Energy Ombudsman Act 1998

If an energy entity disagrees with the apportionment of costs to be borne by the energy entities specified in the budget, it may apply for a review of that apportionment within 14 days after receiving a copy of the budget.

An application is to be made in writing to the Ombudsman.

As soon as practicable after the end of the 14 day period in which applications for a review of the apportionment of costs may be made under subsection (1), the Ombudsman is to provide each energy entity with a copy of all applications made under that subsection.

Within 14 days after receiving a copy of an application, an energy entity may make written submissions in respect of the application to the Ombudsman.

As soon as practicable after the end of the period within which energy entities may make submissions in respect of an application, the Ombudsman is to provide copies of the following documents to the Regulator:all applications to review the apportionment of costs made under subsection (1); all submissions received by the Ombudsman in respect of those applications; the Ombudsman's written submissions in respect of those applications.

On receiving the documents referred to in subsection (5), the Regulator may determine the applications by – confirming the apportionment of costs specified in the budget; or varying the apportionment of costs specified in the budget.

In determining applications, the Regulator – is to consider all the submissions made in respect of the applications; and may inform himself or herself in any manner he or she considers appropriate.

On the making of a determination under subsection (6), the Regulator is to – provide to the Ombudsman and all energy entities a copy of the determination and, if the apportionment of costs is varied, a copy of the budget as amended by the variation of the apportionment of costs; and publish in the Gazettethe determination and, if the apportionment of costs is varied, the budget as amended by the variation of the apportionment of costs.