Electricity Industry (Obligation to Connect) Regulations 2005

An obligation under regulation 4 in relation to premises arises only if —

the distribution system would not need to be extended by more than 100 metres to enable the premises to be attached or connected to the system; and

each requirement, if any, that the distributor imposes under subregulation (2), (3) or (4A) has been satisfied.

Subregulation (2) applies if the distributor proposes to satisfy the obligation by attaching the premises to the distribution system.

Subregulation (3) applies if the distributor proposes to satisfy the obligation by connecting the premises to the distribution system.

Subregulation (4A) applies if the distributor proposes to satisfy the obligation by providing an SPS for the supply of electricity to the premises.

Before the end of the second complete business day after arrangements are sought to be made, or the application is made, under regulation 4 for the premises to be attached to the distribution system, the distributor may impose any of the requirements described in subregulation (4)(a) or (b).

Before the end of the second complete business day after arrangements are sought to be made under regulation 4 for the premises to be connected to the distribution system, the distributor may impose any of the requirements described in subregulation (4).

The requirements that the distributor may impose are —

that the agreement of the owner of any land through which any extension of the distribution system that is needed would pass, or on which any part of the distribution system is to be installed, be obtained to anything affecting the land that is necessary for the connection to be established and maintained;

that a contract be entered into accepting liability to pay to the distributor —

the amount that it costs, or would cost, the distributor to make the connection in the lowest cost way that is sustainable for making connections of that kind in accordance with accepted good industry practice as it would be applied by a prudent distributor; or

any greater amount that it is agreed to be paid for the distributor to make the connection in any other way;

that a contract be entered into with the distributor for the transportation of the electricity to be supplied through the connection.

Before the end of the 5^th complete business day after arrangements are sought to be made, or the application is made, under regulation 4, the distributor may impose any of the requirements described in regulation 5A.

If the distributor decides to satisfy the obligation under regulation 4 by attaching or connecting the premises to the distribution system, the obligation includes an obligation to extend the distribution system to a suitable connection point.

The capacity and standard of the extension or SPS must be adequate for the supply required and in accordance with accepted good industry practice as it would be applied by a prudent distributor.