33IREZ scheme declaration

33I REZ scheme declaration (1) The Minister, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may make a declaration for or with respect to a renewable energy zone (the ***applicable REZ***). (2) A REZ scheme declaration— (a) must specify the applicable REZ and the renewable energy zone Order declaring the applicable REZ; and (b) may declare a kind of renewable energy generating system as an eligible generating system; and (c) may declare a kind of integrated resource system as an eligible integrated resource system; and (d) must specify the limits (if any) (measured in megawatts) for each kind of eligible generating system or eligible integrated resource system that may be connected to the declared transmission system within the applicable REZ; and (e) must set out criteria or matter that must be taken into account by VicGrid in deciding whether to issue a REZ scheme authority to a Connection Applicant wishing to establish a connection to the declared transmission system within the applicable REZ for— (i) an eligible generating system; or (ii) an eligible integrated resource system; and (f) must set out the criteria or matter that must be taken into account by VicGrid in deciding whether to issue a REZ scheme authority to a person owning, operating or controlling an eligible facility connected to the declared transmission system within the applicable REZ to carry out a system change; and S. 33I(2)(g) substituted by No. 9/2026 s. 21(1). (g) must specify the process under which VicGrid will issue REZ scheme authorities; and (h) may specify— (i) the manner and form of applications for REZ scheme authorities and amendments to REZ scheme authorities; and (ii) matter to be included in applications for REZ scheme authorities and amendments to REZ scheme authorities; and (iii) matter to be included in a consultation and engagement plan. S. 33I(2A) inserted by No. 9/2026 s. 21(2). (2A) For the purposes of subsection (2)(g), a REZ scheme declaration may specify any one or more of the following processes— (i) on a first-come, first-served basis; (ii) a process under which expressions of interest are invited; (iii) a competitive tender process; (iv) a staged allocation process; (v) a process that the Minister considers reasonable and efficient in the circumstances. (3) A REZ scheme declaration may specify conditions to which a REZ scheme authority must be subject. S. 33I(4) inserted by No. 9/2026 s. 21(3). (4) A REZ scheme declaration may— (b) differ according to differences in time, place or circumstances. S. 33J inserted by No. 38/2025 s. 33.