Part 5AUndergrounding of powerlines

Part 5A—Undergrounding of powerlines 58A—Program for undergrounding of powerlines (1) The Minister may prepare periodic programs for work to be carried out by an electricity entity for the undergrounding of powerlines forming part of a transmission or distribution network operated by the entity. (2) Undergrounding work may not be included in a program unless— (a) the council of each area concerned agrees to contribute to the cost of the work in its area on the basis determined by the Minister; or (b) the Minister determines, in relation to particular work, that the council need not contribute to the cost of the work. (3) In preparing programs, the Minister must ensure that the total cost of the work to be carried out at the expense of electricity entities in each financial year (as estimated by the Minister) is not less than an amount fixed or determined under the regulations for that financial year. (4) The Minister must consult with the Local Government Association of South Australia before a regulation is made for the purposes of subsection (3). (5) In preparing a program, the Minister must consult with, and seek proposals and submissions from, councils, electricity entities, bodies (other than councils) responsible for the care, control or management of roads and other persons as the Minister considers appropriate. (6) The Minister must give a copy of a program to each electricity entity required to undertake work in accordance with the program at least six months before the commencement of the period to which the program relates. (7) The Minister may, at the request or with the consent of an electricity entity required to undertake work in accordance with a program, vary the requirements imposed on the entity under the program. (8) Before varying a program, the Minister must consult with councils, electricity entities, bodies (other than councils) responsible for the care, control or management of roads and other persons as the Minister considers appropriate. (9) The Minister must give due consideration to matters arising from any submissions and consultations under this section.