19Licence fees and returns

19 Licence fees and returns (1) A person is not entitled to be granted a licence unless the person first pays to the Utilities Commission the annual licence fee, or the first instalment of the annual licence fee, as the case may require. (2) The holder of a licence granted for 2 years or more must: (a) in each year lodge with the Utilities Commission before the date prescribed for that purpose an annual return containing the information required by the Utilities Commission by condition of the licence or by written notice; and (b) in each year (other than a year in which the licence is due to expire) pay to the Utilities Commission before the date prescribed for that purpose the annual licence fee, or the first instalment of the annual licence fee, as the case may require. (3) The annual licence fee for a licence is the fee fixed from time to time by the Minister in respect of the licence as an amount that the Minister considers to be a reasonable contribution towards administrative costs. (4) An annual licence fee may, if the Utilities Commission determines, be paid in instalments at intervals fixed by the Utilities Commission. (5) If the holder of a licence fails to lodge the annual return or pay the annual licence fee (or an instalment of the annual licence fee) in accordance with this section, the Utilities Commission may, by written notice, require the holder to make good the default and, in addition, to pay to the Utilities Commission the amount prescribed as a penalty (which is a civil penalty) for default. (6) An annual licence fee (including any instalment of an annual licence fee or any penalty for default) payable under this section is recoverable as a debt due to the Territory. Electricity Reform Act 2000 12 (7) In this section: administrative costs means: (a) the costs of administration of this Act; and (b) other costs prescribed by the Regulations. holder, of a licence, includes the holder of a licence that has been suspended.