Introduction
Electricity is critical to the economic growth, prosperity and social well-being of all New Zealanders. We use electricity in our everyday lives for lighting, space heating, water heating, cooking and to power all the many types of electrical equipment we rely on for our day to day lives from washing machines to computers to hairdryers to CD players.
Electricity supply is essential for industry, commerce, farming, hospitals, schools, traffic control, street lighting – all facets of our lives.
Just as critical to our lives as having secure and affordable electricity, is electricity being delivered in a way that is safe for people, safe for property and safe for workers, and the availability of electrical appliances and fittings that are safe to use.
The Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity Regulations 1997 set out the legislative requirements for the safe supply of electricity, electrical appliances and fittings safety and the occupational regulation of workers and who may undertake electrical work.
In 2006, major changes were made to the safety provisions of the Electricity Act. Of particular note were:
- The inclusion of two safety related purpose statements in the Act - to protect the health and safety of members of the public in connection with the supply and use of electricity in New Zealand; and to promote the prevention of damage to property in connection with the supply and use of electricity in New Zealand;
- Changes to the occupational licensing provisions for electrical workers to require registration and licensing classes and competency requirements to be defined by the Electrical Workers Registration Board rather than in regulations;
- Changes to the occupational licensing provisions to provide for competency based licensing of electrical workers as defined by the Electrical Workers Registration Board;
- A new requirement for safety management systems to be in place for larger generation facilities and distribution networks;
- New offence provisions and penalties.
The amendments to the Electricity Act mean that consequential changes to the Electricity Regulations are required.
This discussion paper proposes that the Electricity Regulations 1997 be replaced with new electricity safety regulations, which take into account the new safety requirements in the Electricity Act and are user-friendly.
Wording and definitions used in this discussion paper are intended to indicate the proposed effect of the new regulations, and do not indicate that any particular form of words will or will not be used in the regulations.
The overarching objective of the regulations is to provide for the protection of the health and safety of members of the public in connection with the supply and use of electricity; and to promote the prevention of damage to property in connection with the supply and use of electricity.
The following specific objectives of the regulations have been identified –
- To define the rules for the quality and safe supply of electricity;
- To define the requirements for safety management systems;
- To define prescribed electrical work and what electrical work must be undertaken by a licensed electrical worker;
- To provide clarity to those undertaking electrical work about safety requirements;
- To define requirements for certification and inspection of electrical work;
- To define the requirements for electrical appliances and fittings safety;
- To specify offences for which infringement notices and penalties can be issued;
- To enable the Chief Executive to obtain information and/or documentation to assist with investigations;
- To define requirements of notification and inspection of accidents.
Principles Underlying the Regulations
In developing the proposed regulations, we have been guided by the following principles. These are important to ensure the regulations are consistent with and adhere to core public safety imperatives without introducing extra requirements. The emphasis is on public safety and avoidance of property damage.
Guiding principles of public safety in relation to electricity
- Ensure that consumer access to electricity supply and electrical appliances complies with accepted and up-to-date quality, safety and environmental standards;
- Ensure that electrical workers, electrical regulatory bodies and consumers are clear about their obligations and accountabilities;
- Provide regulations on electrical safety standards that are clear, easy to understand, apply and administer;
- Ensure that electrical workers and homeowners can deliver safe outcomes when undertaking electrical work;
- Provide a transparent and informed decision-making process where decision-makers and those affected by those decisions are informed of the process;
- Ensure the electrical safety regime is compatible with the gas safety regime, as appropriate;
- Provide for regulation where there is benefit to the consumer, the environment or public health and safety;
- Take a conservative approach if a significant amount of uncertainty exists;
- Ensure the regulatory regime must be credible with consumers, industry and international partners;
- Minimise compliance costs where possible and ensure the cost to administer the regulatory regime is reasonable;
- Ensure regulation does not impede innovation and technological updating;
- Ensure regulation is consistent with New Zealand's international commitments and obligations such as those related to trade; and
- Ensure regulation is consistent with international best practice.
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