Electricity Supply Act 1995

This section applies to an electricity supply emergency declared by the Premier under section 94A(1)(a) or (b).

While the declaration of an electricity supply emergency to which this section applies is in force, the Minister may give directions (referred to in this Part as electricity supply emergency directions) that the Minister considers are reasonably necessary to respond to the electricity supply emergency.

Without limiting subsection (1), electricity supply emergency directions may be given for any of the following purposes—

to restrict the use of electricity in order to reduce demand,

to require large users of electricity to wholly or partly turn off or shut down any plant or equipment for a specified period of time,

to impose requirements relating to the carrying out of activities that may affect the production or supply of electricity,

to impose other requirements that relate directly to the production, use or supply of electricity.

An electricity supply emergency direction that is to apply to the general public or a specified sector of the community is to be given by means of a notice published in the Gazette.

An electricity supply emergency direction that is to apply to a particular person is to be given to the person verbally or by instrument in writing. If the direction is given verbally it must be confirmed by instrument in writing given to the person as soon as it is practicable to do so.

The Minister must, as soon as practicable after giving an electricity supply emergency direction that applies to a particular person, cause the direction to be published in the Gazette.

An electricity supply emergency direction—

operates for such period as is specified in the direction (but only while the declaration of the electricity supply emergency is in force), and

may be varied or revoked by a subsequent direction under this section.

In giving an electricity supply emergency direction, the Minister is to endeavour to act, so far as is reasonably practicable, in a way that is complementary to, and not inconsistent with, the operation and administration of the national electricity market within the meaning of the National Electricity (NSW) Law.