CHRISTMAS ISLAND UTILITIES AND SERVICES ORDINANCE (SUPPLY) NOTICE 2024
Under section 6 of the Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016, the Administrator may arrange for the supply of a utility or service, including the provision of electricity.
Under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS) Terms and Conditions, Renewable Electricity Exported by the Customer will be purchased at the following price:
• 35 cents/kWh from 2 December 2024 to 12 December 2027
Note: The name of this document was amended on registration as the document as lodged did not have a unique name (see subsection 10(2), Legislation Rule 2016).
Overview
The Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance (Supply) Notice 2024, enacted by the Administrator under section 6 of the Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016, establishes the framework for the supply of utilities and services on Christmas Island, with a specific focus on the provision of electricity. This Notice was introduced to address the need for a structured and regulated approach to the supply of utilities and services on the island, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to reliable and sustainable energy sources. The policy objective of this Notice is to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the island's energy grid while providing a fair price for renewable electricity exported by customers under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS). The Notice sets out the terms and conditions for the purchase of renewable electricity, ensuring that the scheme is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Scope and Application
The Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance (Supply) Notice 2024 applies to the supply of utilities and services on Christmas Island, with a specific focus on the provision of electricity. This Notice extends to all persons and entities involved in the generation, distribution, and sale of electricity on the island, including both public and private sector operators. Its jurisdictional reach is limited to Christmas Island itself, governed under the authority of the Administrator as specified under section 6 of the Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016. The Notice is effective from 2 December 2024 until 12 December 2027, and it sets the terms for the purchase of renewable electricity exported by customers under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS) at a rate of 35 cents per kilowatt-hour. The Notice does not explicitly detail any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but implies that it applies to all relevant transactions occurring within its stipulated timeframe and geographic scope. The application of this Notice may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Ordinance.
Key Provisions
The Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance (Supply) Notice 2024, under section 6 of the Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016, allows the Administrator to organise the supply of utilities and services, which includes the provision of electricity. This Notice, which was amended upon registration to ensure it had a unique name as per subsection 10(2) of the Legislation Rule 2016, specifies particular terms for the Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS). This scheme involves the purchase of renewable electricity exported by customers, with a set price of 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) applicable from 2 December 2024 to 12 December 2027.
The Notice imposes certain obligations on the parties involved, particularly those exporting renewable electricity under the REBS. These obligations include adhering to the specified pricing structure and ensuring that all exported electricity is accurately measured and reported. The customers, in turn, must ensure that their systems for generating and exporting renewable electricity comply with the requirements set forth in the Notice and the REBS Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, any disputes or discrepancies in the reported and actual exported electricity will need to be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Notice or the REBS Terms and Conditions may result in various consequences. For instance, if a party is found to be non-compliant, they may face penalties as prescribed by the Christmas Island Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016. The specific penalties can include fines, which could be significant, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Additionally, ongoing non-compliance could lead to further regulatory actions, including potential suspension or revocation of the right to participate in the REBS. These measures are in place to ensure adherence to the legislative framework and to maintain the integrity of the renewable energy buy-back scheme on Christmas Island.