Australian Capital Territory Electricity Supply Act 1962

Gives the Authority its job: The Authority's core functions are to:

• Supply electricity across the ACT
• Promote electricity use in the ACT
• Take on any extra electricity-related responsibilities assigned under ACT law

Grants the Authority wide operational powers, including:

• Buying electricity from outside the ACT (e.g., from the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme)
• Generating electricity within the ACT
• Building and maintaining the electricity network
• Installing and maintaining electrical equipment for the Commonwealth and (in approved cases) private users
• Setting the prices (charges) for electricity supply

Handles the financial transfer: All assets (physical infrastructure, vehicles, debts owed to the Commonwealth) of the old Canberra Electric Supply operation are transferred to the new Authority. The Authority takes on the associated debts and liabilities, and must indemnify (legally protect and compensate) the Commonwealth if any claims arise.

Sets financial rules:

• The Authority must operate on a sound commercial basis — that is, it should aim to cover its costs and run like a business, not just receive unlimited government funding
• It pays interest to the Commonwealth on its startup capital and can be required to repay capital if it is doing well financially
• It may only borrow money with the Treasurer's approval
• Profits must first be used to repay capital to the Commonwealth; any leftover can be used at the Authority's discretion
• Accounts must be audited annually by the Auditor-General (the independent government watchdog for public finances)

Protects the transition: Existing electricity supply agreements and pricing from before the Act carry over automatically, so no one's electricity gets cut off or has their rates suddenly changed.

Includes practical enforcement tools:

• Authorised officers can enter properties to inspect or maintain Authority equipment
• It is an offence (punishable by a fine) to obstruct those officers or damage Authority infrastructure
• The Chairman can issue a certificate as evidence of electricity supplied, which can be used in court to recover unpaid charges

Why does it matter?

This Act is a classic piece of mid-20th century Australian public administration — establishing a statutory authority (a government-owned but independently operated body) to run an essential public service. It reflects the Commonwealth's unique role in governing the ACT (since Canberra is federal territory, not a state), and establishes clear accountability through ministerial oversight, parliamentary reporting, and independent audit. It effectively commercialises the delivery of electricity in Canberra while keeping it in public hands.