New South Wales Consolidated Acts

GAS SUPPLY ACT 1996 - SECT 3

3 Objects

(1) The objects of this Act are as follows:

(a) to encourage the development of a competitive market in gas, so as to promote the thermally efficient use of gas and to deliver a safe and reliable supply of gas in compliance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development contained in section 6 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 ,

(b) to regulate gas reticulation and gas supply, so as to protect the interests of customers and to promote customer choice in relation to gas supply,

(b1) to facilitate the continuity of supply of natural gas to customers,

(c) to promote the safe use of gas.

(2) For the purpose of enabling the objects of this Act to be achieved, the Minister, the Tribunal and any review panel each have the duties set out in subsections (3)-(6).

(3) In relation to licensed distributors involved in the reticulation of gas, the duties are as follows:

(a) to ensure that such persons satisfy, so far as it is economical for them to do so, all reasonable demands for the conveyance of gas,

(b) to take proper account of the business interests of such persons and the ability of such persons to finance the provision of gas reticulation services,

(e) to take proper account of the interests of gas users in respect of transportation tariffs and other terms of service.

(3A) In relation to authorised reticulators and licensed distributors involved in the distribution or reticulation of gas, the duties are as follows:

(a) to consider the development of efficient and safe gas distribution pipelines and gas distribution systems,

(b) to promote the efficient and safe operation of gas distribution pipelines and gas distribution systems.

(4) In relation to persons involved in the supply of gas (authorised suppliers and licensed distributors), the duties are as follows:

(a) to ensure that the public receives the benefit of a competitive gas market,

(b) to take proper account of the interests of small retail customers in respect of gas pricing and other terms of gas supply,

(c) to take proper account of the business interests of persons supplying gas to small retail customers,

(d) to promote a competitive gas market.

(5) In relation to gas users, the duties are to promote the efficient and safe use of gas.

(6) Nothing in this section permits or requires this Act to be construed in a way that is inconsistent with the National Gas (NSW) Law or the National Gas (NSW) Regulations .

(7) Nothing in subsections (2)-(6) gives rise to, or can be taken into account in, any civil cause of action.