012-32 R3
27 Aug 201327 Aug 2013–
5 Mar 2014A2013‑31 amendments by A2013‑31 R4
6 Mar 20146 Mar 2014–
17 Apr 2014A2014‑2 amendments by A2014‑2 R5
18 Apr 201418 Apr 2014–
27 Aug 2014A2014-10 amendments by A2014-10 R6
28 Aug 201428 Aug 2014–
18 Nov 2014A2014-10 expiry of provision (s 10 (9)-(11)) R7
19 Nov 201419 Nov 2014–
18 Aug 2015A2014‑44 amendments by A2014‑44 R8
19 Aug 201519 Aug 2015–
17 Feb 2016A2015‑24 amendments by A2015‑24 R9
18 Feb 201618 Feb 2016–
19 Aug 2016A2015‑24 amendments by A2015‑24 R10
20 Aug 201620 Aug 2016–
8 Mar 2017A2015‑24 expiry of transitional provisions (pt 15) R11
9 Mar 20179 Mar 2017–
15 June 2017A2017-4 amendments by A2017-4 R12
16 June 201716 June 2017–
3 Oct 2019A2017‑20 amendments by A2017‑20 R13
4 Oct 20194 Oct 2019–
9 Apr 2020A2019‑30 amendments by A2019‑30 R14
10 Apr 202010 Apr 2020–
29 Apr 2020A2019‑30 amendments by A2019‑30 R15
30 Apr 202030 Apr 2020–
31 Dec 2020A2019‑38 amendments by A2019‑38 R16
1 Jan 20211 Jan 2021–
22 June 2021A2019‑38 amendments by A2019-30 R17
23 June 202123 June 2021–
26 Nov 2023A2021‑12 amendments by A2021‑12 R18
27 Nov 202327 Nov 2023–
25 Nov 2025A2023‑36 amendments by A2023‑36
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