29Orders prohibiting connection to network infrastructure

29 Orders prohibiting connection to network infrastructure

29 Orders prohibiting connection to network infrastructure

(1) The infrastructure planner may, by order served on a relevant operator, prohibit the relevant operator from allowing a proponent to connect proposed infrastructure to the relevant operator’s network infrastructure.

(2) An order is to apply to network infrastructure in a specified area within a renewable energy zone.

(3) Before making an order, the infrastructure planner must seek and consider submissions from—

(a) the relevant operator and other relevant operators in the local area, and

(b) the proponent, and

(c) the local council in the local area.

(4) The infrastructure planner must not make an order unless satisfied that—

(a) there is significant opposition from the community in the local area to the proposed infrastructure, and

(b) making the order is reasonably necessary to maintain community support in the local area for other infrastructure in the renewable energy zone, and

(c) making the order is in the public interest.

(5) An order may not be made if the proponent has development consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to construct and operate the proposed infrastructure.

(6) The infrastructure planner is to publish guidelines on its website about the exercise of its functions under this section.

(7) The Energy Corporation is appointed as the infrastructure planner to exercise the functions under this section for a renewable energy zone or part of a renewable energy zone.

(8) In this section—

local area means the area in which the proposed infrastructure will be located.

proponent means a person or body who proposes to construct or operate proposed infrastructure.

proposed infrastructure means proposed generation or storage infrastructure with a capacity of at least 30 megawatts.