258Pre-final Rule determination hearings

258 Pre-final Rule determination hearings

258 Pre-final Rule determination hearings

(1) The AEMC may (but need not), at any time after publication of a notice under section 256(2)(b) and before making a final Rule determination, hold a hearing in relation to a draft Rule determination.

(2) In addition, any person or body may request, in writing, within one week after the publication of a notice under section 256(2)(b), the AEMC to hold a hearing in relation to a draft Rule determination.

(3) Despite subsection (2), the AEMC may decide not to a hold a hearing in relation to a draft Rule determination.

(4) Without limiting the reasons why the AEMC may decide not to hold a hearing in relation to a draft Rule determination, the AEMC may decide not to hold a hearing if—

(a) the person or body that requests the AEMC to hold a hearing does not make a written submission or comment in accordance with section 257; and

(b) no other person or body requests the AEMC to hold a hearing.

(5) If the AEMC decides not to hold a hearing after a request under subsection (2), it must give the person or body that requested the hearing its reasons, in writing, for declining that person’s or body’s request.

(6) If the AEMC decides to hold a hearing, or agrees to hold a hearing after a request under subsection (2), the AEMC must—

(a) appoint a date (being not later than 3 weeks after the date of publication of the notice under section 256), time and place for the holding of the hearing; and

(b) publish a notice of that date, time and place.