44BMaking and application of Retail Code

44B Making and application of Retail Code (1) The Utilities Commission may make a code relating to: (a) arrangements to support the operation of retail competition in the electricity supply industry; and (b) arrangements between electricity entities and customers. Note for subsection (1) See section 24 of the Utilities Commission Act 2000. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the code may make provision for any of the following: (a) retailer of last resort arrangements; (b) a consumer protection framework; (c) any other matter prescribed by regulation. (3) For subsection (2)(b), if the code includes a consumer protection framework, it must include measures to regulate electricity entities that own or operate an electricity network or sell electricity, to protect the interests of customers, including in relation to the (a) continuity of supply; (b) the needs of particular types of retail customers; (c) disputes. Note for subsection (3) See section 4(1), definition electricity entity, which includes a person whose licence has been suspended or cancelled or has expired. (4) An electricity entity must, as a condition of its licence, comply with the code. Electricity Reform Act 2000 33 (5) The code may contain provisions that apply to a former electricity retailer whose licence under this Part has been suspended or cancelled or has expired. (6) A former electricity retailer must comply with any provision of the code that applies under subsection (5), despite its licence under this Part being suspended or cancelled or expiring.