§103. 

Objective.

The objective of this Act is to foster sustainable energy supply for the people of the Republic in accordance with the provisions of the National Energy Policy. 

§104. 

Establishment of the National Energy Office. 

(1) 

There is hereby established the National Energy Office which shall have the principal functions: 

(a) 

Prepare and propose draft legislation for the management of the energy sector, as well as review any legislation, regulations, rule or policy that may affect the energy sector; 

(b) 

Promote and encourage the conservation and efficient use of renewable energy; 

(c) 

Develop for Cabinet’s consideration the Energy Policy of the Republic along with strategies and action plans and ensure the subsequent implementation thereof; 

(d) 

Monitor electricity tariffs; 

(e) 

Monitor and approve the quality of imported petroleum products in compliance with fuel standards; 

(f) 

Serve as the central repository for data collection, analysis and reporting; 

(g) 

Launch campaigns and build community outreach and awareness of issues related to sources of energy, energy usage and energy conservation; 

(h) 

Liaise with other Government ministries/agencies/offices and State-Owned Enterprises towards the implementation of this Act. 

§105. 

Director of the National Energy Office. 

(2) 

The Director shall be appointed by the Public Service Commission. 

The Director appointed herein, shall be an employee of the Public Service, and in addition to the provisions of this Act and any regulations promulgated herein, shall be bound by the Public Service Regulations 2008, and any subsequent and future amendments thereto. 

(3) 

The Director is charged with the following functions: 

(a) 

Overseeing the administration and management of the Office, including the following: 

(i)            Recruiting, developing and maintaining effective staff; 

(ii)           Preparing, overseeing and managing the budget of the National Energy Office; 

(iii)         Establishing performance output criteria and assessment guidelines for the recommendation of promotion and pay increment of staff to the Public Service Commission; 

(iv)         Acting as the point of contact for the Office. 

(b) 

Acting as the principal policy adviser to the Minister;

(c) 

Recommendation legislative and policy changes to the 

Minister; 

(d) 

Perform any other functions as directed by the Minister or as set forth in legislation and policy. 

§106. 

Staff of the National Energy Office. 

(1)           The staff of the National Energy Office shall be appointed by the Public Service Commission. 

(2)           The staff appointed under subsection (1) of this Section shall be employees of the Public Service, and in addition to this Act and any regulations promulgated herein, be bound by the Public Service Regulations 2008 and subsequent amendments thereto. 

§107. 

National Energy Office Fund. 

§108. 

Annual Report. 

(1)           The Director shall submit to the Cabinet and Nitijela an Annual Report no later than the first business day of December each year. 

(2)           The Annual Report shall contain the following: 

(a) Potential for additional renewable energy deployment, and ability to meet the Republic’s renewable energy target; (b) Progress towards the Republic’s energy efficiency target; (c) Any other reporting areas specified by the Minister. 

(3)           The Annual Report shall be published in the Government Gazette no later than the first business day of February each year. 

§109. 

Regulations.

(1) 

The Minister may make regulations pursuant to the Administration Procedures Act, 1979, with respect to the following: 

(a) 

A framework for reporting and accounting for efficiency in energy use and renewable energy generation in the Republic; 

(b) 

Energy efficiency standards for new buildings and renovations, including homes, businesses, and government premises and subsidies for energy efficient design and construction; 

(c) 

Mandatory appliance labelling and minimum energy efficiency performance standards for refrigerators, air conditioners and other electrical appliances including related penalties; 

(d) 

Vehicle and sea transport fuel standards requiring a percentage of biofuel and other forms of renewable energy; 

(e) 

Incentives for investment in renewable energy; and 

(f) 

Requirements applicable to renewable energy technology relating to its commercial viability and suitability for application before it is adopted in the Republic. 

§110. 

Effective Date.