Australian Capital Territory 

Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011     

A2011-56 

Republication No 13 

Effective:  23 June 2021 

Republication date: 23 June 2021 

Last amendment made by A2021-12

also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au

About this republication 

The republished law 

This is a republication of the Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 23 June 2021.  It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 23 June 2021.   

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 www.legislation.act.gov.au): 

• 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 does not include 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 (www.legislation.act.gov.au). 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). 

 Australian Capital Territory 

Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011 

Contents 

                                                                                                                         Page

Part 1                       Preliminary

  1  Name of Act                                                                                                       2 

  3  Dictionary                                                                                                          2 

  4  Notes                                                                                                                2 

Part 2  Objects and important concepts                                                      

  5  Objects of Act                                                                                                    3 

  6  Meaning of large renewable energy generator and renewable energy source         3 

  7  Meaning of capacity                                                                                           4 

 7A  Reference to Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth)                             4 

R13                            Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy              contents 1 

23/06/21                                         Generation) Act 2011 

Effective:  23/06/21 

Contents 

                                                                                                                         Page

Part 3                       FiT entitlements

Division 3.1               Preliminary

8               Meaning of FiT entitlement         5

9               FiT capacity      5

Division 3.2               Releasing FiT capacity

10               FiT capacity release     5

11               FiT entitlement—grant 7

12               FiT entitlement—conditions      8

Division 3.3               Dealing with FiT entitlements

13               FiT entitlement—cancellation   10

14               FiT entitlement—surrender       11

15               FiT entitlement—transfer          12

16               Public notice of FiT entitlement matters             12

Part 4                       Support payments for FiT entitlements

Division 4.1               Calculation and payment of FiT support payments

17               Meaning of eligible electricity    14

 17A          Meaning of FiT support payment                                                            15

18               FiT support payment—ACT electricity distributor to pay 16

19               FiT support payment—negative amount            17

20               Offences—non-payment of FiT support payment or other amount           18

Division 4.2               Passing on reasonable costs of FiT support payments

 20A          ACT electricity distributor may pass on reasonable costs                         18

 20B          Reasonable costs—application for determination                                    19

 20C          Reasonable costs—determination                                                          21

 20D          Reasonable costs—methodology                                                           22

Part 5                       Reporting

 21            Quarterly reports by ACT electricity distributor                                         23

 21A          Audit of information given to Minister                                                      24

Part 5A                    Notification and review of decisions

 21B          Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5A                                                  26

contents 2              Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy                            R13

                                               Generation) Act 2011                                         23/06/21

Effective:  23/06/21 

Contents 

                                                                                                                         Page

 21C          Reviewable decision notice                                                                    26

 21D          Applications for review                                                                           26

Part 6                       Miscellaneous

22               Review of Act 27

23               Determination of fees   28

 25            Regulation-making power                                                                      28

Dictionary                                                                                                         29

Endnotes

1               About the endnotes       32

2               Abbreviation key            32

3               Legislation history          33

4               Amendment history        35

5               Earlier republications     38

 Australian Capital Territory 

Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011 

An Act about the large-scale generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, and for other purposes 

-scale Renewable Energy 

 2011 23/06/21 

also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au

Part 1                     Preliminary                                                                                                     

Section 1                                                                                                                                        

Part 1                      Preliminary 

1                Name of Act 

This Act is the Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011. 

3                Dictionary

The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.

Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere. 

For example, the signpost definition ‘distribution system—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2.’ means that the term ‘distribution system’ is defined in that section and the definition applies to this Act. 

Note 2 A 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)). 

4                Notes 

A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act. 

                                                       Note       See the Legislation Ac t, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

                                                         Objects and important concepts                      Part 2

Section 5

Part 2                      Objects and important concepts 

5                Objects of Act 

The objects of this Act are to— 

(a)      promote the establishment of large-scale facilities for the 

generation of electricity from a range of renewable energy sources in the Australian capital region and other places; and 

(b)     promote the development of the renewable energy generation 

industry in the ACT and Australia consistent with the development of a national electricity market; and 

(c)      reduce the ACT’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and 

help achieve targets to reduce the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions; and 

(d)     address the need for urgent action to be taken to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources while minimising the cost to electricity consumers. 

6                Meaning of large renewable energy generator and renewable energy source 

(1)     In this Act: large renewable energy generator means a generating system that—  (a) generates electricity using a renewable energy source; and  (b) has a capacity of more than 200kW.   renewable energy source means any of the following energy sources: 

(a)      solar; 

(b)     wind; 

(c)      another energy source declared by the Minister under 

subsection (2). 

Part 2                     Objects and important concepts                                                                    

Section 7                                                                                                                                        

(2)     The Minister may declare an energy source to be a renewable energy source. 

(3)     A declaration is a disallowable instrument. 

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

7                Meaning of capacity

(1)     For this Act, the capacity, of a generating system, is the maximum power, expressed in megawatts, that can be delivered by the system at the point where it connects to the interconnected national electricity system. 

(2)     However, if the Minister makes a determination under subsection (3), the capacity of the system is the capacity worked out in accordance with the determined method. 

(3)     The Minister may determine a method for measuring the capacity of a system that generates electricity using a renewable energy source. 

(4)     Also, for a system that generates electricity using a renewable energy source and a non-renewable energy source, the Minister may determine a method for working out the part of the system that generates electricity using a renewable energy source. 

(5)     A determination is a disallowable instrument. 

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

7A       Reference to Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) 

For this Act, a reference to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) includes a reference to a regulation made under that Act. 

                                                                                    Preliminary             Division 3.1

Section 8

Part 3                      FiT entitlements 

Division 3.1             Preliminary 

8                Meaning of FiT entitlement

In this Act: 

FiT entitlement means a right for the holder of a FiT entitlement to receive FiT support payments under part 4 for the holder’s eligible electricity. 

9                FiT capacity 

The total capacity of the generating systems of large renewable energy generators in relation to which FiT entitlements may be held under this Act (the FiT capacity) is 900MW. 

Division 3.2             Releasing FiT capacity 

10              FiT capacity release 

(1)     The Minister may determine that a stated part of the FiT capacity (a FiT capacity release) is to be made available for the grant of FiT entitlements. 

(2)     The determination must state— 

(a)      whether the FiT capacity release will be made available by a 

competitive process or by direct grant to any person the Minister considers appropriate; and 

(b)     the following in relation to any FiT entitlement that may be granted under the release: 

(i)         the term (not longer than 20 years) of the entitlement;

(ii)       the kind of renewable energy source that must be used; 

Division 3.2             Releasing FiT capacity                                                                                  

Section 10                                                                                                                                      

(iii)     whether a large renewable energy generator must be located within— 

(A)     the ACT; or 

(B)      the Australian capital region; or 

(C)      a participating jurisdiction; and 

                                            Note      Participating jurisdiction—see s (6).

(c)      for a release to be made available by direct grant—any criteria a 

person, or a person’s proposal, must meet to be eligible for a direct grant. 

(3)     The determination may state the minimum capacity of a large 

renewable energy generator’s generating system in relation to which a FiT entitlement may be granted under the FiT capacity release. 

(4)     In deciding whether to make a FiT entitlement available by direct grant, the Minister must have regard to— 

(a)      the advantages and disadvantages to the Territory of not undertaking a competitive process; and 

(b)     the objects of the Act. 

(5)     A determination is a disallowable instrument. 

Note  A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

(6)     In this section: participating jurisdiction—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2. 

                                                                     Releasing FiT capacity             Division 3.2

Section 11

11              FiT entitlement—grant 

(1)     The Minister may grant a person a FiT entitlement under a FiT capacity release in relation to a large renewable energy generator located— 

(a)      in the Australian capital region; or 

(b)     outside the Australian capital region if the Minister is satisfied 

that the person’s proposal— 

(i)       offers exceptional economic development benefits to ACT renewable energy industries; and 

(ii)     minimises costs to electricity consumers. 

(2)     However, the Minister must not grant a person a FiT entitlement if the grant would cause the FiT capacity release to be exceeded.  

(3)     The Minister must not grant a FiT entitlement under a FiT capacity release before— 

(a)      if there is a motion to disallow the determination under section 10 for the release and the motion is negatived by the 

Legislative Assembly—the day after the motion is negatived; or 

(b)     the day after the 6th sitting day after the determination for the release is presented to the Legislative Assembly under the Legislation Act, chapter 7; or 

(c)      if the determination for the release provides for a later date or time for the grant of the entitlement—that date or time. 

(4)     Subsection (3) is subject to any disallowance or amendment of the determination under the Legislation Act,chapter 7. 

(5)     In granting a FiT entitlement, the Minister must have regard to the following: 

(a)      probity and ethical behaviour; 

(b)     management of risk to the Territory; 

Division 3.2             Releasing FiT capacity                                                                                  

Section 12                                                                                                                                      

(c)      the objects of this Act; 

(d)     if the entitlement is granted under a FiT capacity release made 

available by a competitive process—open and effective competition.  

(6)     The grant of a FiT entitlement must state the following: 

(a)      the name of the holder of the entitlement; 

(b)     the term (not longer than 20 years) of the entitlement;

(c)      when the term of the entitlement starts; 

(d)     the amount of the feed-in tariff; 

(e)      the requirements for the large renewable generator, including— 

(i)       the kind of renewable energy source that must be used; and 

(ii)     the capacity of the generator’s generating system; 

(f)      a description of the generator; 

Example 

the generator’s plant specification 

(g)     whether large-scale generation certificates for eligible electricity generated by the large renewable energy generator must be transferred to the Territory under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth).  

(7)     The grant of a FiT entitlement is a notifiable instrument. 

                  Note       A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.

12              FiT entitlement—conditions 

(1)     A FiT entitlement is subject to the following conditions: 

(a)      that the large renewable energy generator complies with— 

(i)         the requirements for the generator stated in the grant under section 11 (6) (e); and 

                                                                     Releasing FiT capacity             Division 3.2

Section 12

(ii)       the description of the generator stated in the grant under section 11 (6) (f); 

(b)     that the holder of the FiT entitlement complies with— 

(i)         any requirement in relation to renewable energy certificates stated in the grant under section 11 (6) (g); and 

(ii)       all laws relating to the construction, connection or operation of the large renewable energy generator; and 

(iii)     any written agreement the Minister requires the holder to enter into under subsection (3); 

(c)      any other condition imposed by the Minister that the Minister considers appropriate to protect the interests of the Territory or promote the objects of the Act. 

(2)     The conditions imposed under subsection (1) (c) may include conditions about any of the following: 

(a)      establishing a schedule for construction of the large renewable energy generator and meeting stated deadlines in relation to its construction; 

(b)     complying with a stated law in relation to the construction, connection or operation of the large renewable energy generator within a stated time; 

(c)      establishing and meeting stated deadlines in relation to financing 

arrangements necessary for the construction, connection or operation of the large renewable energy generator; 

(d)     entering into an agreement with a network service provider to 

connect the large renewable energy generator to the 

interconnected national electricity system within a stated time; 

(e)      connecting the large renewable energy generator to the 

interconnected national electricity system and supplying 

electricity to the system within a stated time; 

Division 3.3             Dealing with FiT entitlements                                                                        

Section 13                                                                                                                                      

(f)      where a large renewable energy generator must be located and connected to the interconnected national electricity system; 

(g)     the kind of generating system that must be used; 

(h)     the minimum quantity of eligible electricity that must be generated by the large renewable energy generator in a stated time; 

(i)       the maximum quantity of eligible electricity, in a financial year, in relation to which the holder is entitled to be paid a FiT support payment; 

(j)       allowing reasonable access to the premises of the holder of a FiT entitlement and where the large renewable energy generator is located to check the holder’s compliance with the conditions of the FiT entitlement; 

(k)     amending a FiT entitlement, including imposing a new condition or amending an existing condition. 

(3)     The Minister may require the holder of a FiT entitlement to enter into a written agreement (however described) with the Territory, on terms approved by the Minister, in relation to the entitlement. 

Division 3.3             Dealing with FiT entitlements 

13              FiT entitlement—cancellation 

(1)     The Minister may, by written notice (a cancellation notice) given to the holder of a FiT entitlement, cancel the entitlement if the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that a condition of the entitlement has been breached, whether by the holder or otherwise. 

                                                             Dealing with FiT entitlements             Division 3.3

Section 14

(2)     However, the Minister must not cancel a FiT entitlement unless the Minister— 

(a)      gives the holder of the entitlement written notice (an intended

cancellation notice) of the Minister’s intention to cancel the entitlement; and 

(b)     takes into consideration any response received from the holder in accordance with the notice. 

(3)     An intended cancellation notice must— 

(a)      state that the Minister intends to cancel the FiT entitlement; and 

(b)     explain why the Minister intends to cancel the FiT entitlement; and 

(c)      state that the holder of the entitlement may, within 28 days after the day the holder is given the notice, give a written response to the Minister about the matters in the notice. 

                  Note       For how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5. 

(4)     Cancellation of a FiT entitlement under this section takes effect on the day and at the time stated in the cancellation notice. 

14              FiT entitlement—surrender 

(1)     The holder of a FiT entitlement may surrender the entitlement by giving written notice of the surrender to the Minister. 

(2)     On receipt of a notice under subsection (1), the Minister must confirm the surrender, by written notice (a surrender notice) given to the holder of the FiT entitlement. 

(3)     Surrender of a FiT entitlement under this section takes effect on the day and at the time stated in the surrender notice. 

(4)     In fixing the day and time for the surrender of a FiT entitlement to take effect, the Minister must consider any matters prescribed by regulation. 

Division 3.3             Dealing with FiT entitlements                                                                        

Section 15                                                                                                                                      

15              FiT entitlement—transfer 

(1)     The holder of a FiT entitlement (the transferor) may apply, in writing, to the Minister to transfer the entitlement to another person (the transferee). 

(2)     The Minister may, by written notice to the transferor and transferee (a transfer notice), transfer the FiT entitlement to the transferee. 

(3)     In considering whether to transfer the FiT entitlement to the transferee, the Minister must have regard to— 

(a)      the matters mentioned in section 11 (5) (a) to (c) (FiT entitlement—grant); and 

(b)     whether the transferee can comply with the conditions of the FiT entitlement. 

(4)     The Minister may impose additional conditions on a FiT entitlement transferred under this section. 

                  Note       The conditions of a FiT entitlement are set out under s 12. 

(5)     The transfer of a FiT entitlement takes effect on the day and at the time stated in the transfer notice. 

16              Public notice of FiT entitlement matters 

(1)     The Minister must prepare a notice of each of the following after it happens: 

(a)      cancellation of a FiT entitlement under section 13;  

(b)     surrender of a FiT entitlement under section 14;           (c) transfer of a FiT entitlement under section 15. 

(2)     The notice must state— 

(a)      for a cancellation or surrender of a FiT entitlement—the name of the holder of the FiT entitlement; and 

                                                             Dealing with FiT entitlements             Division 3.3

Section 16

(b)     for a transfer of a FiT entitlement—the names of the person transferring the entitlement and the person to whom the entitlement is transferred; and 

(c)      a description and the location of the large renewable energy generator under the FiT entitlement; and 

(d)     when the cancellation, surrender or transfer took effect. 

(3)     A notice is a notifiable instrument. 

                                                       Note       A notifiable instrument must be notified under the   Legislation Act.

Division 4.1             Calculation and payment of FiT support payments                                       

Section 17                                                                                                                                       

support payments 

17              Meaning of eligible electricity 

            (1) In this Act: 

eligible electricity means electricity— 

(a)      generated by a large renewable energy generator connected to the interconnected national electricity system; and 

Note The National Electricity (ACT) Law and the national electricity rules govern the process by which a person may apply for connection to the interconnected national electricity system. 

(b)     that— 

(i)       is electricity for which large-scale generation certificates are registered under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) (registered electricity); or 

(ii)     if the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) is repealed, expires or is amended in a way that ends registration of large-scale generation certificates—is electricity that— 

(A)     was registered electricity immediately before the 

repeal, expiry or amendment of that Act (formerly registered electricity); or 

(B)      is not formerly registered electricity but either 

satisfies the electricity accreditation requirements that apply to the electricity or is exempt electricity; and 

(c)      generated using a renewable energy source; and 

Support payments for FiT entitlements

                                 Calculation and payment of FiT support payments            Division 4.1

Section 17A

(d)     supplied to the interconnected national electricity system; and 

(e)      sold through the national electricity market or directly to a market participant. 

(2)     A regulation may prescribe electricity accreditation requirements for subsection (1), definition of eligible electricity, paragraph (b) (ii) (B). 

(3)     However, a regulation must not prescribe a requirement if it is reasonably likely that the application of the requirement (including its application with any other requirement prescribed by regulation), when compared with the application of requirements about the creation of large-scale generation certificates under the RenewableEnergy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) as in force on the commencement day, would disadvantage a large renewable energy generator of the electricity. 

(4)     In this section: 

commencement day means the day the Electricity Feed-in Tariff Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2015,section 3 commences.

exempt electricity means electricity for which no electricity accreditation requirements are prescribed by regulation under subsection (2). 

17A           Meaning of FiT support payment

(2)     In this Act: 

FiT support payment, for a holder of a FiT entitlement, for eligible electricity for a period, means the amount worked out as follows: 

(a)      the payment formula; 

(b)     if the Minister has approved an assessment method—an 

assessment method approved by the Minister. 

Division 4.1             Calculation and payment of FiT support payments                                       

Section 18                                                                                                                                      

(3)     The Minister may only approve an assessment method if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that applying the method— 

(a)      will minimise the cost for electricity consumers; and 

(b)     will not disadvantage an existing holder of a FiT entitlement. 

(4)     An assessment method approved by the Minister is a disallowable instrument. 

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

(5)     In this section: 

FiT means the feed-in tariff, stated in the FiT entitlement holder’s grant of FiT entitlement, for the holder’s eligible electricity for the period. 

payment formula means the following formula: 

(FiT - SP) x quantity of electricity 

quantity of electricity means the quantity of the FiT entitlement holder’s eligible electricity for the period. 

SP means the spot price value for the FiT entitlement holder’s eligible electricity for the period. 

18              FiT support payment—ACT electricity distributor to pay 

(1)     This section applies if— 

(a)      a large renewable energy generator in relation to which a FiT 

entitlement is granted is connected to the interconnected national electricity system; and 

(b)     the FiT support payment for the holder of the FiT entitlement for a period is a positive amount. 

Support payments for FiT entitlements

                                 Calculation and payment of FiT support payments            Division 4.1

Section 19

(2)     The ACT electricity distributor must pay the holder of the FiT 

entitlement FiT support payments for the holder’s eligible electricity for the period— 

(a)      in arrears; and 

(b)     within 30 days after the day the holder gives the ACT electricity 

distributor any information reasonably required by the distributor to work out the FiT support payment; and  (c) in the way (if any) prescribed by regulation. 

Note An amount owing under a law may be recovered as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction or the ACAT (see Legislation Act, s 177). 

(3)     However, if it is a condition of a holder’s FiT entitlement that there is a maximum quantity of a holder’s eligible electricity, in a financial year, in relation to which the holder is entitled to be paid a FiT support payment, the ACT electricity distributor need not pay the holder an amount in relation to electricity generated in excess of the maximum quantity in a financial year. 

19              FiT support payment—negative amount

(1)     This section applies if— 

(a)      a large renewable energy generator in relation to which a FiT 

entitlement is granted is connected to the interconnected national electricity system; and 

(b)     the FiT support payment for the holder of the FiT entitlement for a period is a negative amount. 

(2)     The ACT electricity distributor may— 

(a)      offset the amount against any subsequent FiT support payment payable to the holder of the FiT entitlement; or 

Division 4.2

Section 20                                                                                                                                      

(b)     require the holder of the FiT entitlement, by written notice, to pay the ACT electricity distributor the amount within 30 days after the distributor gives the notice. 

Note An amount owing under a law may be recovered as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction or the ACAT (see Legislation Act, s 177). 

20              Offences—non-payment of FiT support payment or other amount 

(1)     The ACT electricity distributor commits an offence if the distributor— 

(a)      is required to pay a FiT support payment to a holder of a 

FiT entitlement under section 18; and 

(b)     fails to make the payment as required. 

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units. 

(2)     The holder of a FiT entitlement commits an offence if the holder— 

(a)      is required to pay an amount to the ACT electricity distributor under section 19; and 

(b)     fails to make the payment as required. 

Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units. 

Division 4.2             Passing on reasonable costs of FiT support payments 

20A             ACT electricity distributor may pass on reasonable costs 

(1)     The ACT electricity distributor may pass on to electricity retailers the 

distributor’s costs in meeting its obligations under this Act— 

(a)      to make FiT support payments; and 

(b)     to administer the FiT support payments scheme, including the cost of complying with sections 21 and 21A. 

Support payments for FiT entitlements

                            Passing on reasonable costs of FiT support payments            Division 4.2

Section 20B

(2)     In a financial year, the costs the ACT electricity distributor may pass on to electricity retailers under subsection (1) must not exceed the reasonable costs determined under section 20C for that financial year. 

Note Over or under recovery of costs by the ACT electricity distributor must be considered by the Minister in subsequent financial year determinations of reasonable costs—see s 20C (2) (a) (ii). 

(3)     In this section: 

electricity retailer means a NERL retailer or a NERL exempt seller to whom the ACT electricity distributor supplies electricity. 

NERL exempt seller—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 75A. 

NERL retailer—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 75.   

20B           Reasonable costs—application for determination 

(1)     The ACT electricity distributor must, in each financial year (the current financial year) apply to the Minister for a determination of the reasonable costs (a reasonable costs determination) for the next financial year (the upcoming financial year) of the distributor meeting its obligations under this Act— 

(a)      to make FiT support payments; and 

(b)     to administer the FiT support payments scheme, including the cost of complying with sections 21 and 21A. 

(2)     The application must be made no later than 6 months after the beginning of the current financial year. 

(3)     The application must include— 

(a)      in relation to the financial year immediately preceding the current financial year— 

(i)         the total amount of FiT support payments paid by the ACT 

electricity distributor; and 

Division 4.2

Section 20B                                                                                                                                    

(ii)       the costs incurred by the ACT electricity distributor in administering the FiT support payments, including the cost of complying with sections 21 and 21A; and

(iii)     the total amount of costs mentioned in section 20A (1) that 

the ACT electricity distributor recovered from electricity retailers; and 

(b)     in relation to the upcoming financial year and the following 4 financial years— 

(i)         the total amount of FiT support payments that the ACT electricity distributor estimates it will pay; and 

(ii)       the estimated cost to the ACT electricity distributor in administering the FiT support payments, including the cost of complying with sections 21 and 21A; and

(c)      if the Minister has determined a methodology under section 20D (the determined methodology)—the manner in which the ACT electricity distributor has applied the determined methodology in estimating the costs under paragraph (b) (i); and 

(d)     if the Minister has not determined a methodology under 

section 20D—the methodology applied by the ACT electricity distributor in estimating the costs under paragraph (b) (i). 

(4)     If the application does not contain sufficient information for the Minister to make a decision the Minister may, within 1 month of receiving the application, require the ACT electricity distributor to provide further information (the required information). 

(5)     The ACT electricity distributor must provide the required information to the Minister within 10 working days after the day the Minister requests the information. 

Support payments for FiT entitlements

                            Passing on reasonable costs of FiT support payments            Division 4.2

Section 20C

20C           Reasonable costs—determination 

(1)     The Minister must make a reasonable costs determination for an upcoming financial year no later than 2 months after the day the ACT electricity distributor applies to the Minister under section 20B (1). 

(2)     In making a reasonable costs determination, the Minister must consider— 

(a)      the information provided by the ACT electricity distributor under section 20B, including— 

(i)       the application of the methodology mentioned in section 20B (3) (c); and 

(ii)     the difference between the amounts mentioned in 

section 20B (3) (a) (i) and (ii) and the amount mentioned in section 20B (3) (a) (iii); and 

(b)     the need to ensure that neither ACT electricity consumers nor the ACT electricity distributor are unreasonably financially disadvantaged by the determination. 

(3)     The Minister may determine the reasonable costs to be— 

(a)      the amounts mentioned in section 20B (3) (b) set out in the ACT electricity distributor’s application; or 

(b)     another amount.  

(4)     If the Minister does not make a reasonable costs determination within the required time under subsection (1), the reasonable costs are taken to be the amounts mentioned in section 20B (3) (b) set out in the ACT electricity distributor’s application. 

(5)     A determination under subsection (1) is a notifiable instrument. 

                  Note       A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.

Division 4.2

Section 20D                                                                                                                                    

20D           Reasonable costs—methodology 

(1)     The Minister may determine the methodology to be applied by the ACT electricity distributor in estimating the cost of the FiT support payment. 

(2)     The Minister must consult the ACT electricity distributor before making a determination under subsection (1). 

(3)     A determination under subsection (1) is a notifiable instrument. 

                                                       Note       A notifiable instrument must be notified under the   Legislation Act.

                                                                                      Reporting                      Part 5

Section 21

Part 5                      Reporting 

21              Quarterly reports by ACT electricity distributor 

(1)     This section applies if, during a quarter, a large renewable energy generator in relation to which a FIT entitlement is granted is connected to the interconnected national electricity system. 

(2)     The ACT electricity distributor must give the Minister a report for the quarter in relation to the generator. 

(3)     The report must include the following: 

(a)      if the generator was first connected to the ACT electricity distribution system during the quarter—the cost of connecting the generator to the ACT electricity distribution system, including any network augmentation that was required to facilitate the connection; 

(b)     if the generator is connected to the ACT electricity distribution system—the cost of maintaining the connection of the generator to the ACT electricity distribution system and maintaining any network augmentation required to facilitate the connection; 

(c)      the quantity of eligible electricity supplied by the generator to the interconnected national electricity system in a trading interval, and the spot price value for the electricity in each interval; 

(d)     the FiT support payment paid by the ACT electricity distributor during the quarter to the holder of the FiT entitlement in relation to the generator. 

(4)     The ACT electricity distributor must give the Minister the report for a quarter before the end of the next quarter. 

Part 5                     Reporting                                                                                                       

Section 21A                                                                                                                                    

(5)     The Minister must, within 3 months after receiving the report, make the report publicly available. 

Example—publicly available published on a website operated by the administrative unit responsible for this Act 

(6)     In this section: trading interval—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary). 

21A           Audit of information given to Minister

(1)     The Minister may require the ACT electricity distributor to commission an audit of the information provided by the distributor in the report under section 21. 

(2)     The audit must be— 

(a)      paid for by the ACT electricity distributor; and  

(b)     undertaken by— 

(i)       an auditor appointed by the Minister; or 

(ii)     if the Minister decides not to appoint an auditor—an auditor that is independent of the distributor; and 

(c)      undertaken in accordance with procedures determined by the Minister following consultation with the ACT electricity distributor. 

(3)     A determination is a disallowable instrument. 

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

(4)     The Minister must not require the ACT electricity distributor to commission more than 1 audit in any 12 month period.  

                                                                                      Reporting                      Part 5

Section 21A

(5)     The ACT electricity distributor commits an offence if— 

(a)      the distributor gives the Minister information in a report under section 21; and 

(b)     the Minister requires an audit of the information; and 

(c)      the distributor engages in conduct; and 

(d)     as a result of the conduct, the distributor fails to commission the required audit. 

Maximum penalty:  400 penalty units. 

Part 5A                   Notification and review of decisions                                                              

Section 21B                                                                                                                                    

Part 5A    Notification and review of decisions 

                                                                                Miscellaneous                      Part 6

Section 22

Part 6                      Miscellaneous 

22              Review of Act 

(1)     The Minister must review a FiT capacity release within 6 months after the last FiT entitlement under the release is granted.  

(2)     A review under subsection (1) must include— 

(a)      an evaluation of the outcomes in relation to achieving value for money; and 

(b)     in relation to a competitive process for a FiT capacity release— an evaluation of the process, including the administration of the process and its effectiveness in generating competition. 

(3)     The Minister must review the operation of this Act after the end of its 5th year of operation, and at least once every subsequent 5 years of its operation. 

(4)     A review under subsection (3) must include— 

(a)      an evaluation of the progress of construction of large renewable energy generators; and 

(b)     a consideration of the effectiveness of the operation of this Act in achieving the objects of this Act; and 

(c)      a consideration of the impact of costs under this Act on electricity consumers. 

(5)     The Minister must present a copy of a review to the Legislative Assembly not later than 6 months after the end of the period for undertaking the review. 

Part 6                     Miscellaneous                                                                                                

Section 23                                                                                                                                      

23              Determination of fees 

(1)     The Minister may determine fees for this Act. 

                  Note                        The 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. 

Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

25              Regulation-making power 

(1)     The Executive may make regulations for this Act. 

Note Regulations must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

(2)     A regulation may make provision in relation to the following: 

(a)      working out a FiT support payment; 

(b)     paying a FiT support payment; 

(c)      the verification of information provided by the holder of a FiT entitlement. 

(3)     A regulation may create offences and fix maximum penalties of not more than 30 penalty units for the offences. 

Dictionary 

ACT electricity distribution system means the distribution system component of the interconnected national electricity system in the ACT. 

ACT electricity distributor means the network service provider operating the ACT electricity distribution system. 

Dictionary

AEMO—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary). 

Australian capital region means the region made up of— 

(a)      the ACT; and 

(b)     if a regulation prescribes an area that makes up the region—the prescribed area. 

capacity, of a generating system—see section 7. 

distribution system—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2. 

eligible electricity—see section 17 (1). 

FiT capacity—see section 9.  

FiT capacity release—see section 10 (1).  

FiT entitlement—see section 8.  

FiT support payment, for a holder of a FiT entitlement, for eligible electricity for a period—see section 17A (1). 

generating system—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary).  

generating unit—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary).  

interconnected national electricity system—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2. 

large renewable energy generator—see section 6. 

large-scale generation certificate—see the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth), section 5. 

market participant—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary).  

scale Renewable Energy 

 2011 

23/06/21  

also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au

Dictionary 

National Electricity (ACT) Law means the provisions applying in the ACT because of the Electricity (National Scheme) Act 1997, section 5. 

national electricity market—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2. 

national electricity rules means the national electricity rules under the National Electricity (ACT) Law.

network service provider—see the National Electricity (ACT) Law, section 2. reasonable costs determination—see section 20B (1). renewable energy source—see section 6. spot market—see the national electricity rules, chapter 10 (Glossary). 

spot price value, for eligible electricity, means the amount that would have been paid for the electricity by the AEMO if the electricity had been sold on the spot market.