63CDirections relating to safe supply of gas or prevention of damage to gas works

63C Directions relating to safe supply of gas or prevention of damage to gas works

63C Directions relating to safe supply of gas or prevention of damage to gas works

(1) A government inspector may direct a network operator to carry out a specified activity or take other specified action if the government inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, the carrying out of the activity or the taking of the action is necessary to—

(a) ensure the safe supply of gas by the network operator, or

(b) prevent damage to gas works owned or operated by the network operator, or

(c) ensure the network operator complies with this Act or the regulations.

(2) A government inspector may direct a person to stop carrying out an activity if the government inspector believes, on reasonable grounds—

(a) the activity is damaging, or is likely to damage, gas works, or

(b) the activity otherwise threatens the safe supply of gas, or

(c) it is necessary to ensure the person complies with this Act or the regulations.

(3) A direction must be given in writing unless it is reasonably necessary to give the direction verbally—

(a) because of an emergency, or

(b) to prevent or mitigate an imminent threat of—

(i) death or serious injury to persons, or

(ii) serious damage to property or the safe supply of gas.

(4) A person must comply with a direction given to the person under this section.

Maximum penalty for subsection (4)—

(a) for a corporation—

(i) 5,000 penalty units, and

(ii) for a continuing offence—a further 500 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or

(b) for an individual—

(i) 1,000 penalty units, and

(ii) for a continuing offence—a further 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.

s 63C: Ins 2025 No 21, Sch 1[21].