Australian Capital Territory
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014    
A2014-60
Republication No 6
Effective:  8 November 2017 – 1 March 2018
Republication date: 8 November 2017
Last amendment made by A2017‑33

About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 8 November 2017.  It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 8 November 2017.  
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 includes 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 $150 for an individual and $750 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).

Australian Capital Territory
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014

Contents
	Page
Part 1	Preliminary
	1	Name of Act	2
	3	Dictionary	2
	4	Notes	2
	5	Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc	2
	6	Objects of Act	3
	7	Other laws not affected	3
Part 2	Regulated utility services
	8	Meaning of regulated utility	5
	9	Meaning of regulated utility service	5
	10	Prescribed regulated utility services	6
	10A	Exempt classes of regulated utility services	7
Part 3	Technical codes
Division 3.1	Purpose of technical codes
	11	Technical codes—purpose	8
Division 3.2	Making technical codes
	12	Draft technical codes—proposed by regulated utility	9
	13	Draft technical codes—consultation	9
	14	Technical codes—approval	10
	15	Technical codes—public access	10
Division 3.3	Enforcement of technical codes
	16	Offence—fail to comply with technical code	11
	17	Technical regulator’s warning notice	11
	18	Technical regulator’s directions	13
	19	Offence—fail to comply with technical regulator’s direction	14
	20	Technical regulator’s urgent directions	14
	21	Offence—fail to comply with technical regulator’s urgent direction	15
	22	Technical regulator—obtaining information and documents	16
	23	Offence—contravention of requirement under s 22	16
	24	Self-incrimination etc	17
Division 3.4	Application to NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers
	25	Application to NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers—pt 3	17
	26	NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers—determination of application of technical code	18
	27	Inconsistency between Act and NERL	19
Part 4	Reporting of notifiable incidents
	28	Definitions—pt 4	20
	29	Offence—reporting of notifiable incidents by regulated utility	21
Part 5	Protection of regulated utility networks
Division 5.1	General
	30	Meaning of interference—pt 5	22
Division 5.2	General interference
	31	Offence—interference with regulated utility networks	22
	32	Network protection notices	22
	33	Network protection—action affecting heritage significance	25
Division 5.3	Contamination of water or sewerage networks
	34	Offence—contamination of water	25
	35	Offence—prohibited substances—water or sewerage network	26
	36	Exempt water treatments	26
Division 5.4	Miscellaneous
	37	Offence—unauthorised network connections	27
	38	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of electricity	27
	39	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of gas	28
	40	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of water	28
	41	Extended meaning of network	28
Part 6	Operating certificates
Division 6.1	General
	42	Meaning of unlicensed regulated utility—pt 6	29
Division 6.2	Operating certificates—unlicensed regulated utilities
	43	Operating certificate—application	29
	44	Operating certificate—further information	30
	45	Operating certificate—information on likely compliance costs	30
	46	Operating certificate—grant	30
	47	Operating certificate—term	32
	48	Operating certificate—general condition	32
	49	Operating certificate—revocation	33
Division 6.3	Enforcement of operating certificates
	50	Offence—providing regulated utility service without operating certificate	34
	51	Offence—constructing regulated utility service without operating certificate	34
Part 7	Network boundaries and isolated infrastructure
Division 7.1	General
	52	Definitions—pt 7	35
Division 7.2	Network boundaries
	53	Network boundary	37
Division 7.3	Isolated infrastructure—maintenance requirements
	54	Technical inspector’s warning notice—isolated infrastructure	37
	55	Technical regulator’s directions—isolated infrastructure	39
	56	Offence—owner of isolated infrastructure failing to comply with technical regulator’s direction	40
Part 8	Dams safety
Division 8.1	General
	57	Definitions—pt 8	42
Division 8.2	Register of dams
	58	Dams register	43
	59	Required information for dams register	44
	60	Notice to give required information	44
	61	Offence—fail to give required information	44
	62	Technical regulator may require further information	45
	63	Offence—fail to give further information	45
	64	Requirement to report change in ownership	45
	65	Offence—fail to report change in ownership	46
	66	Requirement to update required information and further information	46
	67	Offence—fail to update required information or further information	46
	68	Owner of registrable dam may correct dams register	47
Division 8.3	Listed dams
	69	Listing of certain dams	47
	70	Notification of listing of certain dams	48
Division 8.4	Technical codes for listed dams
	71	Draft technical codes for listed dam—proposed by owner of listed dam	49
	72	Technical codes for listed dams—consultation	49
	73	Technical codes for listed dams—approval	51
	74	Technical codes for listed dams—public access	51
Division 8.5	Enforcement of technical codes for listed dam
	75	Offence—fail to comply with technical code for listed dam	52
Part 9	Enforcement
Division 9.1	General
	76	Definitions—pt 9	53
Division 9.2	Technical regulator
	77	Technical regulator	54
	78	Technical regulator’s functions	54
	79	Technical regulator may recommend conditions on licence	55
	80	Technical regulator’s compliance report	56
Division 9.3	Technical inspectors
	81	Technical inspectors—appointment	57
	82	Identity cards	58
	83	Power not to be exercised before identity card shown	59
Division 9.4	Powers of technical inspectors
	84	Power to enter premises	59
	85	Production of identity card	60
	86	Consent to entry	60
	87	Advance consent to entry	61
	88	Warrants	63
	89	Warrants—application made other than in person	64
	90	General powers on entry to premises	65
	91	Power to seize evidence	66
	92	Receipt for things seized	67
	93	Access to things seized	67
	94	Return of things seized	68
Division 9.5	Stop notice—utility infrastructure work
	95	Meaning of utility infrastructure work—div 9.5	68
	96	Stop notice	69
	97	Offence—fail to comply with stop notice	71
	98	Cancellation of stop notice—application	71
	99	Rectification work allowed under stop notice	72
Division 9.6	Injunctions
	100	Injunctions to restrain offences against Act or failure to comply with directions	72
	101	Enforcement of injunctions	73
	102	Amendment or discharge of injunctions	73
	103	Interim injunctions—undertakings about damages	73
	104	Supreme Court—other powers not limited	74
Part 10	Notification and review of decisions
	105	What is a reviewable decision?—pt 10	75
	106	Reviewable decision notices	75
	107	Applications for review	75
Part 11	Miscellaneous
	108	Protection from civil liability	76
	109	Evidentiary certificates	76
	110	Determination of fees	77
	111	Approved forms	77
	112	Regulation-making power	77
Part 20	Transitional
	200	Definitions—pt 20	78
	201	Technical codes under Utilities Act 2000	78
	202	Application of offence of providing regulated utility service without operating certificate	78
	203	Transitional regulations	79
	204	Expiry—pt 20	79
Schedule 1	Reviewable decisions	80
Dictionary			81

Endnotes
	1	About the endnotes	86
	2	Abbreviation key	86
	3	Legislation history	87
	4	Amendment history	88
	5	Earlier republications	90

Australian Capital Territory
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014

An Act relating to the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of regulated utility services, and for other purposes

    

Part 1	Preliminary
1	Name of Act
This Act is the Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014.
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 ‘gas network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 10.’ means the term ‘gas network’ 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 Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
5	Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1	Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1).  
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2	Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.
6	Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are to—
	(a)	ensure the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of regulated utility services; and
	(b)	promote the long-term serviceability of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services; and
	(c)	promote design integrity and functionality of regulated utility networks; and
	(d)	ensure the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services to protect the following:
	(i)	the public;
	(ii)	people working on regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(iii)	property near regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(iv)	the environment.
7	Other laws not affected
	(1)	This Act is in addition to, and does not limit, any other Act.
	(2)	In particular, nothing in this Act affects the exercise of a function under, or the obligation (if any) of a regulated utility service to comply with a requirement under any of the following:
	(a)	the Australian Consumer Law (ACT);
	(b)	the Electricity (National Scheme) Act 1997;
	(c)	the Electricity Safety Act 1971;
	(d)	the Emergencies Act 2004;
	(e)	the Environment Protection Act 1997;
	(f)	the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth);
	(g)	the Gas Safety Act 2000;
	(h)	the National Gas (ACT) Act 2008;
	(i)	the National Gas (ACT) Law;
	(j)	the National Gas (ACT) Regulation;
	(k)	the Planning and Development Act 2007;
	(l)	the Utilities Act 2000;
	(m)	the Water and Sewerage Act 2000;
	(n)	the Water Resources Act 2007;
	(o)	the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).

Part 2	Regulated utility services
8	Meaning of regulated utility
In this Act:
regulated utility means a person who provides a service that is a regulated utility service under this Act.
9	Meaning of regulated utility service
	(1)	For this Act, each of the following is a regulated utility service:
	(a)	a utility service under the Utilities Act 2000, part 2; 
Note	The Utilities Act 2000 requires a person who provides a utility service to be licensed (see that Act, s 21).
	(b)	a regulated utility service prescribed under section 10;
	(c)	in relation to electricity—small or medium scale electrical generation;
	(d)	in relation to electricity—the supply of electricity from an electricity network to premises;
	(e)	in relation to gas—the supply of gas from a gas network to premises;
	(f)	in relation to water—owning, leasing or subleasing a registrable dam;
	(g)	the provision of a district energy service.
	(2)	In this section:
discrete district network means infrastructure that is not connected to a network and is used for 1 or more of the following:
	(a)	providing a form of energy to more than 1 building or premises; 
	(b)	converting a form of energy to another form of energy and providing that energy to more than 1 building or premises; 
	(c)	providing reticulated gas, water or another fluid to more than 1 building or premises;
	(d)	storing a form of energy, gas, water or another fluid for provision to more than 1 building or premises.
Example—discrete district network
A solar installation located on a warehouse produces a form of energy such as electricity or hydraulic pressure that is provided to the warehouse and a number of other buildings in the neighbourhood for use.  The solar installation and the cables distributing the energy are not connected to a network under the Utilities Act 2000.
Note	An example is part of the Act is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
district energy service means the provision for use in a discrete district network of 1 or both of the following:
	(a)	electricity or another form of energy;
	(b)	reticulated gas, water or another fluid.
small or medium scale generation means the capacity to generate an amount of power that—
	(a)	is not less than the lower limit, but less than the upper limit prescribed by regulation; and
	(b)	is connected to an electricity network.
10	Prescribed regulated utility services
	(1)	A regulation may prescribe a regulated utility service for this Act if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the service includes infrastructure for the provision of electricity, gas, another form of energy, water or sewerage.
	(2)	A regulation may prescribe the regulated utility network and the infrastructure it consists of for a regulated utility service prescribed under subsection (1).
10A	Exempt classes of regulated utility services
	(1)	A regulation may exempt a class of regulated utility service from this Act if, after consulting the technical regulator and having regard to the matters in subsection (2), the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	the class of regulated utility service is, either—
	(i)	adequately regulated under another law applying in the ACT; or
	(ii)	not required to be regulated; and
	(b)	exempting the class of regulated utility service will not significantly impede the objects under section 6 being achieved.
	(2)	For subsection (1), the Minister must have regard to the following:
	(a)	the nature and kind of regulated utility service;
	(b)	the level of risk of—
	(i)	a regulated utility service in the class failing; or
	(ii)	a regulated utility failing to provide a regulated utility service in the class in a safe, reliable and effective way;
	(c)	the consequences for consumers, public safety and the environment if—
	(i)	a regulated utility service in the class were to fail; or
	(ii)	a regulated utility were to fail to provide a regulated utility service in the class in a safe, reliable and effective way.

Part 3	Technical codes
Division 3.1	Purpose of technical codes
11	Technical codes—purpose
	(1)	A technical code must be consistent with the objects of this Act and may be made for the following purposes:
	(a)	protecting the integrity of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(b)	protecting the health and safety of people who operate, work on, or are likely to be affected by, the operation of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(c)	ensuring the proper connection of customers’ premises to a regulated utility network for the provision of a regulated utility service;
	(d)	establishing design features or performance requirements for—
	(i)	a regulated utility network or a regulated utility service; and
	(ii)	facilities or equipment on customer’s premises that connect to a regulated utility network or regulated utility service;
	(e)	establishing boundaries that apply in relation to regulated utility networks, other networks and customer premises;
	(f)	protecting—
	(i)	public and private property; and
	(ii)	the environment;
	(g)	emergency planning by a regulated utility.
	(2)	A technical code may make provision in relation to the accreditation of people for work associated with regulated utility services.
Division 3.2	Making technical codes
12	Draft technical codes—proposed by regulated utility
	(1)	A regulated utility may propose a draft technical code by—
	(a)	giving the technical regulator the draft technical code; and
	(b)	asking the technical regulator to consider the draft technical code.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 111 for this provision, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
	(2)	If the technical regulator receives a draft technical code under subsection (1), the technical regulator, after considering the draft technical code, may prepare the draft technical code (with or without amendment) for consultation under section 13.
	(3)	Nothing in this section requires the technical regulator to prepare a draft technical code for consultation.
13	Draft technical codes—consultation
	(1)	The technical regulator may prepare a draft technical code.
	(2)	The technical regulator must give a copy of the draft technical code to—
	(a)	the ICRC; and 
	(b)	each regulated utility providing services that are likely to be regulated under the draft code.
	(3)	A person who is given a copy of the draft technical code under subsection (2) may make a submission to the technical regulator about the draft technical code within a stated period of not less than 20 days.
	(4)	The technical regulator—
	(a)	must consider a submission made under this section; and
	(b)	may make a recommendation to the Minister about approval of the draft technical code.
14	Technical codes—approval
	(1)	The Minister may approve a technical code as recommended by the technical regulator if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	section 13 has been complied with; and
	(b)	the technical code is—
	(i)	consistent with the objects of this Act; and 
	(ii)	not inconsistent with another technical code.
	(2)	An approved technical code may apply, adopt or incorporate a law or instrument, or a provision of a law or instrument, as in force from time to time.
	(3)	The Legislation Act, section 47 (6) does not apply in relation to an AS or AS/NZS applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (2).
Note 	An AS or AS/NZS does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).  An AS or AS/NZS may be purchased at www.standards.org.au.
	(4)	An approval is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
15	Technical codes—public access
	(1)	The technical regulator must make a copy of a technical code available for public inspection during ordinary office hours.
	(2)	The technical regulator must also make a copy of an instrument (other than an AS or AS/NZS) applied, adopted or incorporated in a technical code available for public inspection during ordinary office hours.
	(3)	A person may inspect, or make a copy of, all or part of a technical code.
	(4)	If a person requests that a copy be made available in electronic form, the technical regulator may provide a copy—
	(a)	on a data storage device; or
	(b)	by electronic transmission.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
Division 3.3	Enforcement of technical codes
16	Offence—fail to comply with technical code
A regulated utility commits an offence if—
	(a)	a technical code applies to the regulated utility; and
	(b)	the regulated utility fails to comply with a requirement of the technical code; and
	(c)	the regulated utility is negligent about whether the technical code is complied with.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units.
17	Technical regulator’s warning notice
	(1)	This section applies if the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a regulated utility has contravened, or is likely to contravene, this Act.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	The technical regulator must give the regulated utility a written notice (a show cause notice) stating—
	(a)	that the technical regulator proposes to issue a notice (a technical regulator’s warning notice); and 
	(b)	the details of the proposed technical regulator’s warning notice; and
	(c)	that the regulated utility may, not later than 20 days after the day the regulated utility is given the show cause notice, give the technical regulator a written submission about the proposed technical regulator’s warning notice.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	After considering any submission given under subsection (2) (c), the technical regulator may give the regulated utility a technical regulator’s warning notice stating—
	(a)	the reasons for the warning notice; and 
	(b)	the action required to rectify the contravention or to avoid the likely contravention; and
	(c)	the time within which the action is required; and
	(d)	if the warning notice is not complied with in the time mentioned in paragraph (c), that— 
	(i)	a technical regulator’s direction under section 18 may be given without further notice; and
	(ii)	the technical regulator’s compliance report will include details of the non-compliance.
	(4)	The technical regulator’s compliance report must include details about—
	(a)	the regulated utilities that were given a notice under this section in a financial year; and
	(b)	the reasons for the notice; and 
	(c)	whether the action required in the notice was taken within the time stated in the notice.
18	Technical regulator’s directions
	(1)	This section applies if the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a regulated utility has contravened, or is likely to contravene, this Act.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	The technical regulator may give the regulated utility a written notice (a show cause notice) stating—
	(a)	that the technical regulator proposes to issue a direction (a technical regulator’s direction); and 
	(b)	the details of the proposed technical regulator’s direction; and
	(c)	that the regulated utility may, not later than 20 days after the day the regulated utility is given the show cause notice, give the technical regulator a written submission about the proposed technical regulator’s direction.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	After considering any submission given under subsection (2) (c), the technical regulator may direct the regulated utility to take action stated in the technical regulator’s direction to ensure compliance with this Act or the code, including action—
	(a)	to rectify the contravention; or
	(b)	to avoid the likely contravention.
	(4)	The technical regulator may give a technical regulator’s direction only if the technical regulator—
	(a)	has given the regulated utility a technical regulator’s warning notice and the warning notice has not been complied with; or
	(b)	has given the regulated utility a show cause notice under this section.
	(5)	As soon as practicable after a technical regulator’s direction is given, the technical regulator must prepare a statement about the direction and the reasons for it.
Note	For what must be included in a statement of reasons, see the Legislation Act, s 179.
	(6)	The direction and statement of reasons are a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
19	Offence—fail to comply with technical regulator’s direction
A regulated utility commits an offence if the regulated utility—
	(a)	is given a technical regulator’s direction; and
	(b)	intentionally fails to take reasonable steps to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units.
20	Technical regulator’s urgent directions
	(1)	This section applies if the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a regulated utility—
	(a)	has contravened, or is likely to contravene, this Act; and
	(b)	the contravention or likely contravention is occurring in urgent circumstances.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	The technical regulator may direct the regulated utility to take the action stated in the direction (a technical regulator’s urgent direction) to ensure compliance with the technical code within a stated period.
	(3)	As soon as practicable after a technical regulator’s urgent direction is given, the technical regulator must prepare a statement about the urgent direction and the reasons for it.
Note	For what must be included in a statement of reasons, see the Legislation Act, s 179.
	(4)	The direction and statement of reasons are a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
	(5)	In this section:
urgent circumstances means circumstances in which it is necessary to protect—
	(a)	the integrity of a regulated utility network or facility; or
	(b)	the health or safety of people; or
	(c)	public or private property; or
	(d)	the environment.
21	Offence—fail to comply with technical regulator’s urgent direction
A regulated utility commits an offence if the regulated utility—
	(a)	is given a technical regulator’s urgent direction; and
	(b)	intentionally fails to take reasonable steps to comply with the urgent direction.
Maximum penalty: 3 000 penalty units.
22	Technical regulator—obtaining information and documents
	(1)	If the technical regulator is satisfied that a person is capable of providing information or producing a document that the technical regulator reasonably requires for this part, the technical regulator may, by written notice given to the person, require the person—
	(a)	to give the information to the technical regulator in writing signed by the person; or
	(b)	to produce the document to the technical regulator.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(2)	The notice must state—
	(a)	the place at which the information or document is to be given or produced to the technical regulator; and
	(b)	the time at which, or the period within which, the information or document is to be given or produced.
	(3)	If a document is produced in accordance with a requirement under subsection (1), the technical regulator—
	(a)	may—
	(i)	take possession of, and make a copy of, or take extracts from, the document; and
	(ii)	keep the document for the period necessary for the purposes of this part; and
	(b)	must, during that period allow a person who would be entitled to inspect the document, if it was not in the possession of the technical regulator, to inspect the document at any reasonable time.
23	Offence—contravention of requirement under s 22
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	is required to provide information or a document by notice under section 22; and
	(b)	fails to take reasonable steps to comply with the notice.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
24	Self-incrimination etc
	(1)	A person is not excused from providing information or producing a document or thing when required to do so under section 22 (Technical regulator—obtaining information and documents) on the ground that the information or document might tend to incriminate the person.
	(2)	However, the information, document or thing obtained as a direct or indirect consequence of the requirement is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings, other than proceedings for—
	(a)	an offence against this Act; or
	(b)	any other offence in relation to the falsity of the information or document.
Note 1	A reference to an offence against a Territory law includes a reference to a related ancillary offence, eg attempt (see Legislation Act, s 189).
Note 2	The Legislation Act, s 171 deals with the application of client legal privilege.
Division 3.4	Application to NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers
25	Application to NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers—pt 3
	(1)	This part applies to a NERL retailer as if—
	(a)	a reference to a regulated utility were a reference to a NERL retailer; and
	(b)	a reference to a regulated utility service were a reference to the activity of selling electricity or gas to a person for premises; and
	(c)	a reference to a customer were a reference to a customer under the National Energy Retail Law (ACT); and
	(d)	any other necessary changes were made.
	(2)	This part applies to a NERL exempt seller as if—
	(a)	a reference to a regulated utility were a reference to a NERL exempt seller; and
	(b)	a reference to a regulated utility service were a reference to the activity of selling electricity or gas to a person for premises; and
	(c)	a reference to a customer were a reference to a customer under the National Energy Retail Law (ACT); and
	(d)	any other necessary changes were made.
26	NERL retailers and NERL exempt sellers—determination of application of technical code
	(1)	The Minister may determine that a technical code applies to a NERL retailer or NERL exempt seller if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is appropriate for the code to apply to the retailer or seller.
Note	Power to make a statutory instrument (including a disallowable instrument) includes power to make different provision for different categories (see Legislation Act, s 48).
	(2)	A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
27	Inconsistency between Act and NERL
	(1)	The National Energy Retail Law (ACT) prevails if there is an inconsistency between this Act in its application to a NERL retailer or NERL exempt seller and that Law.
Note 1	A reference to the National Energy Retail Law (ACT) includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under that Law, including the National Energy Retail Regulation (ACT) and the National Energy Retail Rules (see National Energy Retail Law (ACT) Act 2012, s 9 (2) and Legislation Act, s 104).
Note 2	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	This Act is taken to be consistent with that Law to the extent that it is capable of operating concurrently with that Law.

Part 4	Reporting of notifiable incidents
    
28	Definitions—pt 4
In this part:
dangerous incident means an incident that exposes, or potentially exposes, a person to a serious risk to the person’s health or safety emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to—
	(a)	an uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance onto land, adjacent land or premises; or
	(b)	an uncontrolled implosion, explosion or fire; or
	(c)	an uncontrolled escape of gas or steam; or
	(d)	an uncontrolled escape of a pressurised substance; or
	(e)	electric shock; or
	(f)	the fall or release from a height of any plant, installation, substance or thing; or
	(g)	the collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to, any plant used in relation to the provision of a regulated utility service; or
	(h)	the collapse or partial collapse of a structure; or
	(i)	the collapse or failure of an excavation or of any shoring supporting an excavation; or
	(j)	the inrush of water, mud or gas in workings, in an underground excavation or tunnel, utility pit, switchboard, pipe or conduit; or
	(k)	any other event identified in a technical code; or
	(l)	any other event prescribed by regulation.
notifiable incident means an incident, in relation to the operation of a regulated utility network, or infrastructure used in a regulated utility network, that involves—
	(a)	the death of a person; or
	(b)	a dangerous incident; or 
	(c)	serious damage to public or private property; or 
	(d)	serious damage to the environment.
29	Offence—reporting of notifiable incidents by regulated utility
A regulated utility commits an offence if a notifiable incident happens and the regulated utility fails to tell the technical regulator about the notifiable incident, by telephone or email, within 24 hours after the regulated utility becomes aware of the notifiable incident.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.

Part 5	Protection of regulated utility networks
Division 5.1	General
30	Meaning of interference—pt 5
In this part:
interference, with a regulated utility network or network facility, includes an action that—
	(a)	interferes with, or is likely to interfere with, the safe or efficient operation of the network, the facility or the environment; or
	(b)	inhibits or obstructs, or is likely to inhibit or obstruct, lawful access to the network or facility.
Division 5.2	General interference
31	Offence—interference with regulated utility networks
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	does something that interferes with a regulated utility network, or a network facility; and
	(b)	is reckless about whether doing the thing would interfere with the regulated utility network, or a network facility.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or both.
32	Network protection notices
	(1)	This section applies if a responsible utility is satisfied that a structure or activity on, under or over land or water interferes, or is reasonably likely to interfere, with the regulated utility network or a network facility.
	(2)	The responsible utility may give the landholder written notice to take whatever action is necessary to stop the interference with the regulated utility network or network facility, or to remove the likelihood of that interference.
Note 1	Utilities may also maintain network facilities under the Utilities Act 2000, s 106 (Maintenance of network facilities).
Note 2	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	The notice must—
	(a)	indicate the structure or activity; and
	(b)	require the landholder to take stated action to stop the interference, or remove the likelihood of the interference, within a stated period; and
	(c)	contain a statement about the effect of subsection (5).
	(4)	The stated period must be at least 14 days starting on the date the notice is given to the landholder.
	(5)	If the landholder does not comply with the notice—
	(a)	the responsible utility may do whatever is necessary to stop the interference or remove the likelihood of the interference; and
	(b)	the reasonable expenses incurred by the utility are a debt due to the utility by the landholder.
	(6)	Subsection (5) (b) does not apply to a structure that was, or an activity that commenced, on, under or over the land before the installation of the regulated utility network or network facility to which the interference relates.
	(7)	In urgent circumstances, subsection (2) does not apply and the responsible utility may do whatever is necessary to stop the interference or to remove the likelihood of the interference—
	(a)	without notice to the landholder; and
	(b)	at the expense of the utility.
	(8)	The responsible utility must, as soon as practicable after taking action under subsection (7), give written notice to the landholder and the technical regulator about—
	(a)	the action taken to stop the interference or to remove the likelihood of the interference; and
	(b)	the urgent circumstances that required the action under subsection (7).
	(9)	If both of the following happen, the amount of the loss or damage is a debt owing to the person by the responsible utility:
	(a)	the responsible utility acts under this section in relation to a structure that was, or an activity that began, on, under or over the land before the installation of the regulated utility network or network facility to which the interference relates;
	(b)	the person suffers loss or damage because of the responsible utility’s action.
	(10)	This section has effect in relation to a tree that is a registered tree under the Tree Protection Act 2005 subject to that Act, part 3 (Protection of trees).
Note	Under the Tree Protection Act 2005, pt 3 it is an offence to damage a registered tree (or do prohibited groundwork in the tree’s protection zone) unless the damage or groundwork is allowed under that Act. Application may be made to the conservator for approval of tree damaging activity or prohibited groundwork (including in urgent circumstances).
	(11)	In subsection (7):
urgent circumstances means circumstances in which it is necessary to protect—
	(a)	the integrity of a regulated utility network or network facility; or
	(b)	the health or safety of people; or
	(c)	public or private property; or
	(d)	the environment.
33	Network protection—action affecting heritage significance
	(1)	If a notice under section 32 is about action that may affect a place or object registered, or nominated for provisional registration, under the Heritage Act 2004, the responsible utility must also give a copy of the notice to the heritage council as soon as practicable.
	(2)	If a responsible utility acts in urgent circumstances as mentioned in section 32 (7), it must give the heritage council written notice of the action as soon as practicable.
Division 5.3	Contamination of water or sewerage networks
34	Offence—contamination of water
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	engages in conduct that contaminates water in a water network; and
	(b)	is reckless about whether the conduct is likely to contaminate water in a water network; and 
	(c)	is not authorised to engage in the conduct by the responsible utility for the network.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or both.
35	Offence—prohibited substances—water or sewerage network
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	introduces a substance, or allows a substance to be introduced, into a water network or sewerage network; and
	(b)	is reckless about whether the substance—
	(i)	is likely to interfere with a regulated utility network or a network facility; or 
	(ii)	will form a compound that is likely to interfere with a regulated utility network or a network facility; and
	(c)	is not authorised to introduce the substance by the responsible utility for the network.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or both.
36	Exempt water treatments
	(1)	Section 34 and section 35 do not apply to the addition by the responsible utility to a water network of—
	(a)	a chemical for the purpose of clarifying, purifying or otherwise treating the water in that network at a concentration that is not injurious to public health; or
	(b)	fluoride at a concentration not exceeding 1.0mg/L.
	(2)	For subsection (1) (b), a concentration is taken to be a concentration of 1.0mg/L if the concentration—
	(a)	would result in an average concentration of 1.0mg/L during a period of 24 hours; and
	(b)	does not exceed 1.2mg/L.
Division 5.4	Miscellaneous
37	Offence—unauthorised network connections
	(1)	A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	connects premises to a regulated utility network; and
	(b)	is not—
	(i)	the responsible utility for the network; or
	(ii)	an agent of the responsible utility; or 
	(iii)	authorised by the responsible utility.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	In this section:
responsible utility includes a NERL retailer.
38	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of electricity
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	abstracts, diverts or uses electricity from an electricity network; and
	(b)	is not authorised to abstract, divert or use the electricity by the responsible utility for the network.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
39	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of gas
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	abstracts, diverts or uses gas from a gas network; and
	(b)	is not authorised to abstract, divert or use the gas by the responsible utility for the network.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
40	Offence—unauthorised abstraction etc of water
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	abstracts, diverts or uses water from a water network; and
	(b)	is not authorised to abstract, divert or use the water by the responsible utility for the network.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
41	Extended meaning of network
	(1)	In section 38, section 39 and section 40:
network includes related infrastructure between the network boundary and a customer meter.
	(2)	In this section:
customer meter, in relation to the supply of electricity, gas or water, means a meter used to measure the supply to a customer’s premises.

Part 6	Operating certificates
Division 6.1	General
42	Meaning of unlicensed regulated utility—pt 6
In this part:
unlicensed regulated utility means a person who provides, or proposes to provide, a regulated utility service under this Act, but is not required to be licensed under the Utilities Act 2000 (or is exempt from the requirement to be licensed under that Act).  
Division 6.2	Operating certificates—unlicensed regulated utilities
43	Operating certificate—application
	(1)	An unlicensed regulated utility must apply to the technical regulator for an operating certificate.
	(2)	An application must include information about the utility’s—
	(a)	capacity to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of regulated utility services; and
	(b)	promotion of the long-term serviceability of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services; and
	(c)	promotion of design integrity and functionality of regulated utility networks; and
	(d)	capacity to ensure the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of regulated utility networks and regulated utility services to protect the following:
	(i)	the public;
	(ii)	people working on regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(iii)	property near regulated utility networks and regulated utility services;
	(iv)	the environment.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 111 for this provision, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
44	Operating certificate—further information
	(1)	The technical regulator may, by written notice, require the applicant to give the technical regulator further stated information about the application including plans detailing the regulated utility service or the proposed regulated utility service.
	(2)	The technical regulator is not required to decide an application until the applicant complies with a requirement under subsection (1).
45	Operating certificate—information on likely compliance costs
Before granting an operating certificate, the technical regulator may, by written notice, give the applicant information about the following:
	(a)	the auditing and compliance schedules that will apply in relation to the regulated utility service being provided or proposed;
	(b)	the technical codes that will apply, or may need to be developed, in relation to the regulated utility service being provided or proposed;
	(c)	the fees that are likely to apply in relation to auditing, compliance and technical codes.
46	Operating certificate—grant
	(1)	The technical regulator must grant an operating certificate if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	for an unlicensed regulated utility providing a regulated utility service—the regulated utility service is being provided in accordance with the following criteria:
	(i)	provision in accordance with this Act; 
	(ii)	delivery in a safe, reliable and efficient manner; 
	(iii)	sufficient consideration of long‑term serviceability; 
	(iv)	sufficient consideration of design integrity and functionality; 
	(v)	safe and reliable operation and maintenance in a manner that protects the following:
	(A)	the public;
	(B)	people working on the regulated utility service;
	(C)	property near the regulated utility service;
	(D)	the environment; or
	(b)	for an unlicensed regulated utility service that is proposing to provide a regulated utility service—
	(i)	the proposed service will be a regulated utility service; and
	(ii)	the proposed service can be constructed in such a way that it will operate, in accordance with the criteria in subsection (1) (a).
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	If the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that an unlicensed regulated utility is providing, or proposing to provide, a regulated utility service that is not covered by a technical code, the technical regulator may—
	(a)	before a technical code is approved—grant an operating certificate on the condition that the unlicensed regulated utility will comply with a technical code after the code is approved; or
	(b)	refuse to grant an operating certificate until after a technical code is approved.
	(3)	If the approval of a technical code is required as a result of subsection (2)—
	(a)	the technical code is a technical code under part 3 of this Act; and
	(b)	an unlicensed regulated utility that is proposing to provide a regulated utility service is to be taken to be a regulated utility for section 12 (Draft technical codes—proposed by regulated utility) and section 13 (Draft technical cades—consultation).
	(4)	To remove any doubt, the grant of an operating certificate under this section does not authorise the sale of anything produced by the unlicensed regulated utility without an approval, licence or other thing required for the sale under other legislation.
Note	See s 7 (Other laws not affected).
47	Operating certificate—term
An operating certificate granted under section 46 is in force for the term stated in the certificate.
48	Operating certificate—general condition
	(1)	The technical regulator may give an unlicensed regulated utility written notice of the following: 
	(a)	the auditing and compliance schedules that apply to the regulated utility service being provided under the operating certificate;
	(b)	the technical codes that apply to the regulated utility service being provided under the operating certificate;
	(c)	that the development of a technical code is required for the regulated utility service being provided or proposed by the unlicensed regulated utility;
	(d)	the fees that apply in relation to auditing, compliance and technical codes.
Note 1	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
Note 2	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(2)	It is a condition of an operating certificate that the unlicensed regulated utility operating under the certificate must comply with a requirement notified under subsection (1).
49	Operating certificate—revocation
	(1)	The technical regulator may revoke an operating certificate if the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	a condition of the operating certificate is not being complied with; or
	(b)	the unlicensed regulated utility is providing a regulated utility service in contravention of this Act.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	Before revoking an operating certificate, the technical regulator must—
	(a)	give the unlicensed regulated utility a written notice stating—
	(i)	that the technical regulator proposes to revoke the operating certificate under this section; and
	(ii)	the reasons for the proposed revocation; and
	(iii)	that the unlicensed regulated utility may, not later than 20 days after the day the written notice is given, give the technical regulator a written submission about the proposed revocation; and
	(b)	consider any submission given under paragraph (a) (iii).
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
Division 6.3	Enforcement of operating certificates
50	Offence—providing regulated utility service without operating certificate
An unlicensed regulated utility commits an offence if—
	(a)	the unlicensed regulated utility provides a regulated utility service; and 
	(b)	an operating certificate is not in force in relation to the unlicensed regulated utility. 
Maximum penalty:  3 000 penalty units.
51	Offence—constructing regulated utility service without operating certificate
An unlicensed regulated utility commits an offence if—
	(a)	the unlicensed regulated utility constructs infrastructure for the provision of a regulated utility service; and 
	(b)	an operating certificate is not in force in relation to the unlicensed regulated utility. 
Maximum penalty:  3 000 penalty units.

Part 7	Network boundaries and isolated infrastructure
Division 7.1	General
52	Definitions—pt 7
In this part:
alternative network boundary means a boundary that—
	(a)	is allowed for under a technical code; and
	(b)	is made by agreement between a regulated utility and another person; and
	(c)	if made, applies instead of the network boundary under section 53 (1).
infrastructure means the following:
	(a)	in relation to an electricity network—
	(i)	powerlines and cables; and
	(ii)	substations and equipment for monitoring, distributing, converting, transforming or controlling electricity; and
	(iii)	a structure supporting overhead powerlines and cables; and
	(iv)	wires, ducts or pipes for wires or equipment; and
	(v)	communication equipment for the management of the network; and
	(vi)	any other thing ancillary to any other part of the infrastructure; 
	(b)	in relation to a gas network—
	(i)	pipelines; and
	(ii)	meters; and
	(iii)	any equipment (including pressure control devices, excess flow valves, control valves, actuators, electrical equipment, telemetry equipment, cathodic protection installations, compounds, pits, buildings, signs and fences); and
	(iv)	any other thing ancillary to any other part of the infrastructure;
	(c)	in relation to a water network—
	(i)	water storages, mains and treatment plants; and
	(ii)	pumps, facilities and equipment for distributing water, or monitoring or controlling the distribution of water; and
	(iii)	pipes or equipment; and
	(iv)	any other thing ancillary to any other part of the infrastructure; 
	(d)	in relation to a sewerage network—
	(i)	sewage storages, trunk sewers, mains and treatment plants; and
	(ii)	pumps, facilities and equipment for conveying sewage, or monitoring or controlling the conveyance of sewage; and
	(iii)	pipes or equipment; and
	(iv)	any other thing ancillary to any other part of the infrastructure.
isolated infrastructure means infrastructure that—
	(a)	is connected to a network, but because of an alternative network boundary, is excluded from the network; and
	(b)	has a connection point to premises; and
	(c)	supplies electricity, gas, water or sewerage to the connection point of the premises.
Division 7.2	Network boundaries
53	Network boundary
	(1)	The boundary of a network must be worked out in accordance with a technical code.
	(2)	A technical code may deal with the boundary of a network by reference to a connection point between the network and—
	(a)	customers’ premises; or
	(b)	buildings or structures on customers’ premises; or
	(c)	any other network.
	(3)	If a technical code allows for an alternative network boundary to be agreed between a regulated utility and another person, the agreement may only be made if—
	(a)	the location and properties of any isolated infrastructure that is created by the alternative boundary is clearly identified; and
	(b)	the technical regulator agrees in writing to the alternative boundary.
Division 7.3	Isolated infrastructure—maintenance requirements
54	Technical inspector’s warning notice—isolated infrastructure
	(1)	A technical inspector may inspect isolated infrastructure.
Note	For powers of technical inspectors, see div 9.4.
	(2)	If, on inspection, a technical inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that isolated infrastructure is not being maintained in a way that is likely to prevent or resolve faults, the technical inspector must give the owner of the isolated infrastructure a written notice (a show cause notice) stating—
	(a)	that the technical inspector proposes to issue a notice (a technical inspector’s warning notice); and 
	(b)	the details of the proposed technical inspector’s warning notice; and
	(c)	that the owner of the isolated infrastructure may, not later than 20 days after the day the owner is given the show cause notice, give the technical inspector a written submission about the proposed technical inspector’s warning notice.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	The technical inspector must give a copy of the show cause notice to the relevant regulated utility.
	(4)	After considering any submission given under subsection (2) (c), the technical inspector may, if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the isolated infrastructure is not being maintained in a way that is likely to prevent or resolve faults, give the owner of the isolated infrastructure a technical inspector’s warning notice stating—
	(a)	the reasons for the warning notice; and 
	(b)	the action required to properly maintain the infrastructure; and
	(c)	the time period within which the action is required; and
	(d)	if the warning notice is not complied with in the time mentioned in paragraph (c), that—
	(i)	a technical regulator’s direction under section 55 may be given without further notice; and
	(ii)	the technical regulator’s compliance report must include details of the non-compliance.
	(5)	In this section:
relevant regulated utility means the regulated utility that owns the regulated utility network that is connected to the isolated infrastructure that is the subject of the technical regulator’s direction.
55	Technical regulator’s directions—isolated infrastructure
	(1)	This section applies if the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	the owner of isolated infrastructure is not maintaining the infrastructure in a way that is likely to prevent or resolve faults; and
	(b)	there is a risk of significant adverse effects on the community, the environment or a network if the isolated infrastructure fails.
	(2)	The technical regulator may give the owner of the isolated infrastructure a written notice (a show cause notice) stating—
	(a)	that the technical regulator proposes to issue a direction (a technical regulator’s direction); and 
	(b)	the details of the proposed technical regulator’s direction; and
	(c)	that the owner of isolated infrastructure may, not later than 20 days after the day the owner is given the show cause notice, give the technical regulator a written submission about the proposed technical regulator’s direction.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	After considering any submission given under subsection (2) (c), the technical regulator may direct the owner of the isolated infrastructure to take the action stated in the technical regulator’s direction including 1 or more of the following:
	(a)	to ensure the isolated infrastructure is maintained in a way that is likely to prevent or resolve faults; 
	(b)	to reduce the risk of significant adverse effects on the community, the environment or a network if the isolated infrastructure fails;
	(c)	to begin negotiations with the relevant regulated utility about the location of the alternative network boundary and the need to ensure that the isolated infrastructure becomes part of a network. 
	(4)	If the technical regulator gives a direction to begin negotiations under subsection (3) (c), the technical regulator must also give the relevant regulated utility written notice about the issues that have arisen in relation to the isolated infrastructure. 
	(5)	The technical regulator may give a technical regulator’s direction to the owner of isolated infrastructure only if—
	(a)	a technical inspector has given a technical inspector’s warning notice and the warning notice has not been complied with; or
	(b)	the technical regulator has given the owner of the isolated infrastructure a show cause notice under this section.
	(6)	As soon as practicable after a technical regulator’s direction is given, the technical regulator must prepare a statement about the direction and the reasons for it.
Note	For what must be included in a statement of reasons, see the Legislation Act, s 179.
	(7)	The technical regulator’s direction and statement of reasons are notifiable instruments.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
	(8)	In this section:
relevant regulated utility means the regulated utility that owns the regulated utility network that is connected to the isolated infrastructure that is the subject of the technical regulator’s direction. 
56	Offence—owner of isolated infrastructure failing to comply with technical regulator’s direction
An owner of isolated infrastructure commits an offence if the owner—
	(a)	is given a technical regulator’s direction; and
	(b)	intentionally fails to take reasonable steps to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units.

Part 8	Dams safety
Division 8.1	General
57	Definitions—pt 8
In this part:
dam—
	(a)	means an artificial barrier, and incidental or related works, constructed for the storage or control of water, other liquids, or other material within a liquid; but
	(b)	does not include a concrete and steel ring tank that is reliant on hoop stress for structural stability.
dams register—see section 58.
further information—see section 62 (Technical regulator may require further information).
Googong dam means the dam in the Googong Dam Area.
Googong Dam Area—see the Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 (Cwlth), section 3.
listed dam means a dam or proposed dam that is listed under section 69 (Listing of certain dams). 
owner, in relation to a dam or proposed dam, means a person who owns, leases, subleases or proposes to develop the dam.
proposed dam—a dam is a proposed dam if a person obtains development approval for the dam under the Planning and Development Act 2007.
registrable dam means—
	(a)	a dam, or proposed dam, in the Territory that—
	(i)	is more than 5m high; or
	(ii)	has a water storage capacity of more than 250ML; and
	(b)	Googong dam.
Note	Under the Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 (Cwlth), s 4 the Australian Capital Territory Executive has functions in relation to the operation and maintenance of a dam in the Googong Dam Area.
required information—see section 59.
technical code for listed dam means a technical code approved under section 73.
Division 8.2	Register of dams
58	Dams register
	(1)	The technical regulator must keep a register of dams (the dams register).
	(2)	The dams register— 
	(a)	must include the required information about registrable dams and owners of registrable dams; and
	(b)	may also include anything else the technical regulator considers relevant.
	(3)	The dams register may be—
	(a)	kept in any form, including electronic form, that the technical regulator decides; and
	(b)	made publically available on the technical regulator’s website either—
	(i)	in full; or
	(ii)	if the technical regulator believes on reasonable grounds that the information would be inappropriate to disclose—in part.
59	Required information for dams register
	(1)	The technical regulator must determine the information required for the dams register (the required information).
	(2)	The required information determined—
	(a)	must include the name and address of each owner of a registrable dam; and
	(b)	must include the location, size and capacity of a registrable dam; and
	(c)	may include any other information that the technical regulator considers relevant.
	(3)	A determination is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
60	Notice to give required information
	(1)	The technical regulator may, by written notice, require the owner of a dam to give the required information.
Note	If a form is approved under s 111 for this provision, the form must be used.
	(2)	The notice must state the time period, of not less than 30 days after the day the notice is given, within which the owner must give the required information to the technical regulator.
61	Offence—fail to give required information
The owner of a registrable dam commits an offence if the owner—
	(a)	receives written notice under section 60; and
	(b)	fails to give the technical regulator the required information within the time stated in the notice.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note	Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
62	Technical regulator may require further information
	(1)	The technical regulator may, by written notice, require the owner of a registrable dam to give any further information about the registrable dam (the further information) that the technical regulator reasonably requires.
	(2)	The notice must state the period within which the further information must be given to the technical regulator.
63	Offence—fail to give further information
The owner of a registrable dam commits an offence if the owner—
	(a)	receives written notice under section 62; and
	(b)	fails to give the technical regulator the further information within the time stated in the notice.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note	Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
64	Requirement to report change in ownership
	(1)	This section applies if there is a change in the ownership of a registrable dam.
	(2)	The owner of the registrable dam must tell the technical regulator about the change in ownership as soon as practicable, but not later than 14 days after the day the change of ownership occurs.
	(3)	If the owner of a registrable dam tells the technical regulator about a change under subsection (2) the change must be entered in the dams register.
65	Offence—fail to report change in ownership
The owner of a registrable dam commits an offence if—
	(a)	there is a change in the ownership of a registrable dam; and
	(b)	the owner fails to tell the technical regulator about the change in ownership within 14 days after the day the change of ownership occurs.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note	Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
66	Requirement to update required information and further information
	(1)	This section applies if there is a change to—
	(a)	the required information given under section 60 (Notice to give required information); or
	(b)	the further information given under section 62 (Technical regulator may require further information).
	(2)	The owner of the registrable dam must tell the technical regulator about the change as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after the day the change occurs.
	(3)	If the owner of a registrable dam tells the technical regulator about a change under subsection (2), the change must be entered in the dams register.
67	Offence—fail to update required information or further information
The owner of a registrable dam commits an offence if—
	(a)	the required information given under section 60 (Notice to give required information) or further information given under section 62 (Technical regulator may require further information) has changed; and 
	(b)	the owner fails to tell the technical regulator about the change within 30 days after the day the change occurs.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note	Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
68	Owner of registrable dam may correct dams register
	(1)	The technical regulator must, if asked in writing by the owner of a registrable dam, give the owner a copy of the information held in the dams register in relation to the owner and the owner’s registrable dam.
	(2)	The technical regulator must comply with subsection (1) as soon as practicable, but not later than 14 days after the day the technical regulator is asked.
	(3)	The owner of a registrable dam may ask the technical regulator to amend any incorrect information held in the dams register in relation to the owner or the owner’s registrable dam.
	(4)	The technical regulator must—
	(a)	if satisfied that the information is incorrect—correct the information; or
	(b)	notify the owner of the registrable dam of the reason for not changing the dams register.
Division 8.3	Listed dams
69	Listing of certain dams
	(1)	The technical regulator must—
	(a)	consider the information and further information provided in relation to registrable dams under division 8.2 (Register of dams); and
	(b)	consider the risk of significant adverse effects on the community if a registrable dam fails; and
	(c)	determine a list of the dams that present a risk of significant adverse effects on the community in the event of the failure of the dam.
	(2)	A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
70	Notification of listing of certain dams
The technical regulator must—
	(a)	notify the owner of each listed dam that the dam is a listed dam; and
	(b)	ensure that the list of dams determined under section 69 is publically available on the technical regulator’s website.
Division 8.4	Technical codes for listed dams
71	Draft technical codes for listed dam—proposed by owner of listed dam
	(1)	The owner of a listed dam may propose a draft technical code for listed dams by—
	(a)	giving the technical regulator the draft technical code; and
	(b)	asking the technical regulator to consider the draft technical code.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 111 for this provision, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
	(2)	If the technical regulator receives a draft technical code under subsection (1), the technical regulator, after considering the draft technical code, may prepare the draft technical code (with or without amendment) for consultation under section 72.
	(3)	Nothing in this section requires the technical regulator to prepare a draft technical code for consultation.
72	Technical codes for listed dams—consultation
	(1)	The technical regulator must prepare a draft technical code for listed dams.
	(2)	The draft technical code for listed dams must include the following requirements in relation to:
	(a)	guidelines for listed dams;
	(b)	safety management systems applying to listed dams; 
	(c)	the design, construction, commissioning and de‑commissioning of listed dams; 
	(d)	the operation and maintenance of listed dams; 
	(e)	the surveillance of listed dams; 
	(f)	safety reviews of listed dams; 
	(g)	safety improvements of listed dams;
	(h)	dams safety emergency plans for listed dams;
	(i)	safety training for people whose work involves listed dams;
	(j)	providing information and reports to the technical regulator about listed dams;
	(k)	maintaining records about listed dams.
	(3)	The technical regulator must give a copy of the draft technical code for listed dams to—
	(a)	the ICRC; and 
	(b)	each owner of a listed dam that is likely to be regulated under the draft code.
	(4)	A person who is given a copy of the draft technical code under subsection (2) may make a submission to the technical regulator about the draft code within a stated period of not less than 20 days.
	(5)	The technical regulator—
	(a)	must consider a submission made under this section; and
	(b)	may make a recommendation to the Minister about approval of the draft technical code for listed dams.
73	Technical codes for listed dams—approval
	(1)	The Minister may approve a technical code for listed dams as recommended by the technical regulator if the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	section 72 has been complied with; and
	(b)	the code is—
	(i)	consistent with the objects of this Act; and 
	(ii)	not inconsistent with another technical code.
	(2)	An approved technical code may apply, adopt or incorporate a law or instrument, or a provision of a law or instrument, as in force from time to time.
	(3)	The Legislation Act, section 47 (6) does not apply in relation to an AS or AS/NZS applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (2).
Note 	An AS or AS/NZS does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (6) does not apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).  An AS or AS/NZS may be purchased at www.standards.org.au.
	(4)	An approval is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
74	Technical codes for listed dams—public access
	(1)	The technical regulator must make a copy of a technical code available for public inspection during ordinary office hours.
	(2)	The technical regulator must also make a copy of an instrument (other than an AS or AS/NZS) applied, adopted or incorporated in a technical code available for public inspection during ordinary office hours.
	(3)	A person may inspect, or make a copy of, all or part of a technical code.
	(4)	If a person requests that a copy be made available in electronic form, the technical regulator may provide a copy—
	(a)	on a data storage device; or
	(b)	by electronic transmission.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 110 for this provision.
Division 8.5	Enforcement of technical codes for listed dam
75	Offence—fail to comply with technical code for listed dam
The owner of a listed dam commits an offence if—
	(a)	a technical code for listed dams applies to the owner; and 
	(b)	the owner fails to comply with the dams technical code; and
	(c)	the owner is negligent about whether the owner complies with the dams technical code.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units. 

Part 9	Enforcement
Division 9.1	General
76	Definitions—pt 9
In this part:
connected—a thing is connected with an offence if—
	(a)	the offence has been committed in relation to it; or
	(b)	it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or
	(c)	it was used, is being used, or is intended to be used, to commit the offence.
occupier, of premises, includes—
	(a)	a person believed on reasonable grounds to be an occupier of the premises; and
	(b)	a person apparently in charge of the premises.
offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been, is being, or will be committed.
warrant means a warrant issued under division 9.4 (Powers of technical inspectors).
Division 9.2	Technical regulator
77	Technical regulator
	(1)	There is to be a technical regulator (the technical regulator).
	(2)	The director‑general is the technical regulator.
78	Technical regulator’s functions
The technical regulator has the following functions:
	(a)	to prepare and consult on draft technical codes (including technical codes for listed dams);
	(b)	to monitor and enforce compliance with technical codes by regulated utility services;
	(c)	to audit the performance and compliance of regulated utility services;
	(d)	to audit the performance and compliance of owners of isolated infrastructure;
	(e)	to monitor and enforce compliance with the technical codes for listed dams;
	(f)	to audit the performance and compliance of owners of listed dams;
	(g)	to prepare and publish a compliance report under section 80; 
	(h)	to provide advice to the Minister and ICRC about the operation of this Act;
	(i)	any other function given to the technical regulator under this Act or another Territory law.
79	Technical regulator may recommend conditions on licence
	(1)	The technical regulator may recommend that the ICRC vary the licence of a utility service licensed under the Utilities Act 2000 to include a condition (a recommended condition) if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	the utility service has contravened this Act; or
	(b)	the recommended condition is necessary to protect public safety or the environment.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	A recommended condition may include, but is not limited to—
	(a)	the giving of a bond; or
	(b)	making good or rectifying damage to land or property.
Example
a condition to comply with a plan to rectify damage to premises caused by the contravention of a technical code 
Note	An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
	(3)	Before recommending a condition, the technical regulator must give the utility a written notice (a show cause notice) stating—
	(a)	that the technical regulator proposes to recommend a condition under this section; and 
	(b)	the details of the proposed recommended condition; and
	(c)	that the utility may, not later than 20 days after the day the regulated utility is given the show cause notice, give the technical regulator a written submission about the proposed recommended condition.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(4)	After considering any submission given under subsection (3) (c) the technical regulator may give the ICRC written notice recommending that the ICRC vary the utility’s licence under the Utilities Act 2000, section 38 to include—
	(a)	the recommended condition; or
	(b)	a condition that is not more burdensome than the recommended condition.
	(5)	Notice under subsection (4) must include a copy of—
	(a)	the show cause notice given under subsection (3); and 
	(b)	any written submission given by the utility under subsection (3); and
	(c)	any other material that the technical regulator is satisfied on reasonable grounds is relevant to the recommendation. 
	(6)	The technical regulator’s compliance report must include details about any recommendation under subsection (4) in a financial year and the reasons for the recommendation.
80	Technical regulator’s compliance report
	(1)	The technical regulator must prepare and publish a compliance report each year.
	(2)	The report must include—
	(a)	information about the operation of this Act; and
	(b)	details about the compliance of regulated utilities, owners of isolated infrastructure and owners of listed dams with the provisions of this Act; and
	(c)	details required under section 17 (2) (Technical regulator’s warning notice); and
	(d)	details required under section 54 (Technical inspector’s warning notice—isolated infrastructure); and
	(e)	details required under section 79 (6) (Technical regulator may recommend conditions on licence).
Division 9.3	Technical inspectors
81	Technical inspectors—appointment
	(1)	The technical regulator may appoint a person as a technical inspector for this Act.
Note 1	For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2	In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation Act, s 207).
	(2)	A technical inspector must exercise his or her functions under this Act in accordance with the conditions of appointment and any direction given to the inspector by the technical regulator.
	(3)	A person must not be appointed under subsection (1) unless—
	(a)	the person is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia; and
	(b)	the technical regulator has certified in writing that, after appropriate inquiry, the technical regulator is satisfied that the person is a suitable person to be appointed, having regard in particular to—
	(i)	whether the person has any criminal convictions; and
	(ii)	the person’s employment record; and
	(c)	the technical regulator has certified in writing that the technical regulator is satisfied that the person—
	(i)	has satisfactorily completed adequate training; and
	(ii)	is competent to exercise the functions of an inspector proposed to be given to the person.
82	Identity cards
	(1)	This section applies in relation to a technical inspector appointed under section 81.
	(2)	The technical regulator must give a technical inspector an identity card stating the person’s name and that the person is a technical inspector.
	(3)	The identity card must show—
	(a)	a recent photograph of the technical inspector; and
	(b)	the card’s date of issue and expiry; and
	(c)	anything else prescribed by regulation.
	(4)	A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	stops being a technical inspector; and
	(b)	does not return the person’s identity card to the technical regulator as soon as practicable (but not later than 7 days) after the day the person stops being a technical inspector.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
	(5)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
	(6)	Subsection (4) does not apply to a person if the person’s identity card has been—
	(a)	lost or stolen; or
	(b)	destroyed by someone else.
Note	The defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned in s (6) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
83	Power not to be exercised before identity card shown
	(1)	This section applies in relation to a technical inspector appointed under section 81.
	(2)	The technical inspector may exercise a power under this Act in relation to a person only if the technical inspector first shows the person the technical inspector’s identity card.
Division 9.4	Powers of technical inspectors
84	Power to enter premises
	(1)	A technical inspector may, for this Act—
	(a)	enter any premises at any time with the consent of the occupier; or
	(b)	enter premises occupied by a utility at any time the premises are being used; or
	(c)	at any reasonable time, enter premises to which a utility service is provided (other than a part of the premises used only for residential or private business purposes); or
	(d)	enter premises in accordance with a warrant under section 88 (Warrants) or section 89 (Warrants—application made other than in person).
	(2)	A technical inspector may, without the occupier’s consent or a warrant, enter the land and any common property to ask the occupier for consent to enter the premises.
	(3)	In this section:
common property includes common property under the Community Title Act 2001 and the Unit Titles Act 2001.
part of the premises used only for residential or private business purposes—
	(a)	includes—
	(i)	the inside of a residential building; and
	(ii)	the inside of a building used to conduct a private business; but
	(b)	does not include the front yard, back yard or side yards of premises on which a residential building or a building used to conduct a private business are located.
85	Production of identity card
A technical inspector may not remain on premises entered under this division if, on request by the occupier, the inspector does not produce his or her identity card.
86	Consent to entry
	(1)	When seeking the consent of an occupier for entering premises under this division, a technical inspector must—
	(a)	produce his or her identity card; and
	(b)	tell the occupier—
	(i)	the purpose of the entry; and
	(ii)	that anything found and seized may be used in evidence in court; and
	(iii)	that consent may be refused.
	(2)	If the occupier consents, the inspector must ask the occupier to sign a written acknowledgment—
	(a)	that the occupier was told—
	(i)	the purpose of the entry; and
	(ii)	that anything found and seized under this division may be used in evidence in court; and
	(iii)	that consent may be refused; and
	(b)	that the occupier consented to the entry; and
	(c)	the time, and day, when consent was given.
	(3)	If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the technical inspector must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
	(4)	Unless the contrary is proven, a court must presume that an occupier of premises did not consent to an entry to the premises by a technical inspector under this division if—
	(a)	the question whether the occupier consented to the entry arises in proceedings in the court; and
	(b)	an acknowledgment under this section, or an acknowledgement of advance consent under section 87, is not produced in evidence for the entry or exercise of power; and
	(c)	it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
87	Advance consent to entry
	(1)	A technical inspector may seek the advance consent of an occupier for entering premises.
	(2)	When seeking the advance consent of an occupier for entering premises, a technical inspector must contact the occupier in writing—
	(a)	giving a copy of his or her identity card; and
	(b)	stating—
	(i)	the proposed time and day when the entry would be made; and
	(ii)	the purpose of the entry; and
	(iii)	that anything found and seized may be used in evidence in court; and
	(iv)	that consent may be refused; and
	(c)	asking the occupier to—
	(i)	sign the acknowledgment of advance consent if the occupier consents to the entry; and
	(ii)	return the acknowledgment of advance consent to the technical inspector.
	(3)	If the occupier signs and returns the acknowledgment of advance consent, the technical inspector must—
	(a)	enter the premises at the proposed time and day mentioned in subsection (2); and
	(b)	when entering the premises—
	(i)	produce his or her identity card; and
	(ii)	produce the acknowledgment of advance consent; and 
	(iii)	give the occupier of the premises a copy of the acknowledgment of advance consent. 
	(4)	In this section:
acknowledgment of advance consent means a written statement signed by the occupier of premises stating the following:
	(a)	that the occupier was told—
	(i)	the proposed time and day when the entry would be made; and
	(ii)	the purpose of the entry; and
	(iii)	that anything found and seized under this division may be used in evidence in court; and
	(iv)	that consent may be refused; 
	(b)	that the occupier consents in advance to the entry at the proposed time and day; 
	(c)	the time and day when the advance consent was given.
88	Warrants
	(1)	A technical inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter premises.
	(2)	The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
	(3)	The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the inspector gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate requires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.
	(4)	The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—
	(a)	there is a particular thing or activity (the evidence) that may provide evidence of an offence against this Act or a related law; and
	(b)	the evidence is, or may be within the next 14 days, at the premises.
	(5)	The warrant must state—
	(a)	that a technical inspector may, with necessary assistance and force, enter the premises and exercise the inspector’s powers under this division; and
	(b)	the offence for which the warrant is sought; and
	(c)	the evidence that may be seized under the warrant; and
	(d)	the hours when the premises may be entered; and
	(e)	the date, within 14 days after the warrant’s issue, the warrant ends.
89	Warrants—application made other than in person
	(1)	A technical inspector may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, email, radio or other form of communication if the inspector considers it necessary because of—
	(a)	urgent circumstances; or
	(b)	other special circumstances.
	(2)	Before applying for the warrant, the inspector must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
	(3)	The inspector may apply for the warrant before the application is sworn.
	(4)	After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately fax a copy to the inspector if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
	(5)	If it is not reasonably practicable to fax a copy to the inspector—
	(a)	the magistrate must tell the inspector—
	(i)	the terms of the warrant; and
	(ii)	the date and time the warrant was issued; and
	(b)	the inspector must complete a form of warrant (the warrant form) and write on it—
	(i)	the magistrate’s name; and
	(ii)	the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
	(iii)	the warrant’s terms.
	(6)	The faxed copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the inspector, authorises the entry and the exercise of the technical inspector’s other powers stated in the warrant issued by the magistrate.
	(7)	The inspector must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send the magistrate—
	(a)	the sworn application; and
	(b)	if the inspector completed a warrant form—the completed warrant form.
	(8)	On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the warrant.
	(9)	A court must find that a power exercised by a technical inspector was not authorised by a warrant under this section if—
	(a)	the question arises in a proceeding before the court whether the exercise of power was authorised by a warrant; and
	(b)	the warrant is not produced in evidence; and 
	(c)	it is not proved that the exercise of power was authorised by a warrant under this section.
90	General powers on entry to premises
	(1)	A technical inspector who enters premises under this division may, for this Act—
	(a)	inspect, measure, photograph or film the premises or anything on the premises; or
	(b)	copy a document on the premises; or
	(c)	test or take samples of, or from anything on, the premises; or
	(d)	take into the premises any people, equipment or material the inspector reasonably needs for exercising a power under this division; or
	(e)	require the occupier, or a person on the premises to give the inspector reasonable help to exercise a power under this division.
	(2)	A person must take reasonable steps to comply with a requirement made of the person under subsection (1) (e).
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
91	Power to seize evidence
	(1)	A technical inspector who enters premises with a warrant under this division may seize the evidence for which the warrant was issued.
	(2)	A technical inspector who enters premises under this division with the occupier’s consent may seize a thing on the premises if—
	(a)	the inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing is connected with an offence against this Act or a related law; and
	(b)	seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry told to the occupier when seeking the occupier’s consent.
	(3)	A technical inspector may seize anything on the premises if the inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
	(a)	the thing is connected with an offence against this Act or a related law; and
	(b)	the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing being—
	(i)	concealed, lost or destroyed; or
	(ii)	used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
	(4)	Also, a technical inspector who enters premises under this division (whether with the occupier’s consent, under a warrant or otherwise) may seize anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the thing poses a risk to—
	(a)	the health or safety of people; or 
	(b)	public or private property; or 
	(c)	the environment.
	(5)	The powers of a technical inspector under subsection (3) and  subsection (4) are additional to any powers of the technical inspector under subsection (1) or subsection (2) or any other territory law.
	(6)	Having seized a thing, a technical inspector may—
	(a)	remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the place of seizure) to another place; or
	(b)	leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.
	(7)	A person commits an offence if—
	(a)	the person interferes with a seized thing, or anything containing a seized thing, to which access has been restricted under subsection (6); and
	(b)	the person does not have a technical inspector’s approval to interfere with the thing.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
92	Receipt for things seized
	(1)	As soon as practicable after a technical inspector seizes a thing under this division, the inspector must give a receipt for it to the person from whom it was seized.
	(2)	If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the technical inspector must leave the receipt at the place of seizure in a reasonably secure way and in a conspicuous position.
93	Access to things seized
A person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to a thing seized under this division may—
	(a)	inspect it; and
	(b)	if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of it.
94	Return of things seized
	(1)	A thing seized under this division must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the technical regulator for the loss of the thing, if—
	(a)	a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not instituted within 90 days of the seizure; or
	(b)	the court does not find the offence proved in a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing.
	(2)	A thing seized under this division is forfeited to the technical regulator if a court—
	(a)	finds an offence relating to the thing to be proved; and
	(b)	orders the forfeiture.
	(3)	If subsection (2) (a) applies, but a court does not order forfeiture of the thing seized, the technical regulator must return the thing to its owner or pay reasonable compensation to the owner in relation to the loss of the thing.
Division 9.5	Stop notice—utility infrastructure work
95	Meaning of utility infrastructure work—div 9.5
	(1)	In this division:
utility infrastructure work means work that involves the construction or alteration of any of the following:
	(a)	an electricity distribution network;
	(b)	an electricity transmission network;
	(c)	a gas distribution network;
	(d)	a gas transmission network;
	(e)	a water network;
	(f)	a sewerage network;
	(g)	an installation that has the capacity to generate at least the prescribed amount of electricity;
	(h)	a discrete district network under section 9 (Meaning of regulated utility service);
	(i)	infrastructure used by a regulated utility service prescribed under section 10 (Prescribed regulated utility services).
	(2)	In this section:
electricity distribution network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 7.
electricity transmission network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 7.
gas distribution network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 10.
gas transmission network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 10.
96	Stop notice
	(1)	This section applies if a technical inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a regulated utility or a person undertaking utility infrastructure work—
	(a)	has contravened this Act; or
	(b)	has not complied with a technical regulator’s direction under section 18 or section 55; or
	(c)	has not complied with a technical regulator’s urgent direction under section 20; or
	(d)	is undertaking the work without a licence under the Utilities Act 2000, in circumstances where a licence is required.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	A technical inspector may, by written notice to a person (a stop notice), require the person to stop carrying out the utility infrastructure work.
Note	For how documents may be given, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
	(3)	A stop notice must state the following:
	(a)	that it is a stop notice under this section;
	(b)	the utility infrastructure work that must stop;
	(c)	who is required to stop doing the work;
	(d)	the grounds on which the notice is given;
	(e)	the place or places where the notice applies.
	(4)	A stop notice applies for a maximum period of 8 weeks—
	(a)	beginning on the day the technical inspector gives the notice to—
	(i)	the regulated utility; or
	(ii)	the person doing the utility infrastructure work; and
	(b)	ending on the day 8 weeks after the day the notice begins.
97	Offence—fail to comply with stop notice
A person commits an offence if—
	(a)	a stop notice applies to the person; and
	(b)	the person intentionally fails to take reasonable steps to comply with the notice.
Maximum penalty: 2 000 penalty units.
98	Cancellation of stop notice—application
	(1)	A person who is required to stop doing utility infrastructure work by a stop notice may apply in writing to the technical regulator for cancellation of the stop notice stating reasons why the notice should be cancelled.
	(2)	Before making a decision on the application, the technical regulator must consider—
	(a)	the application; and
	(b)	the grounds on which the stop notice was given; and
	(c)	the current state of the utility infrastructure work to which the notice relates.
	(3)	The technical regulator may cancel the stop notice if satisfied on reasonable grounds that the cancellation will not endanger—
	(a)	the integrity of a regulated utility network or facility; or
	(b)	the health or safety of people; or
	(c)	public or private property; or
	(d)	the environment.
99	Rectification work allowed under stop notice
A stop notice does not require a person to stop utility infrastructure work if—
	(a)	the only purpose of the work is to fix or reverse the utility infrastructure work for which the notice was given; and
	(b)	a technical inspector or the technical regulator gives written approval for the work.
Division 9.6	Injunctions
100	Injunctions to restrain offences against Act or failure to comply with directions
	(1)	This section applies if a person—
	(a)	has committed, is committing, or is likely to commit, an offence against this Act; or
	(b)	has not complied with a technical regulator’s direction given under section 18 or section 55; or 
	(c)	has not complied with a technical regulator’s urgent direction given under section 20.
Note 1	A reference to an offence against a territory law includes a reference to a related ancillary offence, eg attempt (see Legislation Act, s 189).
Note 2	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation or technical code (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	The technical regulator may apply to the Supreme Court for an injunction.
	(3)	On application under subsection (2), the Supreme Court may grant an injunction restraining the person from contravening this Act (including by requiring the person to do something).
	(4)	The Supreme Court may grant the injunction—
	(a)	whether or not it appears to the court that the person intends to contravene this Act, contravene this Act again or continue to contravene this Act; and
	(b)	whether or not the person has previously contravened this Act; and
	(c)	whether or not there is a likelihood of the health or safety of a person being affected by, or property or the environment being damaged by, a hazard if the person contravenes this Act; and
	(d)	whether or not a proceeding for an offence against this Act has begun or is about to begin.
	(5)	The Supreme Court may grant an interim injunction restraining the person from committing an offence against this Act (including requiring the person to do something) before deciding an application for an injunction under this section.
101	Enforcement of injunctions
The Magistrates Court has the same powers as the Supreme Court to enforce an injunction (including an interim injunction) made under this division.
102	Amendment or discharge of injunctions
The Supreme Court may amend or discharge an injunction (including an interim injunction) made under this part on the application of the technical regulator.
103	Interim injunctions—undertakings about damages
	(1)	If the technical regulator applies for an injunction under this part, the Supreme Court must not require the technical regulator to give an undertaking about costs or damages as a condition of granting an interim injunction.
	(2)	The Supreme Court must accept an undertaking from the technical regulator about costs or damages, and not require a further undertaking from anyone else, if—
	(a)	the court would, apart from this subsection, require someone else to give an undertaking about costs or damages; and 
	(b)	the technical regulator gives the undertaking.
104	Supreme Court—other powers not limited
	(1)	The powers given to the Supreme Court under this part are in addition to any other powers of the court.
	(2)	In particular, an application to the Supreme Court for an injunction under this part may be made without notice to the person against whom the injunction is sought.

Part 10	Notification and review of decisions
    
105	What is a reviewable decision?—pt 10
In this part:
reviewable decision means a decision mentioned in schedule 1, column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in column 2 in relation to the decision.
106	Reviewable decision notices
If the technical regulator makes a reviewable decision, the technical regulator must give a reviewable decision notice to each entity mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision.
Note 1	The technical regulator must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).
Note 2	The requirements for a reviewable decision notice are prescribed under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008.
107	Applications for review
The following may apply to the ACAT for a review of a reviewable decision:
	(a)	an entity mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision;
	(b)	any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.
Note	If a form is approved under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 for the application, the form must be used.

Part 11	Miscellaneous
    
108	Protection from civil liability
	(1)	A person exercising a function under this Act does not incur civil liability for an act or omission done honestly and without negligence for this Act.
	(2)	Civil liability that would, apart from this section, attach to a person attaches instead to the Territory.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).
109	Evidentiary certificates
	(1)	The technical regulator may issue a certificate, signed by the technical regulator, stating that on a date or during a period stated that––
	(a)	a stated technical code was in force under this Act; or
	(b)	a stated technical code for listed dams was in force under this Act; or
	(c)	a stated dam was a registrable dam and that a named person was included in the dams register as the owner of the dam; or
	(d)	a stated dam was a listed dam and that a named person was included in the dams register as the owner of the dam; or
	(e)	a named person did or did not have an operating certificate for a stated regulated utility service; or
	(f)	a stated regulated utility service did or did not have an operating certificate; or
	(g)	a utility service licensed under the Utilities Act 2000 had a condition imposed on its licence and stating the details of the condition.
	(2)	A certificate under this section is evidence of the matters stated in it.
	(3)	Unless the contrary is proved, a document that purports to be a certificate under this section is taken to be a certificate.
110	Determination of fees
	(1)	The technical regulator 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.
111	Approved forms
	(1)	The technical regulator may approve forms for this Act.
	(2)	If the technical regulator approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved form must be used for that purpose.
Note	For other provisions about forms, see the Legislation Act, s 255.
	(3)	An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
Note 	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
112	Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note	A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.

Part 20	Transitional
200	Definitions—pt 20
In this part:
commencement day means the day this Act, section 9 (Meaning of regulated utility service) commences.
201	Technical codes under Utilities Act 2000
	(1)	This section applies to a technical code made under the Utilities Act 2000 in force immediately before the commencement day.
	(2)	The technical code is taken to be a technical code made under this Act.
202	Application of offence of providing regulated utility service without operating certificate
	(1)	This section applies in relation to a person if—
	(a)	immediately before the commencement day the person is providing a service that is, immediately after the commencement day, a regulated utility service; and
	(b)	immediately after the commencement day the person is an unlicensed regulated utility and is continuing to provide the service mentioned in paragraph (a).
	(2)	Section 50 (Offence—providing regulated utility service without operating certificate) does not apply in relation to the person until 2 years after the commencement day.
	(3)	In this section:
unlicensed regulated utility—see section 42 (Meaning of unlicensed regulated utility—pt 6).
203	Transitional regulations
	(1)	A regulation may prescribe transitional matters necessary or convenient to be prescribed because of the enactment of this Act.
	(2)	A regulation may modify this part (including in relation to another territory law) to make provision in relation to anything that, in the Executive’s opinion, is not, or is not adequately or appropriately, dealt with in this part.
	(3)	A regulation under subsection (2) has effect despite anything elsewhere in this Act or another territory law.
204	Expiry—pt 20
This part expires 3 years after the day it commences.
Note	Transitional provisions are kept in the Act for a limited time.  A transitional provision is repealed on its expiry but continues to have effect after its repeal (see Legislation Act, s 88).

Schedule 1	Reviewable decisions
(see pt 10)

column 1
item	column 2
section	column 3
decision	column 4
entity	
1	18 (3)	issue technical regulator’s direction	regulated utility	
2	46 (1)	refuse to grant operating certificate	unlicensed regulated utility	
3	46 (2)	refuse to grant operating certificate until after technical code approved	unlicensed regulated utility	
4	49 (1)	revoke operating certificate	unlicensed regulated utility	
5	55 (3)	issue technical regulator’s direction for isolated infrastructure	owner of isolated infrastructure	
6	68 (4)	refuse to correct dams register	owner of registrable dam	
7	96 (2)	issue stop notice	person issued with stop notice	
8	98 (3)	refuse to cancel stop notice	person applying for cancellation of stop notice	

Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1	The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2	For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
·	AS (see s 164 (1)) 
·	AS/NZS (see s 164 (2)) 
·	director-general (see s 163)
·	disallowable instrument (see s 9)
·	independent competition and regulatory commission
·	the Territory.
alternative network boundary, for part 7 (Network boundaries and isolated infrastructure)—see section 52.
compliance report means the report under section 80 (Technical regulator’s compliance report).
connected, with an offence, for part 9 (Enforcement)—see section 76.
customer, for a regulated utility service, means—
	(a)	a person for whom the service is provided under a customer contract; or
	(b)	a person who has applied, orally or in writing, to be a regulated utility for—
	(i)	the service to be provided under a customer contract; or
	(ii)	approval of a plan for plumbing or drainage work to connect premises to a water network or sewerage network.
customer contract, for a regulated utility service, includes—
	(a)	a customer contract under the Utilities Act 2000; and
	(b)	a contract that is similar to a customer contract under the Utilities Act 2000, but made between a regulated utility service and a customer.
dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
dams register, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 58.
dangerous incident, for part 4 (Reporting of notifiable incidents)—see section 28.
electricity network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 7.
further information, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 62.
gas network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 10.
Googong dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
Googong Dam Area, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
ICRC means the independent competition and regulatory commission.
infrastructure, for part 7 (Network boundaries and isolated infrastructure)—see section 52.
interference, with a regulated utility network or network facility, for part 5 (Protection of regulated utility networks)—see section 30.
isolated infrastructure, for part 7 (Network boundaries and isolated infrastructure)—see section 52.
listed dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
national electricity rules means the National Electricity Rules under the National Electricity (ACT) Law.
NERL exempt seller—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 75A.
NERL retailer—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 75.
network—
	(a)	for this Act—means any of the following:
	(i)	an electricity network;
	(ii)	a gas network;
	(iii)	a sewerage network;
	(iv)	a water network;
	(v)	a network prescribed for a prescribed utility service under the Utilities Act 2000, section 15; or
	(b)	for section 38, section 39 and section 40—see section 41 (Extended meaning of network).
network facility means any part of the infrastructure of a regulated utility network.
notifiable incident, for part 4 (Reporting of notifiable incidents)—see section 28.
occupier, of premises, for part 9 (Enforcement)—see section 76.
offence, for part 9 (Enforcement)—see section 76.
owner, in relation to a dam or proposed dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
premises includes land and place.
proposed dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
registrable dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
regulated utility—see section 8.
regulated utility network means a network that is owned by a regulated utility and used for providing a regulated utility service under this Act.
regulated utility service—see section 9.
related law means—
	(a)	the Electricity Safety Act 1971; and
	(b)	the Gas Safety Act 2000; and
	(c)	the Water and Sewerage Act 2000.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act, s 104).
required information, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 59.
responsible utility, for a regulated utility network or network facility, means a regulated utility that provides utility services using the regulated utility network or network facility. 
reviewable decision, for part 10 (Notification and review of decisions)—see section 105.
sewerage network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 14.
show cause notice—
	(a)	for section 17 (Technical regulator’s warning notice)—see section 17 (2); and
	(b)	for section 18 (Technical regulator’s directions)—see section 18 (2); and
	(c)	for section 54 (Technical inspector’s warning notice—isolated infrastructure)—see section 54 (2); and
	(d)	for section 55 (Technical regulator’s directions—isolated infrastructure)—see section 55 (2); and
	(e)	for section 79 (Technical regulator may recommend conditions on licence)—see section 79 (3).
technical code means a technical code approved under section 14.
technical code for listed dam, for part 8 (Dams safety)—see section 57.
technical inspector’s warning notice—see section 54.
technical regulator—see section 77.
technical regulator’s direction—
	(a)	in relation to regulated utilities—see section 18; and
	(b)	in relation to isolated infrastructure—see section 55.
technical regulator’s urgent direction—see section 20.
technical regulator’s warning notice—see section 17.
transmission means transmission under the national electricity rules.
unlicensed regulated utility, for part 6 (Operating certificates)—see section 42.
utility infrastructure work, for division 9.5 (Stop notice—utility infrastructure work)—see section 95. 
warrant, for part 9 (Enforcement)—see section 76.
water network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 12.

Endnotes
1	About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history.  Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history.  Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law.  The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history.  Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.  
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2	Abbreviation key

A = Act	NI = Notifiable instrument	
AF = Approved form	o = order	
am = amended	om = omitted/repealed	
amdt = amendment	ord = ordinance	
AR = Assembly resolution	orig = original	
ch = chapter	par = paragraph/subparagraph	
CN = Commencement notice	pres = present	
def = definition	prev = previous	
DI = Disallowable instrument	(prev...) = previously	
dict = dictionary	pt = part	
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative 	r = rule/subrule	
Assembly	reloc = relocated	
div = division	renum = renumbered	
exp = expires/expired	R[X] = Republication No	
Gaz = gazette	RI = reissue	
hdg = heading	s = section/subsection	
IA = Interpretation Act 1967	sch = schedule	
ins = inserted/added	sdiv = subdivision	
LA = Legislation Act 2001	SL = Subordinate law	
LR = legislation register	sub = substituted	
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996	underlining = whole or part not commenced	
mod = modified/modification	or to be expired	

3	Legislation history
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014 A2014-60
notified LR 8 December 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 8 December 2014 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 1 March 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-1)
as amended by
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (No 2) A2016‑24 pt 12
notified LR 11 May 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 11 May 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 12 commenced 12 May 2016 (s 2 (1))
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2017 A2017‑3 pt 8
notified LR 22 February 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 22 February 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 8 commenced 23 February 2017 (s 2 (1))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2017 A2017-4 sch 3 pt 3.35
notified LR 23 February 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 23 February 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.35 commenced 9 March 2017 (s 2)
Utilities Legislation Amendment Act 2017 A2017-33 pt 3
notified LR 7 November 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 7 November 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 3 commenced 8 November 2017 (s 2 (1))

4	Amendment history
Commencement
s 2	om LA s 89 (4)
Meaning of regulated utility service
s 9	am A2017-3 s 25
Exempt classes of regulated utility services
s 10A	ins A2017‑33 s 7
Technical regulator’s warning notice
s 17	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.210
Technical regulator’s directions
s 18	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.200, amdt 3.210
Technical regulator’s urgent directions
s 20	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.200
Technical regulator—obtaining information and documents
s 22	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.210
Offence—reporting of notifiable incidents by regulated utility
s 29	am A2017-3 s 26
Technical regulator’s urgent directions
s 32	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.201
Operating certificate—application
s 43	am A2016‑24 s 62
Operating certificate—grant
s 46	am A2016‑24 s 63, s 64; A2017‑4 amdt 3.202
Operating certificate—general condition
s 48	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.203
Operating certificate—revocation
s 49	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.210
Technical inspector’s warning notice—isolated infrastructure
s 54	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.210
Technical regulator’s directions—isolated infrastructure
s 55	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.204, amdt 3.210
Power to enter premises
s 84	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.205
Meaning of utility infrastructure work—div 9.5
s 95	am A2016‑24 s 65; A2017-3 s 27; A2017‑4 amdt 3.206, amdt 3.207
Stop notice
s 96	am A2017‑4 amdt 3.210
Consequential amendments
pt 12 hdg	om LA s 89 (3)
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Regulation 2017—sch 2
s 113	om LA s 89 (3)
	ins A2017-3 s 28
	exp 23 February 2017 (s 113 (5))
Transitional
pt 20 hdg	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
Definitions—pt 20
s 200	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
	def commencement day exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
Technical codes under Utilities Act 2000
s 201	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
Application of offence of providing regulated utility service without operating certificate
s 202	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
Transitional regulations
s 203	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
Expiry—pt 20
s 204	exp 1 March 2018 (s 204)
New Utilities (Technical Regulation) Regulation 2017
sch 2	om LA s 89 (3)
	ins A2017-3 s 29
	exp 23 February 2017 (s 113 (5))
Dictionary
dict	def electricity distribution network ins A2016‑24 s 66
	om A2017‑4 amdt 3.208
	def electricity transmission network ins A2016‑24 s 66
	om A2017‑4 amdt 3.208
	def gas distribution network om A2017‑4 amdt 3.208
	def gas transmission network om A2017‑4 amdt 3.208
	def network protection notice om A2017‑4 amdt 3.208
	def technical code for listed dam sub A2017‑4 amdt 3.209

5	Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.  
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register.  A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1.  Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical. 

Republication No and date	Effective	Last amendment made by	Republication for	
R1
1 Mar 2015	1 Mar 2015–
11 May 2016	not amended	new Act	
R2
12 May 2016	12 May 2016–
22 Feb 2017	A2016-24	amendments by A2016-24	
R3
23 Feb 2017	23 Feb 2017–
23 Feb 2017	A2017-3	amendments by A2017-3	
R4
24 Feb 2017	24 Feb 2017–
8 Mar 2017	A2017-3	expiry of provisions (s 113 and sch 2)	
R5
9 Mar 2017	9 Mar 2017–
7 Nov 2017	A2017‑4	amendments by A2017‑4	

©  Australian Capital Territory 2017