COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS UTILITIES AND SERVICES ORDINANCE (SUPPLY) NOTICE 2024
Under section 6 of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands 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 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance (Supply) Notice 2024 was enacted to facilitate the supply of utilities and services, including electricity, under the jurisdiction of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016. This Notice was introduced to address the need for clear guidelines and arrangements regarding the supply of essential utilities to the residents and visitors of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, ensuring that these services are both reliable and efficiently managed. The policy objective of this Notice is to provide a framework for the purchase and sale of renewable electricity under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS) Terms and Conditions, thereby supporting the use of renewable energy sources in the region. The Notice was enacted by the Administrator, reflecting the legislative authority vested in the office to manage and regulate utilities and services within the territory.
Scope and Application
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance (Supply) Notice 2024 applies to the supply of utilities and services on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, specifically including the provision of electricity. This Notice operates under section 6 of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016, empowering the Administrator to arrange for the supply of such utilities and services. It covers all persons and entities engaged in the provision of electricity on the Islands, as well as any transactions associated with this supply. The geographic scope of this legislation is confined to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, ensuring that all utilities and services within this jurisdiction adhere to the provisions set forth by the Ordinance. Additionally, the Notice outlines the terms for the Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS) under which renewable electricity exported by customers will be purchased at a rate of 35 cents per kWh from 2 December 2024 to 12 December 2027. The Notice ensures compliance and regulation of utility services within this small Island territory, facilitating the transition to renewable energy sources while maintaining operational standards.
Key Provisions
The main provisions of the COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS UTILITIES AND SERVICES ORDINANCE (SUPPLY) NOTICE 2024 are centred around the arrangement for the supply of utilities, particularly electricity, under section 6 of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016. The Notice specifies the Administrator's authority to organise the supply of these utilities, which encompasses the purchase of renewable electricity exported by customers under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme (REBS). Specifically, the Notice establishes a pricing structure for renewable electricity exported by customers, setting the rate at 35 cents per kWh for the period from 2 December 2024 to 12 December 2027. This rate is critical as it determines the compensation customers receive for the renewable energy they contribute to the grid.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Customers exporting renewable electricity must ensure their systems comply with the technical and operational requirements set out in the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme Terms and Conditions. These requirements typically include metering standards and the ability to export electricity at agreed intervals. The Administrator, on the other hand, has the duty to facilitate the supply of utilities, ensuring that the processes for purchasing exported renewable electricity are transparent and efficiently managed. Furthermore, both parties must adhere to the specified timelines and conditions for the duration of the buy-back scheme, ensuring that the renewable energy contributions are accurately recorded and compensated.
In terms of breaches and consequences, the Notice does not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance. However, it is inferred that any failure to meet the obligations outlined under the IOTPS Renewable Energy Buy-Back Scheme could result in financial penalties or legal action. While the Notice does not specify the maximum penalties, under the broader legislative framework of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Utilities and Services Ordinance 2016, breaches of utility supply regulations can attract significant fines and other enforcement measures. Customers may face financial penalties for inaccurate reporting or failure to comply with technical standards, while the Administrator might be required to take corrective actions or face legal repercussions for not properly enforcing the supply arrangements.