Electricity Supply Act 1995.

The objects of this Act, consisting of 68 sections divided into 13 Parts, are: (a) to establish a competitive retail market in electricity so as to promote efficient and environmentally responsible production and use of electricity and to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and (b) to confer on network operators such powers as are necessary to enable them to construct, operate, repair and maintain their electricity works, and (c) to regulate network operations and electricity supply in the retail market in a manner that ensures open access to electricity distribution systems, promotes customer choice and creates customer rights in relation to electricity connections and electricity supply, and (d) to promote and encourage the safety of persons and property in relation to the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electricity. Part 8A specifically aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of electricity and to encourage participation in activities to offset the production of greenhouse gas emissions. It establishes State greenhouse gas benchmarks and individual greenhouse gas benchmarks for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that are to be met by retail suppliers, market customers and certain other persons who supply or consume electricity, and (b) provides for greenhouse gas benchmarks to be complied with by acquiring certificates relating to the carrying out of activities that promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and (c) provides an economic incentive to undertake activities resulting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by imposing a penalty on greenhouse gas emissions above the specified benchmark.