45Disputes

45 Disputes

(1)  If a dispute arises between electricity entities or between an electricity entity and another person about the exercise of powers under this Act, any party to the dispute may ask the Regulator to mediate in the dispute.

(2)  The Regulator has a discretion whether to mediate or to decline to mediate in a dispute and may impose conditions that must be satisfied if the mediation is to proceed.

(3)  If the Regulator proceeds with the mediation –

(a) the Regulator may give directions to the parties to assist in the resolution of the matters in issue; and

(b) the Regulator must attempt to get the parties to agree to a negotiated settlement of the dispute.

(4)  If a dispute is resolved, the parties and the Regulator must sign an agreement setting out the terms of the settlement and the agreement is binding on the parties to the dispute.

(5)  This section is not intended to provide an exclusive method of dispute resolution.