In Figure 2 and the following descriptions, depict the regulatory and contractual relationships in conjunction with the practical roles required to be fulfilled by each party to ensure the effective supply, distribution and consumption of electricity throughout the electricity supply chain.
4.3.1
Generators
A Generator is any person or entity that owns, controls, or operates a generation system that supplies electricity to a distribution or transmission system. Owners of such systems can be either public or private and may also include alternative generation such as photovoltaic, wind or micro hydro systems.
4.3.2
Network Operators
Network Operators have a number of responsibilities associated with the transportation and delivery of electricity generated by others and purchased by Retailers for sale to customers. These include:
Providing and maintaining, up to the point of supply, a distribution and transmission network for the conveyance of electricity
Providing a point on the network (point of supply) to facilitate the customer’s connection
Negotiating the provision of and type of supply required by the customer
Depending on the nature of the required supply, connecting of the customer’s electrical installation to the distribution or transmission network
Providing an administration structure for the connection process
Administering National Metering Identifier (NMI’s) systems and procedures
Providing meters for the Retailer’s use to measure electricity consumption
Liaising with and confirmation of the connection details with the Retailer
Providing an inspection regime to validate the customer’s installation
Assuming responsibility for the reliability and quality of the supply.
Note: A customer is required to establish an account with a Retailer before a
Network Operator can energise an installation.
4.3.3
Retailers
Retailers, have a range of responsibilities associated with the sale of electricity to customers including:
Purchasing electricity from generators;
Selling (retail) electricity at nominated tariffs (usage charges) to customers
Establishing and administering customer electricity usage contracts and accounts
Creating Customer Reference Numbers (CRN) for the administration of the customer’s account
Confirming with the Network Operator, the customer’s electrical connection parameters in accordance with the customer’s contract including:
Metering arrangements
Type of connection
Date of connection or disconnection.
It should be noted that electricity accounts are categorized as contestable and non- contestable. For more information please refer to Clause 4.4 in this Section.
4.3.4
Customers
Being the recipient of electricity, the customer’s key obligations are to:
Make an application for a connection to a Network Operator’s distribution or transmission network
Choose and establish an electricity account with a Retailer
Ensure their electrical installation is used in the manner for which it was intended and is regularly maintained and remains hazard free
Engage the services of an electrical contractor, either directly or via an agent, to undertake any required electrical work.
4.3.5
Customer’s agent / representative
A customer’s agent represents the customer in the processes of design, manufacture, construction, connection of and delivery of the customer’s installation in accordance with the customer’s instructions or direction. Such parties may include:
Architects
Electrical consulting engineers
Builders
Developers
Registered electrical contractors and their electrical workers
Equipment manufacturers
Where the customer chooses to place the responsibility of the their project under the control of an agent that entity is responsible to ensure the customer’s obligations, to those parties identified within this Section of the requirements, are fulfilled in a timely manner.
4.3.6
Electrical Contractors
The electrical contractor’s role is to complete the electrical installation and where approved complete the connection to the network. The electrical contractor may be contracted either directly by the customer or via an agent. Regardless of the contractual arrangement the electrical contractor must:
Consider, in consultation with the customer or their agent, the type of connection required (i.e. single or three phase)
Determine the amount of electricity required for current and future use
Before commencing the work, advise the Network Operator or Regulator of the intention to commence electrical installation work as required by a “Preliminary Notice”
Complete the installation to the required standard(s) together with the installation of the consumer mains cable
Where approved, install and connect the meter and connect the mains cable
Test and commission the installation
Where approved, energise the installation
Provide the customer account details (CRN number) to and advise the Network Operator as required by a “Completion Notice” that the electrical work is complete and is ready for connection or is complete and has been connected/energised
4.3.7
EnergySafety (Department of Commerce)
EnergySafety is a Division of the Western Australian Department of Commerce responsible for the technical and safety regulation of the electrical industry and most of the gas industry in the State. EnergySafety’s responsibilities include:
Safety standards and standards of workmanship
Safety and energy efficiency of appliances and certain types of equipment
Ensuring Network Operators, Generators, industry and community compliance with legislation
Administration of occupational licensing of contractors and workers.
EnergySafety also promotes electrical and gas safety to customers in the home and at work, and in various ways encourages electrical and gas workers in industry to use safe work practices. For more information about EnergySafety please refer to their website.
4.3.8
WorkSafe (Department of Commerce)
WorkSafe is also a Division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for the administration of the occupational safety and health legislation throughout the state. The principal objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 is to promote and secure the safety and health of persons in the workplace. For more information about WorkSafe please refer to their website.
4.3.9
Economic Regulation Authority (ERA)
The ERA is an independent economic Regulator for Western Australia that regulates monopoly aspects of the gas, electricity and rail industries, which includes the licensing of gas, electricity and water services.
It has a range of responsibilities in the retailing of gas and surveillance of the wholesale electricity market in Western Australia and has functions that are designed to benefit the Western Australian community by maintaining a competitive, efficient and fair commercial environment, particularly where businesses operate as natural monopolies. For more information about the ERA please refer to their website.
4.3.10
Public Utilities Office
The Public Utilities Office provides a range of services on energy matters to the Minister for Energy, Government, the energy sector and the West Australian community. It:
Plans, develops and implements energy policies and strategies for Western Australia
Develops and administers subsidies, rebates and grants for the Western Australian community and energy industry
Researches, analyses and advises on energy sector developments, trends and issues
Provides information and education materials for industry and customers
Consults and communicates with industry, customers and other stakeholders
Monitors the performance of Government-owned, network owners and private generators.
For more information about the Public Utilities Office please refer to their website.
4.3.11
The Independent Market Operator (IMO)
The Independent Market Operator’s aim is to provide and maintain effective infrastructure for the efficient operation of the Wholesale Electricity Market in Western
Administering the market rules
Operating the wholesale electricity market
Facilitating the provision of sufficient generation capacity and demand side management to meet expected demand.