21Inquiries into energy matters

21 Inquiries into energy matters

21 Inquiries into energy matters

(1) The Minister or the Corporation may conduct an inquiry, and the Corporation shall conduct an inquiry if directed to do so by the Minister, into—

(a) any matter relating to the locating or the development, extraction, provision, allocation, transportation, distribution, pricing, conservation, utilisation or conditions of supply of energy or energy resources, or

(b) without affecting the generality of paragraph (a), any plan or draft plan referred to in section 11 or 13.

(2) The Minister or the Corporation may, by order in writing, authorise, subject to the terms of the authorisation—

(a) an advisory committee established by the Corporation under section 10B, or

(b) any other person,

to examine, and report to the Minister or the Corporation on, any matter in connection with an inquiry.

(3) Nothing in this section limits the power of the Minister or the Corporation to conduct an examination in connection with an inquiry under this section, and the Minister or the Corporation may conduct such an examination even though another body or person has been authorised to do so.

(4) No matter or thing done by—

(a) a member of a committee, or

(b) any other person,

authorised under this section to examine, and report to the Minister or the Corporation on, any matter in connection with an inquiry shall, if the matter or thing was done in good faith for the purposes of the inquiry, subject the member or person personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.

(5) The regulations may make provision about the travelling expenses and compensation that may be paid to persons attending or giving evidence at an inquiry or examination under this section.

s 21: Am 2023 No 49, Sch 2[6] [7].