Foreword from the Minister
In 2006, I was pleased to oversee significant new amendments to the Electricity Act. This was the culmination of many years of hard work to identify and address issues that will lead to safer and more reliable access to electricity for everyday use and for use in industry.
As a consequence of those amendments, changes to the Electricity Regulations are needed to reflect such new initiatives as Safety Management Systems and the introduction of infringement notices. The opportunity has also been taken to update other aspects of the Regulations to improve the overall clarity and to strengthen the focus on public safety and the avoidance of property damage in association with electricity. This focus is reflected in the proposal to amend the title of the regulations to the electricity safety regulations.
Safety regulations help consumers by minimising the risks from electricity when they buy or hire equipment, when they employ someone to do work on their home or caravan, when they holiday at caravan parks or visit a fairground, and even when they walk down the road under powerlines.
The regulations also help industry by providing guidance as to what is expected of their sector from the government, and by providing flexibility so that innovation is not constrained while still achieving safe outcomes.
I am particularly encouraged by the way industry has supported the public safety Safety Management System for electricity with their involvement in producing a Standard.
This discussion paper provides an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to comment on specific proposals for new electricity safety regulations.
I welcome your submissions.
Hon Harry Duynhoven
Associate Minister of Energy
Call for Submissions
Submissions on this paper should be sent by 29 February 2008 to:
Electricity Regulation Discussion Paper
Ministry of Economic Development
33 Bowen Street
PO Box 1473
WELLINGTON
email: electricity.safety.regulations@med.govt.nz
Fax: 04-473 9400
If you require further information please telephone 04-474 2944.
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