Electricity Supply Fees Determination (Jervis Bay Territory) 2026

Fees and supply types: The instrument defines discrete categories of supply and attaches specific fees to each. Key supply categories are domestic supply, domestic controlled off‑peak, general supply, general controlled off‑peak, LV industrial supply and 11kV time‑of‑use demand supply (s5; s6; Schedule 2 Parts 2-8). The instrument’s rate tables specify per‑day access charges and per‑kWh (or per‑kVA per month) energy charges. All fee figures in the schedule are presented as amounts “including GST” (Schedule 2 headers and Schedule 3).

Temporal structuring and measurement: The instrument uses a 90‑day billing reference for tiered domestic and general supply tariffs , items described as “First 1000 kWh for a 90‑day period”, “First 2500 kWh for a 90‑day period” etc (Schedule 2 Parts 2 and 5). For those items the fees are to be worked out on the basis of average daily usage over the period covered by the relevant invoice (Schedule 2 Parts 2(2) and 5(2)). Billing periods and a 12‑month period are defined (s5).

Peak, shoulder and off‑peak definitions: The instrument defines peak period and shoulder period by time of day on weekdays (s5). Peak: 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 8 pm weekdays. Shoulder: 9 am to 5 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm weekdays. Off‑peak is defined as periods that are neither peak nor shoulder. Controlled off‑peak supplies are systems where supplies are periodically switched on and off for load control reasons (s5; Schedule 2 Parts 3 and 6 provide different off‑peak options). Domestic controlled off‑peak can be via time switch controls in the residence switchboard (s5).

Eligibility thresholds and connection mechanics: LV industrial supply is available where a customer consumed more than 160,000 kWh in a prior 12‑month period and requests it (s5 definition; s9). 11kV time‑of‑use demand supply may be connected where minimum use of 200 kVA per month is anticipated (s5 definition; s8). The instrument uses permissive language (“may be connected” for 11kV, s8; “may be connected” for LV industrial subject to consumption and request, s9), indicating administrative selection and customer request are part of the connection process.

Rebates and calculation sequencing: Section 6 sets out rebates for pensioners and life support customers and requires those domestic supply rebates to be applied “before the application of GST to the customer’s account” (s6(2)-(3)). The schedule also contains a definition of “pensioner” as a person entitled to hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)). The schedule also lists rebate amounts (Schedule 2 Part 4) but there are numerical discrepancies between s6 and Schedule 2 that affect calculation outcomes; see Gotchas.

Payment, late fees and disconnection: Bills are payable within 21 days of issue (s10). If unpaid within 18 days after that expiry, a notice of disconnection fee becomes payable (s11(1) referring to item 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 3). If unpaid 10 days after delivery of a notice of disconnection, supply may be disconnected and fees for disconnection/reconnection become payable (s11(2), Schedule 3 Part 3 items 1-3). On disconnection, reconnection is conditional on payment of outstanding electricity fees and any fees payable under s11(1) and (2) (s11(3)).

Repeal and transition: The instrument repeals the 2019 determination (Schedule 1). Transitional provisions preserve actions, notices and applications that were valid under the repealed instrument where comparable actions are permitted under the new instrument (s13).

Authority and formality: The determination is made under subsection 3B(1) of the Administration Ordinance 1990 (s3), and the instrument header records the delegate (First Assistant Secretary, Territories Division) and the delegation instrument used. The instrument notes the meaning of “customer” can include bodies corporate and government bodies and cross‑refers to the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 for that statutory meaning (s5 note).

Customers: The instrument applies to any person who is a “customer”, defined as a person for whom the service is provided under a customer contract or a person who has applied (orally or in writing) for the service under a customer contract (s5). The definition expressly contemplates individuals, bodies corporate and government bodies (note to s5 referencing section 2C of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901). That means residential households, businesses, large industrial consumers and government entities receiving electricity supply from the Department of Infrastructure’s supply system in the Jervis Bay Territory are within scope.

Pensioners and life support users: Two classes of domestic customers receive specified rebates: pensioners and customers dependent on life support or CPAP devices (s6(2)-(3), Schedule 2 Part 4). The instrument defines “pensioner” by reference to entitlement to a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)). Life support does not carry a statutory definition in this instrument, but Schedule 2 Part 4(2) says a customer may be eligible for both rebates if eligible under both items.

High‑consumption businesses/industrial customers: Customers whose consumption exceeded 160,000 kWh in the prior 12‑month period may request LV industrial supply (s9; s5 definition of LV industrial supply; Schedule 2 Part 7 sets a single per kWh fee for LV industrial supply). Those users will be grouped as LV industrial customers if they satisfy the threshold and request the service.

Large demand customers at 11kV: Customers with an anticipated minimum demand of 200 kVA per month are eligible for 11kV time‑of‑use demand supply (s5 definition; s8). The Schedule sets a per‑kVA monthly minimum fee and time‑of‑use kWh rates (Schedule 2 Part 8). The instrument also provides that if a customer has maximum demand of less than 200 kVA in a month, the monthly fee for 200 kVA still applies (Schedule 2 Part 8(2)), which affects customers whose maximum demand falls short in a particular month.

Account holders and payers: The person legally responsible for payment is the customer under the customer contract; no special carve‑outs appear for landlords, tenants, or split metering arrangements. The instrument’s payment, disconnection and reconnection provisions (s10-s12 and Schedule 3 Part 3) apply to the customer as defined. The security deposit and refund rules (s12) focus on the customer who paid the deposit and requested disconnection.

The Department and its delegate: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (through the delegate noted at page header) is the decision‑maker for making the determination (instrument header and s3). Connection, disconnection, billing, meter testing and refund actions are administered by the Department under the terms set in the instrument.

Third‑party operators and contractors: The instrument sets fees for services such as “extraordinary meter reading due to no access” and meter tests requested by customers (Schedule 3 Part 3 items 4-5). Commercial meter service providers or contractors engaged by the Department will be affected insofar as these fees set the cost that the Department recovers from customers for those services.

Potentially impacted groups not explicitly mentioned: retailers or independent market participants are not referenced in the instrument; the document governs the Department’s fees and customer relationships rather than an open retail market. The instrument does not create an explicit consumer complaint or review mechanism; those processes would be subject to whatever administrative procedures the Department operates outside this instrument.

Customer duties , payment and account management: Customers must pay fees and charges for supply and other services within 21 days of the day a bill is issued (s10). If unpaid, customers are at risk of additional fees (notice of disconnection, disconnection/reconnection charges) and eventual disconnection (s11). Customers who pay a security deposit and request disconnection must settle any final account to secure a full refund; if the final account is unpaid, the Department retains the owing portion from the deposit (s12(1)-(3)).

Customer rights , rebates and supply options: Domestic customers who are pensioners or who depend on life support or CPAP are entitled to specified rebates: s6(2)-(3) requires a rebate of $0.82 per day for pensioners and $0.95 per day for life support to be applied before GST. Schedule 2 Part 4 also lists rebate entitlements and defines pensioner status (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)). Customers who meet consumption thresholds can request alternate supply classifications: customers consuming more than 160,000 kWh in a prior 12 months may request LV industrial supply (s9) and customers with anticipated minimum demand of 200 kVA per month may be connected to 11kV time‑of‑use demand supply (s8). The instrument uses permissive language (“may be connected”), which implies administrative discretion together with customer request in establishing those supply arrangements.

Department duties , billing, connection and disconnection mechanics: The Department must issue bills and enforce the payment timelines and fees set in the instrument. It is the Department that delivers notices of disconnection (s11(1) references notice of disconnection delivery fee at Schedule 3 Part 3 item 6) and has the power to disconnect if the customer does not pay within the specified windows (s11(2)). The Department must refund security deposits where final accounts are paid in full and may retain amounts owing from security deposits (s12(2)-(3)). The determination also empowers the Department to connect eligible customers to specific supply classes (s8, s9).

Meter services and testing: Customers may request a meter test, but the instrument specifies a fixed charge for customer‑requested meter tests (Schedule 3 Part 3 item 4, $240) and extraordinary meter readings due to no access attract a fee (item 5, $132). These are recoverable fees tying customer requests to cost recovery.

Fee composition and GST: Fees in the schedules are presented “including GST” (Schedules 2 and 3 headers; Schedule items show amounts “including GST”). Section 6(2)-(3) directs that rebates for pensioners and life support are to be applied before the application of GST to the customer’s account. The instrument thus governs the sequencing of rebate and GST application, though the schedules also label line amounts as GST‑inclusive; see Gotchas for reconciliation issues.

Disconnection and reconnection fees: The instrument prescribes specific monetary fees for disconnection at the meter board ($132) and reconnection at the meter board ($132), combined disconnection/reconnection at pole or distribution pillar ($583), and a notice of disconnection delivery fee ($19.80). The timing rules for imposing these fees are in s11 and the Schedule sets the amounts (s11; Schedule 3 Part 3).

Transitional effect on prior acts and documents: Under the transitional provision, things done under the old instrument immediately before repeal continue to have effect as if done under the new instrument when the action in question could also be done under this instrument (s13(1)-(2)). The Department must therefore treat prior notices, applications and similar instruments as effective where the act is permissible now.

Monetary charges and service suspension as enforcement: The instrument does not create criminal offences; enforcement is administrative and financial. Non‑payment triggers a staged enforcement process: the statutory timetable commences with the 21‑day payment window (s10). If unpaid within 18 days after that window expires, a notice of disconnection fee becomes payable (s11(1) referencing Schedule 3 Part 3 item 6). If the bill remains unpaid 10 days after the delivery of a notice of disconnection, the Department may disconnect supply and require payment of disconnection/reconnection fees (s11(2)). Reconnection is conditional on payment of outstanding fees and any disconnection/reconnection and notice fees payable under s11(1)-(2) (s11(3)).

Quantified enforcement fees: Schedule 3 Part 3 lists the monetary amounts used as enforcement levers: disconnection fee at meter board $132 (item 1), reconnection fee at meter board $132 (item 2), combined disconnection/reconnection fee at the pole or distribution pillar $583 (item 3), notice of disconnection delivery fee $19.80 (item 6). These are payable in addition to outstanding electricity fees and are recoverable as part of the customer’s account. The instrument treats meter testing and extraordinary reading costs as fees recoverable from the customer (items 4 and 5, $240 and $132 respectively).

Security deposit retention: If a customer paid a security deposit and later requests disconnection and receives a final account, the Department will refund the security deposit in full only if the final account is paid in full (s12(1)-(3)). If not, the Department will retain the amount owing on the final account and refund the balance. That gives the Department an automatic debt recovery mechanism against deposited funds.

Administrative discretion and delegation: The instrument is made under the Administration Ordinance 1990 s3B(1) and was executed by a delegate (instrument header and s3). That indicates ministerial delegation to an official to set fees; enforcement of the instrument’s terms (connection, disconnection, billing) will be exercised under departmental administrative processes.

No criminal penalties or administrative fines beyond fees: The determination contains no separate civil penalties, infringement notices, or criminal sanctions. The enforcement mechanisms are the imposition of fees, retention of deposits, and disconnection of supply as specified in s10-s12 and Schedule 3.

Operational enforcement constraints not set out: The instrument specifies what fees are payable and when disconnection may occur, but does not set out dispute resolution processes, hardship protections, or notice timeframes beyond the particular payment windows referenced. It does not specify how or when notices of disconnection are to be delivered (beyond the existence of a delivery fee at item 6 Schedule 3). Those implementation details are left to administrative practice.

Source of authority: The instrument is made under subsection 3B(1) of the Administration Ordinance 1990 (Jervis Bay Territory) (s3). The instrument’s header also records that the delegate acted under item 5.1 of the Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Jervis Bay Territory Delegation Instrument 2012 (No.2). The Administration Ordinance itself is made under the Jervis Bay Territory Acceptance Act 1915 (note to s3). Those cross‑references identify the statutory delegation chain authorising the delegate to make the fees determination.

Reference to Acts Interpretation Act and GST law: The instrument incorporates statutory interpretation cross‑references. The definition note for “customer” refers to section 2C of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, which clarifies that a “person” may include bodies corporate and government bodies (s5 note). The instrument defines GST by reference to section 195‑1 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (s5). Section 6(2)-(3) interacts with the GST Act by requiring rebates to be applied before the application of GST to the account; the instrument therefore prescribes billing sequencing that must align with the GST regime.

Repeal and continuity: Schedule 1 repeals the Electricity Supply Fees Determination 2019 in full. The transitional provision (s13) preserves effectiveness of acts, notices and applications done under the old instrument to the extent comparable acts are permitted under the new instrument. That construction creates legal continuity where prior administrative steps were taken under the 2019 instrument.

Framing relative to the Federal Register and Legislation Act: The instrument notes that all legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments as required by the Legislation Act 2003 , a publication and transparency interaction rather than an operative legal cross‑link (note at end).

Administrative law and procedural rights: The instrument sets fees and operational rules but does not set out procedural reviews, merits review rights or internal review mechanisms. Where rights under administrative law exist (review rights, merits review in the AAT, judicial review in the Federal Court), those processes will be governed by the general administrative law framework and the statutes authorising decisions (Administration Ordinance and delegation instruments). The instrument itself does not displace judicial review or other statutory review mechanisms, but does not provide specific appeal paths.

Interaction with concession and social‑welfare law: The instrument ties the pensioner rebate to entitlement to a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)). That makes the rebate administratively conditional on federal concession documentation and therefore interacts operationally with Commonwealth social security regimes, though the instrument does not alter federal entitlements.

Commercial contract and property law: The instrument establishes tariffs, which will inform any customer contract entered into with the Department for supply. It does not itself contain conflict‑of‑laws clauses or private contract override clauses. Where a customer contract (or other legislation) sets alternative terms, the Department’s ability to recover fees will depend on the terms of the contract and the applicable statutory authority.

Taxation and accounting interaction: The instrument labels schedule amounts as “including GST”. Section 6(2)-(3) prescribes the sequencing for rebates before GST. For accounting and tax reporting, this sequencing and the GST inclusion labelling will determine the GST base and taxable supply treatment for the fees charged.

Original making and commencement: The instrument is dated 23 March 2026 and, by its commencement table, the whole instrument takes effect on 1 April 2026 (s2 and Schedule 2 Part 1). The header identifies the delegate (Kim Forbes, First Assistant Secretary, Territories Division) and the relevant delegation instrument used. No other amendments are contained in the document.

Repeal of the 2019 instrument: Schedule 1 expressly repeals the Electricity Supply Fees Determination 2019 (Jervis Bay Territory) in full. The transitional provision (s13) preserves certain actions done under the old instrument so they operate as if done under the new instrument where the action can be done under the new instrument.

No recorded amending history within the instrument: The document does not record previous amendments to itself, nor does it include an amendment schedule beyond the repeal of the 2019 determination. The commencement table contains a note that it relates only to provisions as originally made and will not be updated to deal with later amendments, which is a standard drafting note (s2(2) note).

Delegation reference: The instrument records the specific delegation used to make the instrument (header: “as delegate of the Minister under item 5.1 of the Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Jervis Bay Territory Delegation Instrument 2012 (No.2)”), which is functionally part of the instrument’s making history. Any future amendment to the fees determination would similarly need to be made under the enabling delegation and the Administration Ordinance.

No subsequent amending notices attached: There is no text in the instrument indicating subordinate amending instruments, nor are there notes pointing to amendment history after March 2026. Users should consult the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments for any later amendments; the instrument itself notes all legislative instruments are registered on that register (note at end).

Transitional provision limits: The transitional provision (s13) is limited and specific: it validates previous acts to the extent that an equivalent thing can be done under the new instrument and explicitly includes notices, applications and other instruments (s13(1)-(2)). It therefore provides a narrow continuity mechanism but does not otherwise preserve old tariff entries beyond the fact that this instrument now sets the fees from 1 April 2026.

The instrument does not mention any litigation history. It names no cases and cites no judicial determinations. There are no references within the instrument to prior court decisions, appeals or tribunal outcomes.

Implications for litigated issues: Because the instrument is a fees determination made under the Administration Ordinance 1990 and repeals the 2019 instrument, any legal challenge to the fees, the manner of their application, or the Department’s administrative implementation would proceed under general administrative law principles (judicial review, statutory interpretation of the enabling ordinance, and factual review of procedural fairness) rather than under matters articulated inside this instrument. The instrument does not contain provisions limiting review rights.

What to search for externally: If a practitioner requires litigation precedent, they must search federal and territory judicial databases for cases challenging the Department’s electricity fees, billing practices or disconnection procedures, or for cases interpreting the Administration Ordinance 1990 in relation to fees and delegated instruments. The instrument itself contains no case citations to start from.

No AAT or merits review references: The instrument does not provide for merits review before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or an internal review process. Any challenge to an exercise of administrative power arising from application of this instrument would likely proceed by application for review or judicial review under relevant administrative law statutes, but the instrument contains no express pathway.

Internal numeric inconsistencies on rebates and rebate sequencing: Section 6(2)-(3) states that pensioners receive a rebate of $0.82 per day and life support customers a rebate of $0.95 per day, “to be applied before the application of GST to the customer’s account.” However, Schedule 2 Part 4 lists rebates as $0.78 per day for pensioners and $0.71 per day for life support. The instrument therefore contains conflicting numerical values for the same rebate entitlements (s6(2)-(3) versus Schedule 2 Part 4). Practitioners should not assume parity: the operative governance on calculation requires interpretation , there is no clause adjudicating which number prevails. That mismatch is a drafting inconsistency with direct billing consequences.

GST inclusion labelling versus rebate sequencing: Many schedule line items are labelled “including GST” (Schedules 2 and 3). Section 6(2)-(3) requires that domestic rebates be “applied before the application of GST to the customer’s account.” If schedule amounts already “include GST,” the sequence and how to compute pre‑GST rebates is unclear from the instrument alone. A consistent approach would require determining the GST‑exclusive base for the fees, applying the rebate, and then adding GST , but the schedule’s “including GST” caption complicates that arithmetic because the listed numbers are GST‑inclusive. The instrument does not explicitly set the arithmetic method for transforming GST‑inclusive schedule numbers into a GST‑exclusive base for rebate application; this is a practical ambiguity an implementing agency will need to resolve administratively and could be the basis for disputes.

Cross‑reference and numbering anomalies: Section 12(1) contains two paragraph labels (b) listed sequentially , a typographical duplication. Section 11(1) and (2) cross‑refer to Schedule 3 items but the cross‑references appear inconsistent: s11(1) refers to “the notice of disconnection fee mentioned in item 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 3” (which is the $19.80 delivery charge). Section 11(2) states that if a fee is not paid 10 days after delivery of a notice, “the supply of electricity to the customer may be disconnected and the combined disconnection/reconnection fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 is payable.” But Schedule 3 Part 3 item 1 is a disconnection fee at meter board ($132) and item 2 is a reconnection fee at meter board ($132); the combined disconnection/reconnection fee appears at item 3 ($583). The s11(2) cross‑reference to “item 1 or 2” as a combined fee is inconsistent with the schedule numbering. Practitioners should note the internal inconsistency in cross‑referencing.

Minimum billing for 11kV customers: Schedule 2 Part 8(1) sets a monthly fee of $12.007 per kVA (minimum 200 kVA per month). Schedule 2 Part 8(2) then says that if a customer has maximum demand of less than 200 kVA in a month, the monthly fee for 200 kVA applies. That creates a de facto minimum monthly charge to all customers connected under that supply class equal to 200 kVA × $12.007, even if actual demand is less. This is a material commercial floor for customers and should be factored into cost modelling and connection decisions.

Tiering and 90‑day averaging: Domestic and general supply tiers are specified in terms of a 90‑day period with fees to be worked out on the basis of average daily usage over the invoice period (Schedule 2 Parts 2(1)-(2) and 5(1)-(2)). If billing cycles are not exactly 90 days in practice, the “average daily usage over the period covered by the relevant invoice” will govern. Practitioners should confirm the Department’s invoicing cycle and how averaging rounds or prorates partial periods.

Definition gaps: The instrument defines “pensioner” (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)) but does not define “life support” or specify documentary proof for life support eligibility. Section 6(3) references customers “dependent on life support or constant positive airway pressure respirators” but gives no administrative standard. That practical gap requires administrative policy: how does the Department verify life support status? Absent a definition, disputes will arise over eligibility and rebate application.

Customer definition breadth: “Customer” covers those who have applied orally or in writing for service under a customer contract (s5). That language captures people who have applied but not yet entered into a formal contract, which may have implications for liabilities and pre‑connection fees. Practitioners should examine how the Department treats applicants pending connection.

Typographical and drafting errors that could affect interpretation: There are several drafting errors (duplicate paragraph markers in s12, inconsistent cross‑references in s11) and the conflicting numeric entries for rebates. These drafting issues expose the Department to complaint, require administrative clarification, and could be the subject of judicial interpretation if the Department enforces one version against a customer.

No prescribed hardship or dispute resolution: The instrument sets out payment and disconnection mechanics but does not provide hardship protections or internal dispute processes. Customers experiencing payment difficulty are therefore reliant on the Department’s separate policies or external administrative law remedies.

Billing and payment practice , basic steps for customers: Ensure bills are paid within 21 days of issuance (s10). Track the bill issue date and compute the 21‑day due date; if unpaid by 18 days after that expiry (i.e. 39 days after billing), the notice of disconnection delivery fee ($19.80 , Schedule 3 Part 3 item 6) becomes payable (s11(1)). If a disconnection notice is delivered, the customer has 10 days to pay the outstanding amounts to avoid disconnection (s11(2)). On disconnection, reconnection will not occur until the outstanding fees and disconnection/reconnection fees are paid (s11(3) and Schedule 3 Part 3 items 1-3).

Claiming rebates and evidence: Pensioner rebates are linked to entitlement to a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card (Schedule 2 Part 4(3)). Customers who claim the pensioner rebate should provide documentary proof of entitlement to the Department. For life support or CPAP rebates, the instrument does not specify documentary standards; customers should proactively supply medical certification or a relevant registration document to the Department and obtain confirmation of the Department’s requirements to ensure rebate application (s6(3), Schedule 2 Part 4).

Selecting the appropriate supply class: Customers whose prior 12‑month consumption exceeded 160,000 kWh should request LV industrial supply (s9). Large demand customers anticipating minimum 200 kVA per month should request 11kV time‑of‑use demand supply (s8 and Schedule 2 Part 8). Requests should be made in writing and include usage data to substantiate eligibility. For 11kV customers, be aware that monthly minimum fees apply even if actual demand falls below 200 kVA in a month (Schedule 2 Part 8(2)). For controlled off‑peak options, customers who wish to change off‑peak pricing more than once in a 12‑month period will incur a fee ($132 , Schedule 3 Part 3 item 7).

Record keeping and meter access: Keep accurate records of meter readings, invoices and proof of payment. If the customer requests a meter test, the customer will be charged $240 (Schedule 3 Part 3 item 4). If the Department needs to perform an extraordinary meter reading due to no access, the customer may be charged $132 (item 5). Providing reasonable access reduces the risk of paying extraordinary reading fees and avoids billing disputes.

Security deposits and final accounts: If a security deposit was paid and the customer requests disconnection (s12(1)), pay the final account in full to secure a full refund of the deposit (s12(2)). If the final account is not paid, the Department will retain the amount owing and refund the balance of the security deposit (s12(3)). Ensure final account payment accompanies any request for disconnection to avoid retention.

Dispute resolution and evidence of billing errors: The instrument does not set out an internal dispute process. Customers disputing a bill, rebate application, meter reading or fee should lodge a written dispute with the Department as soon as possible and keep contemporaneous proof. If a disputed account is not paid within the timelines, the customer risks the enforcement fees and disconnection sequence in s11. Where administrative remedies fail, consider statutory review options consistent with administrative law and the enabling legislation for the Administration Ordinance.

Calculating charges , practical arithmetic notes: When calculating charges, note that many fees are stated per day and others per kWh or per kVA. For domestic and general supply tiering, the instrument directs fees for tiered bands to be “worked out on the basis of average daily usage over the period covered by the relevant invoice” (Schedule 2 Parts 2(2) and 5(2)). Practically, determine the invoice period length, compute the average daily consumption over that period, apply the tier thresholds pro rata for that 90‑day conceptual band, and then multiply by the per‑kWh rates. Be mindful of the inconsistency between the rebate amounts set in s6 and those in Schedule 2 Part 4 and clarify with the Department which numbers they will apply prior to finalising any compliance calculation.

Communicate early on payment difficulty: The instrument does not include hardship provisions. Customers who anticipate payment difficulty should proactively contact the Department to negotiate a payment plan or request administrative relief; this will be governed by departmental policy rather than by the text of the instrument.

Confirm implementation details with the Department: Because the instrument contains drafting inconsistencies (rebate amounts, GST sequencing ambiguity, cross‑reference errors), practitioners should obtain written confirmation from the Department as to the Department’s intended approach to rebate calculations, GST application and the operational meaning of the cross‑references before advising clients or making commercial decisions.

Engage before changing off‑peak options: If a customer wants to change an off‑peak pricing option, the instrument permits one change without fee within a 12‑month period; changes in excess of once in a 12‑month period attract a $132 fee (Schedule 3 Part 3 item 7). Plan off‑peak selection to avoid repeated change fees.

Document supply classification decisions: For customers who may qualify for LV industrial or 11kV supply, submit consumption data and written requests to the Department and seek a written confirmation of classification and the expected tariff schedule to avoid later disputes over billed rates.

In summary, compliance requires paying bills within the specified timeframes, securing documentary evidence for rebates and classification requests, preserving records of meter access and readings, and seeking pre‑billing clarification from the Department on numerical inconsistencies and GST treatment to avoid unexpected enforcement fees.