Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsAct No. 174 of 2000 as amended
This compilation was prepared on 10 September 2009
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 78 of 2009
The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section
The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may
be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section
Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and
Publishing,
Attorney‑General's Department, Canberra
Contents
Part 1--Preliminary 1
1............ Short title [see Note 1] ....................................................................... 1
2............ Commencement [see Note 1] .............................................................. 1
3............ Object/outline ..................................................................................... 1
4............ Years to which this Act applies ......................................................... 2
5............ Definitions .......................................................................................... 2
6............ Act binds Crown ................................................................................ 8
7............ Application to the external Territories ............................................... 8
7A......... Tax deductibility ................................................................................. 8
Part 2--Renewable energy certificates 9
Division 1--Preliminary 9
8............ Overview of Part ................................................................................ 9
Division 2--Registration of persons 10
9............ Who can register ............................................................................... 10
10.......... Applying for registration .................................................................. 10
11.......... Regulator to approve or refuse application ...................................... 10
12.......... Regulator to allocate registration numbers ........................................ 10
Division 2A--Provisional accreditation of power stations 11
12A....... Application for provisional accreditation of a power station .......... 11
12B....... Regulator may give provisional accreditation ................................... 11
12C....... Time limit for deciding applications ................................................. 12
Division 3--Accreditation of eligible power stations 13
13.......... Application for accreditation ............................................................ 13
14.......... Regulator to determine certain matters ............................................. 14
15.......... Regulator to approve or refuse application ...................................... 15
15A....... Time limit for deciding applications ................................................. 15
15B....... Nominated person for power station ............................................... 16
16.......... Regulator to allocate identification codes ......................................... 16
17.......... What is an eligible renewable energy source? .................................. 16
17A....... What is eligible WCMG? .................................................................. 17
Division 4--Creation of certificates 19
Subdivision A--Electricity generation 19
18.......... Creating certificates for additional renewable electricity .................. 19
19.......... When certificates may be created ..................................................... 20
20.......... Electricity generation return ............................................................. 20
20A....... Amending electricity generation returns ........................................... 20
Subdivision B--Solar water heaters 21
21.......... When a certificate may be created .................................................... 21
22.......... How many certificates may be created ............................................. 21
23.......... Who may create a certificate ............................................................. 21
23AA.... Register of solar water heaters .......................................................... 21
Subdivision BA--Small generation units 22
23A....... When a certificate may be created .................................................... 22
23B....... How many certificates may be created ............................................. 22
23C....... Who may create a certificate ............................................................. 23
23D....... No other certificates to be created .................................................... 24
23E........ Election to not create certificates under this Subdivision ................. 24
Subdivision BB--Solar water heater and small generation unit return 25
23F........ Solar water heater and small generation unit return .......................... 25
Subdivision C--Improper creation of certificates 25
24.......... Improper creation of certificates--offences ..................................... 25
Division 5--Form and registration of certificates 27
25.......... Form and content of certificates--power stations ........................... 27
25A....... Form and content of certificates--solar water heaters and small generation units 27
26.......... Certificates must be registered .......................................................... 28
Division 6--Transfer of certificates 30
27.......... Certificates may be transferred ......................................................... 30
28.......... Regulator to be notified .................................................................... 30
Division 7--Retirement of certificates 31
28A....... Registered owner may surrender certificate ...................................... 31
29.......... Retirement of certificates .................................................................. 31
Division 8--Suspension of registration 32
30.......... Suspension of registration--conviction of offence ........................... 32
30A....... Suspension of registration--other grounds ...................................... 32
Division 9--Changing the nominated person for an accredited power station 33
30B....... Changing the nominated person for an accredited power station ..... 33
Division 10--Varying what constitutes a power station 34
30C....... Varying what constitutes a power station ........................................ 34
Division 11--Suspending the accreditation of a power station 35
30D....... Suspending the accreditation of a power station--interconnected power stations 35
30E........ Suspending the accreditation of a power station--other grounds .... 36
Division 12--Varying 1997 eligible renewable power baselines and 2008 WCMG limits 38
30F........ Varying 1997 eligible renewable power baselines ............................. 38
30G....... Varying 2008 WCMG limits ............................................................ 38
Part 3--Acquisition of electricity 40
31.......... What are relevant acquisitions? ........................................................ 40
32.......... Wholesale acquisitions ...................................................................... 41
33.......... Notional wholesale acquisitions ....................................................... 41
34.......... Special provision relating to transactions involving AEMO or a person or body prescribed by the regulations 42
Part 4--Renewable energy shortfall charge 43
Division 1--Liability to charge 43
35.......... Liable entities .................................................................................... 43
36.......... Charge payable by liable entity ........................................................ 43
37.......... Amount of charge ............................................................................. 43
38.......... Determination of renewable energy certificate shortfall ................... 44
Division 1A--Partial exemption from liability to charge 45
38A....... Object ............................................................................................... 45
38B....... Amount of partial exemption ........................................................... 45
38C....... Information about partial exemptions to be published on Regulator's website 45
Division 2--Renewable power percentage 46
39.......... Regulations to specify renewable power percentage ........................ 46
40.......... Required GWh of renewable source electricity ................................ 47
Division 3--Other provisions related to the charge 49
41.......... Arrangements to avoid or reduce renewable energy shortfall charge 49
42.......... Application of Act to Commonwealth ............................................. 49
43.......... Cancellation of exemptions from charges ......................................... 50
Part 5--Statements, certificates and assessments 51
Division 1--Statements 51
44.......... Annual energy acquisition statements .............................................. 51
45.......... Restrictions on certificates that can be surrendered ......................... 52
45A....... Amending annual energy acquisition statements .............................. 53
46.......... Annual renewable energy shortfall statements ................................. 53
Division 1A--Partial exemption certificates 54
46A....... Application for partial exemption certificate ................................... 54
46B....... Partial exemption certificates ............................................................ 54
46C....... Amending partial exemption certificates .......................................... 55
Division 2--Assessments 56
47.......... First renewable energy shortfall statement for year taken to be assessment 56
48.......... Default assessments ......................................................................... 56
49.......... Amendment of assessments ............................................................. 57
50.......... Refund of overpaid amounts ............................................................ 59
51.......... Amended assessment to be an assessment ....................................... 59
52.......... Notice of assessment ........................................................................ 59
53.......... Validity of assessment ...................................................................... 59
53A....... Application of Division .................................................................... 60
Part 6--Objections, reviews and appeals 61
Division 1--Objections to and review of assessments 61
54.......... Objections ......................................................................................... 61
55.......... How objections are to be made ......................................................... 61
56.......... Limited objection rights in the case of certain amended assessments 61
57.......... Requests for extension of time ......................................................... 61
58.......... Regulator to decide objections .......................................................... 62
59.......... Person may require Regulator to make an objection decision ........... 62
60.......... Liable entity may seek review of, or appeal against, Regulator's decision 63
61.......... Grounds of objection and burden of proof ....................................... 63
62.......... Time limit for appeals ...................................................................... 63
63.......... Order of Federal Court on objection decision ................................... 64
64.......... Implementation of Federal Court order in respect of objection decision 64
65.......... Pending appeal not to affect implementation of decisions ............... 64
Division 2--Review of other decisions 65
66.......... Review of decisions .......................................................................... 65
Part 7--Collection and recovery of charge 68
Division 1--General rules about collection and recovery 68
67.......... When renewable energy shortfall charge becomes due and payable . 68
68.......... When penalty charge becomes due and payable ............................... 68
69.......... Extension of time for payment ......................................................... 68
70.......... Penalty for unpaid renewable energy shortfall charge or unpaid penalty charge 68
71.......... Recovery of renewable energy shortfall charge related liability ....... 69
72.......... Service of documents if a person is absent from Australia or cannot be found 70
Division 2--Special rules about collection and recovery 71
Subdivision A--Recovery from a third party 71
73.......... Regulator may collect amounts from third party ............................. 71
74.......... Notice to Commonwealth, State or Territory .................................. 72
75.......... Indemnity ......................................................................................... 73
76.......... Offence ............................................................................................. 73
Subdivision B--Recovery from liquidator 73
77.......... Liquidator's obligation ...................................................................... 73
78.......... Offence ............................................................................................. 75
79.......... Joint liability of 2 or more liquidators .............................................. 75
80.......... Liquidator's other obligation or liability ........................................... 75
Subdivision C--Recovery from receiver 75
81.......... Receiver's obligation ......................................................................... 75
82.......... Offence ............................................................................................. 76
83.......... Joint liability of 2 or more receivers ................................................. 77
84.......... Receiver's other obligation or liability .............................................. 77
Subdivision D--Recovery from agent winding up business for non‑resident principal 77
85.......... Obligation of agent winding up business for non‑resident principal 77
86.......... Offence ............................................................................................. 78
87.......... Joint liability of 2 or more agents ..................................................... 78
88.......... Agent's other obligation or liability .................................................. 78
Subdivision E--Recovery from deceased person's estate 79
89.......... Administered estate .......................................................................... 79
90.......... Unadministered estate ...................................................................... 80
Division 3--Other matters 81
91.......... What this Division is about .............................................................. 81
92.......... Right of recovery if another person is liable ..................................... 81
93.......... Right of contribution if persons are jointly liable ............................. 81
94.......... Regulator may authorise amount to be recovered ............................. 82
Part 8--Refunding charge 83
95.......... Refunding charge in later years ......................................................... 83
96.......... Value of certificates surrendered ....................................................... 83
97.......... Certificates can only be surrendered if there is no shortfall ............. 83
98.......... Refund of charge where certificates surrendered .............................. 84
Part 9--Penalty charge 85
99.......... Failure to provide statements or information ................................... 85
100........ False or misleading statements ......................................................... 86
101........ Penalty charge where arrangement to avoid renewable energy shortfall charge 86
102........ Assessment of penalty charge .......................................................... 87
103........ Remitting penalty charge .................................................................. 87
Part 10--Administration 88
104........ General administration of Act .......................................................... 88
105........ Annual report ................................................................................... 88
Part 11--Audit 89
Division 1--Overview 89
106........ Overview of Part .............................................................................. 89
Division 2--Appointment of authorised officers and identity cards 90
107........ Appointment of authorised officers ................................................. 90
108........ Identity cards .................................................................................... 90
109........ Offences related to identity cards ..................................................... 90
Division 3--Powers of authorised officer 92
Subdivision A--Monitoring powers 92
110........ Entry to premises ............................................................................. 92
111........ Monitoring powers of authorised officers ........................................ 92
Subdivision B--Power of authorised officer to ask questions and seek production in certain circumstances 94
112........ Authorised officer may request or require persons to answer questions etc. 94
113........ Failure to provide information to authorised officer ........................ 94
Division 4--Obligations and incidental powers of authorised officers 96
116........ Authorised officer must produce identity card on request ............... 96
117........ Consent ............................................................................................. 96
118........ Announcement before entry ............................................................. 96
119........ Details of monitoring warrant to be given to occupier etc. before entry 96
120........ Use of electronic equipment in exercising monitoring powers ......... 97
121........ Compensation for damage to electronic equipment .......................... 98
Division 5--Occupier's rights and responsibilities 99
122........ Occupier entitled to be present during execution of monitoring warrant 99
123........ Occupier to provide authorised officer with all facilities and assistance 99
124........ Offences related to warrants ............................................................. 99
Division 6--Warrants 100
125........ Monitoring warrants ....................................................................... 100
Part 11A--Information‑gathering powers 101
125A..... Regulator may obtain information and documents ......................... 101
125B..... Self‑incrimination ............................................................................ 102
125C..... Copies of documents ...................................................................... 102
125D..... Regulator may retain documents .................................................... 102
125E...... False or misleading evidence ........................................................... 103
Part 12--Secrecy 104
126........ Persons to whom Part applies ........................................................ 104
127........ Information may be recorded or divulged only for purposes of Act 104
128........ Court may not require information or documents .......................... 105
129........ Information may be divulged to persons performing duties under this Act 105
130........ Information may be divulged to court for purposes of this Act .... 105
131........ Information may be divulged with consent of the subject of the information 106
132........ Information may be divulged to specified persons or bodies ......... 106
133........ Australian Bureau of Statistics to observe secrecy requirements ... 106
134........ Regulator may publish certain information .................................... 107
Part 13--Registers 108
Division 1--General 108
135........ Registers to be maintained .............................................................. 108
Division 2--The register of registered persons 109
136........ Contents of register of registered persons ...................................... 109
137........ Form of register .............................................................................. 109
Division 3--The register of accredited power stations 110
138........ Contents of register of accredited power stations .......................... 110
139........ Form of register .............................................................................. 110
Division 4--The register of renewable energy certificates 111
140........ Contents of register of renewable energy certificates ..................... 111
141........ Form of register .............................................................................. 111
Division 5--The register of applications for accredited power stations 112
141A..... Contents of register of applications for accredited power stations 112
141B..... Form of register .............................................................................. 112
Part 14--Renewable Energy Regulator and Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator 113
Division 1--Renewable Energy Regulator 113
142........ Renewable Energy Regulator .......................................................... 113
143........ Appointment of Regulator ............................................................. 113
144........ Remuneration of Regulator ............................................................. 113
145........ Recreation leave etc. ....................................................................... 114
146........ Resignation ..................................................................................... 114
147........ Removal from office etc. ................................................................. 114
147A..... Disclosure of interests .................................................................... 115
148........ Acting appointment ........................................................................ 116
Division 2--Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator 117
149........ Establishment ................................................................................. 117
150........ Function .......................................................................................... 117
151........ Staff ................................................................................................ 117
Part 15--Offences for failure to provide documents 118
154........ Failure to provide documents ......................................................... 118
Part 16--Miscellaneous 119
155........ Contracting outsiders ...................................................................... 119
156........ Delegation ....................................................................................... 119
157........ Appropriation ................................................................................ 120
158........ Judicial notice of signature .............................................................. 120
159........ Evidence .......................................................................................... 120
160........ Records to be kept and preserved by registered persons, liable entities and holders of partial exemption certificates ........................................................................................................ 121
161........ Regulations ..................................................................................... 122
162........ Review of operation of renewable energy legislation ..................... 122
Part 17--Application of Act to 2001 124
163........ Object of Part ................................................................................. 124
164........ Modification of references to a year ............................................... 124
165........ Modification of other references .................................................... 124
Notes 125
An Act for the establishment and administration of a scheme to encourage additional electricity generation from renewable energy sources, and for related purposes
Notes to
the
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 Note 1 The
Renewable Energy (Electricity)
Act 2000 as shown in this compilation comprises Act No. 174, 2000
amended as indicated in the Tables below. For all relevant information pertaining to application, saving
or transitional provisions see Table A. Table of Acts
|
Act |
Number |
Date |
Date of commencement |
Application, saving or transitional provisions |
|
174, 2000 |
21 Dec 2000 |
18 Jan 2001 |
|
|
|
90, 2006 |
30 June 2006 |
Schedule 1: 11 Sept 2006 (see F2006L02947) |
Sch. 1 (items |
|
|
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Trustee Board and Other Measures) (Consequential Amendments) Act 2008 |
26, 2008 |
23 June 2008 |
Schedule 1 (items 109-112): Royal Assent |
-- |
|
73, 2008 |
3 July 2008 |
Schedule 1 (items 41-45): (a) |
-- |
|
|
Australian Energy Market Amendment (AEMO and Other Measures) Act 2009 |
17, 2009 |
26 Mar 2009 |
Schedule 1 (items 7-11): 1 July 2009 |
-- |
|
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2009 |
78, 2009 |
7 Sept 2009 |
Schedule 3 (items 1, 2): [see Note 2] |
Sch. 1 (item 7), Sch. 2 (item 22) and Sch. 3 (items 3‑9) |
(a) Subsection 2(1) (item 29) of the Statute Law Revision Act 2008 provides as follows:
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
|
Commencement information |
||
|
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
|
Provision(s) |
Commencement |
Date/Details |
|
29. Schedule 1, items 41 to 45 |
Immediately after the commencement of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. |
18 January 2001 |
Table of Amendments
|
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted |
|
|
Provision affected |
How affected |
|
Part 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; Nos. 17 and 78, 2009 |
|
|
Part 2 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
Heading to Div. 2 of Part 2.. |
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 2A |
|
|
Div. 2A of Part 2.................. |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Note to s. 14(1)................... |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
Note to s. 14(3)................... |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Note to s. 15........................ |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
Subhead. to s. 15A(1)........ |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
S. 17A................................. |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Division 4 |
|
|
Subdivision A |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision B |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision BA |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subhead. to s. 23B(1)......... |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision BB |
|
|
Subdiv. BB of Div. 4 of........ |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision C |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 5 |
|
|
Heading to s. 25.................. |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Division 7 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 8 |
|
|
Heading to s. 30.................. |
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 9 |
|
|
Div. 9 of Part 2.................... |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 10 |
|
|
Div. 10 of Part 2.................. |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 11 |
|
|
Div. 11 of Part 2.................. |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
|
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 12 |
|
|
Heading to Div. 12 of Part 2. |
rs. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Div. 12 of Part 2.................. |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
S. 30G................................. |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Part 3 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 17, 2009 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 34.................. |
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 17, 2009 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 17, 2009 |
|
|
Part 4 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Division 1A |
|
|
Div. 1A of Part 4.................. |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Ss. 38A-38C....................... |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
Note to s. 41........................ |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 5 |
|
|
Heading to Part 5................. |
rs. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Note to s. 44(1)................... |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 1A |
|
|
Div. 1A of Part 5.................. |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Ss. 46A-46C....................... |
ad. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Note to s. 49(1)................... |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 6 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 57.................. |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Part 7 |
|
|
Heading to Part 7................. |
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
Division 1 |
|
|
Heading to s. 68.................. |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
Subdivision C |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision D |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision E |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 8 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 9 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 101................ |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 102................ |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 103................ |
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 11 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
Subdivision A |
|
|
Heading to s. 110................ |
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Subdivision B |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Ss. 114, 115........................ |
rep. No. 90, 2006 |
|
Division 4 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 5 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Division 6 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 11A |
|
|
Part 11A.............................. |
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 12 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 73, 2008 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 73, 2008 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 73, 2008 |
|
|
am. No. 73, 2008 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 73, 2008 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 13 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Division 4 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Division 5 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
Part 14 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 26, 2008 |
|
|
ad. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 15 |
|
|
Heading to Part 15............... |
rs. No. 90, 2006 |
|
Ss. 152, 153........................ |
rep. No. 90, 2006 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
Part 16 |
|
|
Heading to s. 160................ |
am. No. 78, 2009 |
|
am. No. 90, 2006; No. 78, 2009 |
|
|
am. No. 90, 2006 |
|
|
rs. No. 78, 2009 |
|
Note 2
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2009 (No. 78, 2009)
The following amendments commence on 1 July 2011 unless proclaimed earlier:
Schedule 3
1 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
2 At the end of Part 1
Add:
To the extent that this Act applies in relation to a constitutional corporation, the operation of this Act is based on the following legislative powers:
(a) the legislative power that the Commonwealth Parliament has under paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution;
(b) any other legislative power that the Commonwealth Parliament has under the Constitution.
A constitutional corporation need not comply with any law of a State that substantially corresponds to this Act.
As at 10 September 2009 the amendments are not incorporated in this compilation.
Table A
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2006 (No. 90, 2006)
Schedule 1
193 Application--creation of renewable energy certificates
The amendments made by items 4, 44, 45, 46, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 179 and 180 apply in relation to certificates created after the commencement of those items.
194 Application--charges
The amendments made by items 7, 15, 19, 114, 125, 130, 131, 133, 134, 135 and 145 to 152 apply in relation to amounts that a liable entity becomes liable to pay after the commencement of those items.
195 Application--applications for accreditation of a power station
The amendments made by items 30, 31, 32, 34, 38 and 181 apply in relation to applications made after the commencement of those items.
196 Application--time limit for deciding applications
The amendment made by item 42 (in so far as it inserts section 15A of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000) applies in relation to applications made after the commencement of that item.
197 Application--electricity generation
The amendments made by items 43 and 49 apply in relation to electricity generated after the commencement of those items.
198 Transitional--electricity generated before commencement
A person is not entitled to create a certificate under section 18 of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, in respect of electricity generated before this item commences, at any time after the end of the year after the year in which this item commences.
Note: Section 24 of that Act creates offences for the improper creation of certificates.
199 Application--solar water heaters and small generation units
Creation of solar water heater certificates etc.
(1) The amendments made by items 54, 55, 57 and 58 apply in relation to solar water heaters installed after the commencement of those items.
Creation of small generation unit certificates
(2) The amendments made by items 59, 60 (in so far as it inserts subsection 23A(2) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000), 65 and 66 apply in relation to small generation units installed after the commencement of those items.
(3) The amendments made by items 60 (in so far as it inserts subsection 23A(3) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000), 61 and 62 apply in relation to small generation units installed before or after the commencement of those items.
Assignment of right to create small generation unit certificates
(4) The amendments made by items 63 and 64 apply in relation to assignments made after the commencement of those items in relation to small generation units installed before or after that commencement.
Returns
(5) The amendment made by item 67 applies in relation to years ending after the commencement of that item.
200 Application--surrender of certificates
The amendment made by item 74 applies in relation to certificates created before or after the commencement of that item.
201 Application--relevant acquisitions of electricity
The amendments made by items 81 and 84 apply in relation to acquisitions of electricity occurring in the year ending 31 December 2006 or in any later year.
202 Saving--fees for surrender of certificates
Regulations in force for the purposes of subsection 44(5) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 immediately before the commencement of this item have effect after that commencement as if they were regulations made for the purposes of that subsection after that commencement.
203 Application--secrecy
The amendments made by items 172, 173 and 174 apply in relation to proceedings instituted after the commencement of those items.
204 Application--publication
The amendment made by item 175 applies in relation to years ending after the commencement of that item.
205 Application--register of accredited power stations
The amendment made by item 178 applies in relation to power stations accredited before or after the commencement of that item.
206 Transitional--accredited power stations
(1) This item applies in relation to a power station that was accredited under Division 3 of Part 2 of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 before the commencement of this item.
(2) The Regulator must, within 28 days after the commencement of that item, approve a person as the nominated person for the power station.
Note: The register of accredited power stations is to contain the name of the nominated person for an accredited power station: see section 138 of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
(3) The person approved must be a stakeholder in relation to the power station.
Note: Another stakeholder in relation to the power station may later apply to the Regulator to become the nominated person for the power station: see section 30B of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
(4) The approval must be in writing and is taken to be an approval given under section 30B of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
(5) For the purposes of section 66 of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000:
(a) the approval is taken to be a reviewable decision; and
(b) the affected person in relation to that decision is taken to be any other stakeholder in relation to the power station.
(6) For the purposes of this item, stakeholder, in relation to a power station, means:
(a) a person who operates the power station (whether alone or together with one or more other persons); or
(b) a person who owns all, or a part, of the power station (whether alone or together with one or more other persons).
207 Transitional--relevant acquisitions of electricity
(1) This item applies if:
(a) a person has lodged an energy acquisition statement for the year (the applicable year) ending on 31 December 2001, 31 December 2002, 31 December 2003, 31 December 2004 or 31 December 2005; and
(b) the amount of electricity specified in the statement as having been acquired under relevant acquisitions is greater than the amount that would have been acquired under relevant acquisitions if the amendments made by items 81 and 84 had applied to the applicable year.
(2) If this item applies, the amount of electricity acquired under relevant acquisitions during the applicable year is taken to be the amount that would have been acquired under relevant acquisitions if the amendments made by items 81 and 84 had applied to the applicable year.
(3) If, after the application of this item, the person has a carried forward surplus at the end of the applicable year, the Regulator may, upon written application by the person:
(a) reduce the carried forward surplus of the person for the applicable year (which may be to nil); and
(b) reduce the renewable energy certificate shortfall of another person for the applicable year by a corresponding amount.
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Act 2009 (No. 78, 2009)
Schedule 1
7 Application of amendments of section 23B
The amendments made by items 4 to 6 apply to small generation units installed on or after 9 June 2009.
Schedule 2
22 Transitional regulations
The Governor‑General may make regulations of a transitional nature relating to the transition from the application of paragraph (b) of the definition of emissions‑intensive trade‑exposed activity in subsection 5(1) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (as inserted by item 2 of this Schedule) to the application of paragraph (a) of the definition of that expression.
Schedule 3
3 Definitions
In this Part:
accredited power station has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Act.
Commonwealth Act means the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
Commonwealth regulator:
(a) at any time before section 3 of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 commences--means the Regulator (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act); and
(b) at any time after the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 commences--means the Authority (within the meaning of the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Act 2009).
renewable energy certificate has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Act.
small generation unit has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Act.
State Act means a law of a State that substantially corresponds to the Commonwealth Act.
State certificate means a certificate, created under a State Act, that is substantially the same as a renewable energy certificate.
State regulator means a person or body appointed under a State Act that has substantially the same kind of functions under the State Act as the Commonwealth regulator has under the Commonwealth Act.
5 Existing accreditations not to continue if notice given
A nominated person for a power station under a State Act may notify the Commonwealth regulator, in writing by 30 November 2009, that subitems 4(1) and (3) of this Schedule do not apply in relation to the power station. A notice has effect accordingly.
The following provisions commence on 1 February 2010:
Schedule 3
4 Continuation of existing accreditations
(1) If a power station was, immediately before the day on which this item commences, accredited under a State Act and not already accredited under the Commonwealth Act:
(a) the power station is taken to be eligible for accreditation under section 15 of the Commonwealth Act; and
(b) the Commonwealth regulator is taken to have made a determination under paragraph 14(1)(a) of the Commonwealth Act that the components of the power station (as accredited under the State Act) are to be taken to be a power station for the purposes of the Commonwealth Act; and
(c) the Commonwealth regulator is taken to have approved an application for accreditation on the day on which this item commences.
(2) To avoid doubt, subsection 14(3) of the Commonwealth Act applies in relation to an application mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) of this item.
(3) If a person was, immediately before the day on which this item commences, a nominated person for a power station under a State Act:
(a) the person is taken to be:
(i) a registered person (unless the person is already a registered person under the Commonwealth Act); and
(ii) a nominated person for the power station;
under the Commonwealth Act on and after the day on which this item commences; and
(b) the Commonwealth regulator is taken to have approved an application for the person to be registered on the day on which this item commences (unless the person is already a registered person under the Commonwealth Act).
(4) To avoid doubt, section 12 of the Commonwealth Act applies in relation to an application mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) of this item as if the person were the applicant.
8 Renewable energy certificate must not be created if State certificate created
Despite section 18 of the Commonwealth Act, a nominated person (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act) for an accredited power station must not create a renewable energy certificate for any electricity generated by the power station if a State certificate has been created in relation to that electricity.
9 Transitional regulations
(1) The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:
(a) required or permitted by this Part to be prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Part.
(2) Without limiting subitem (1), regulations of a transitional nature may be made in relation to the following matters:
(a) matters arising from the amendment or repeal of a State Act;
(b) exemptions from fees payable under regulations;
(c) the number of renewable energy certificates that may be created in relation to a small generation unit.
The following provisions commence on 7 June 2010 unless proclaimed earlier:
Schedule 3
6 Conversion of State certificates to renewable energy certificates
(1) If, before 15 May 2010, a State regulator for a State gives written notice to the Commonwealth regulator that a State certificate has been surrendered:
(a) under a provision of the State Act of the State that substantially corresponds to section 28A of the Commonwealth Act; and
(b) after 1 April 2010; and
(c) for the purposes of this subitem;
then the Commonwealth regulator must, before 15 June 2010:
(d) create a renewable energy certificate in respect of the State certificate; and
(e) register the renewable energy certificate under section 26 of the Commonwealth Act.
(2) If, on or after 15 May 2010 but before 2 November 2010, a State regulator for a State gives written notice to the Commonwealth regulator that a State certificate has been surrendered:
(a) under a provision of the State Act of the State that substantially corresponds to section 28A of the Commonwealth Act; and
(b) after 1 April 2010; and
(c) for the purposes of this subitem;
then the Commonwealth regulator must, before 1 December 2010:
(d) create a renewable energy certificate in respect of the State certificate; and
(e) register the renewable energy certificate under section 26 of the Commonwealth Act.
(3) A notice under subitem (1) or (2) must:
(a) be in the prescribed form; and
(b) include any information prescribed by the regulations.
(4) Despite subitems (1) and (2), a renewable energy certificate may only be created for a State certificate once.
(5) For the purposes of a renewable energy certificate created in respect of a State certificate under subitem (1) or (2):
(a) the renewable energy certificate is treated as if it had been created under a prescribed provision of the Commonwealth Act; and
(b) the person who created the State certificate is treated as having created the renewable energy certificate; and
(c) subject to paragraph (6)(c), the person who owned the State certificate, immediately before it was surrendered under the State Act, is treated as the owner of the renewable energy certificate.
(6) Section 26 of the Commonwealth Act applies in relation to a renewable energy certificate created under subitem (1) or (2) as if:
(a) subsections (2), (3), (3A), (5) and (6) were ignored; and
(b) the Commonwealth regulator had determined that the renewable energy certificate is eligible for registration under subsection (4); and
(c) for the purposes of recording the ownership of the renewable energy certificate as mentioned in subsection (4)--the owner of the renewable energy certificate had created the certificate.
(7) A renewable energy certificate created in respect of a State certificate under subitem (1) or (2) is not a certificate for the purpose of section 23F of the Commonwealth Act.
(8) If a renewable energy certificate is created in respect of a State certificate under subitem (1) or (2), the register of renewable energy certificates maintained under section 135 of the Commonwealth Act must also contain the year in which the State certificate was created.
Notice of conversion to be given by Commonwealth regulator
(9) The Commonwealth regulator must notify, in writing, the following persons that a renewable energy certificate has been created in respect of a State certificate and registered under section 26 of the Commonwealth Act:
(a) the creator of the State certificate;
(b) the relevant State regulator;
(c) if the owner of the renewable energy certificate is not the creator of the State certificate--the owner of the renewable energy certificate.
(10) The Commonwealth regulator must provide the notice as soon as practicable after the renewable energy certificate has been registered under section 26 of the Commonwealth Act.
7 No criminal liability for Commonwealth regulator
Nothing in item 6 makes the Commonwealth regulator liable to be prosecuted for an offence.