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2008 - 2009
THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
SENATE
RENEWABLE ENERGY (ELECTRICITY) AMENDMENT BILL 2009
REVISED EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Climate Change and Water,
Senator the Honourable Penny Wong)
THIS MEMORANDUM TAKES ACCOUNT OF AMENDMENTS MADE BY
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TO THE BILL AS INTRODUCED
RENEWABLE ENERGY (ELECTRICITY) AMENDMENT BILL 2009
GENERAL OUTLINE
The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) will amend the
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (the Act) to implement the Commonwealth
Government's commitment to expand its Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET)
scheme, which includes a statutory target of 9 500 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2010, to a
national Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, which includes a target of
45 000 GWh in 2020. The expanded scheme will deliver the Government's commitment
that the equivalent of at least 20 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from renewable
sources by 2020.
In particular, the Bill will:
· clarify the objectives of the RET scheme;
· increase annual targets for renewable energy generation from 2010, including a
target of 45 000 GWh in 2020 maintained until 2030;
· implement a Solar Credits mechanism based on a renewable energy certificate
multiplier, for small-scale renewable energy including solar Photovoltaic (PV),
wind and micro-hydro systems;
· mandate a review of the operation of the legislation and regulations underpinning
the RET scheme in 2014;
· provide for partial legislative exemptions from liability under the scheme in respect
of electricity-intensive, trade-exposed activities. These partial exemptions may
apply to activities prescribed by regulation;
· provide for the transition of existing and proposed State renewable energy target
schemes; and
· enable power stations utilising waste coal mine gas (WCMG) as a fuel source at a
specified time to participate in the RET scheme for a specified period, and further
increase the annual targets under the RET scheme for the years during which this
source will be eligible.
Partial exemptions under the RET are to be provided to activities as prescribed in the
RET scheme regulations. It is the Government's policy intent that, in the absence of
legislation implementing a carbon price, assistance under the RET is targeted at those
EITE activities that are highly electricity-intensive and therefore face a high cost impact
from the RET alone.
Activities eligible for interim RET assistance will be a sub-set of EITE activities that
have been assessed as having an electricity intensity above a threshold of
3,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) per $ million revenue (or $9,000 MWh per $ million
value-added). The Government will undertake a formal data collection process to assess
eligible activities. Eligible activities are likely to include aluminium smelting, silicon
production and newsprint manufacturing.
When the CPRS legislation and enabling regulations come into force, partial exemptions
will apply in respect of EITE activities as defined under the EITE assistance program.
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The RET scheme has been designed in cooperation with the States and Territories
through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and brings the MRET and
existing and proposed state schemes into a single national scheme.
The legislation underpinning the current MRET scheme comprises the Renewable Energy
(Electricity) Act 2000 (the Act); the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Charge Act 2000 (the
Charge Act); and the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 (the Regulations).
Under the Act, wholesale purchasers of electricity (`liable parties') are required to meet a
share of the renewable energy target in proportion to their share of the national wholesale
electricity market. The Act provides for the creation of Renewable Energy Certificates
(RECs) by generators of renewable energy. One REC represents one megawatt-hour
(MWh) of electricity from eligible renewable energy sources. Installations of solar water
heaters and small generation units (including rooftop solar PV, small wind turbines and
micro-hydro systems) are able to create RECs under deeming arrangements prescribed in
the Regulations. Once registered, the RECs are able to be traded and sold to liable parties
who may surrender them to the Renewable Energy Regulator to demonstrate their
compliance under the scheme and avoid paying the shortfall charge. The Charge Act sets
the level of the shortfall charge for non-compliance.
Financial impact statement
As part of the 2008-09 Budget, the Government provided $15.5 million over five years
for the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator to administer the expanded Renewable
Energy Target. The measure included $2.2 million over two years in capital funding to
modify and expand the capacity of the renewable energy certificate online register and
$14.0 million over five years in administered revenue from the increased trade in
Renewable Energy Certificates.
The inclusion of WCMG as an eligible energy source with associated increases in the
annual targets is estimated to have a small impact on administered revenue of around
$0.7 million over five years from the increased trade in Renewable Energy Certificates.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY (ELECTRICITY) AMENDMENT BILL 2009
NOTES ON CLAUSES
Clause 1 - Short title
1. This clause is a formal provision specifying the short title of the Bill.
Clause 2 - Commencement
2. This clause sets out that the provisions of the Bill will commence or be taken to
commence according to the table entitled `Commencement information'. The table
specifies that the measures in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 are to commence on the day
this Act receives Royal Assent.
3. The measures in Part 1 of Schedule 3 are to commence on a day fixed by
Proclamation. If the provision(s) do not commence before 1 July 2011, they
commence on 1 July 2011. The period to 1 July 2011 is to ensure a smooth transition
to the expanded RET scheme, absorbing existing and planned state schemes.
4. The measures in Item 3 of Schedule 3 are to commence the day after this Act
receives Royal Assent.
5. The measures in Item 4 of Schedule 3 are to commence on 1 February 2010.
6. The measures in Item 5 of Schedule 3 are to commence the day after this Act
receives Royal Assent.
7. The measures in Items 6 and 7 of Schedule 3 are to commence on a day to be fixed
by Proclamation, however if any of the provision(s) do not commence within 9
months of receiving Royal Assent, they commence on the first day after the end of
that period. The 9 month period is to allow the passage of relevant provisions of
complementary State legislation.
8. The measures in Items 8 and 9 of Schedule 3 commence on 1 February 2010.
Clause 3 - Schedule
9. This clause is a formal clause providing that each Act specified in a Schedule is
amended or repealed as set out in that Schedule, and any other item in a Schedule has
effect according to its terms.
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SCHEDULE 1 - AMENDMENT OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY
(ELECTRICITY) ACT 2000
Item 1 - Section 3
10. This item amends section 3(b) of the Act to clarify that an object of the Act is to
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector.
Item 2 - Section 4
11. This item amends the effective end date of the scheme to 1 January 2031.
Item 2A - Subsection 5(1)
12. This item amends section 5 of the Act to add a new term "2008 WCMG limit" which
has the meaning given to it by section 14.
Item 2B - Subsection 5(1)
13. This item amends section 5 of the Act to add a new term "eligible energy sources",
and to define this term to mean eligible renewable energy sources or eligible WCMG.
Item 2C - Subsection 5(1)
14. This item amends section 5 of the Act to define eligible WCMG as having the
meaning given by new section 17A.
Item 3 - Subsection 5(1)
15. This item defines `kW' as an abbreviation of `kilowatt'.
Item 3A - Section 8
16. This item changes a reference in the Overview of Part 2 of the Act from "eligible
renewable energy sources" to "eligible energy sources".
Item 3B - Paragraph 12A(2)(c)
17. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
Item 3C - Section 13(2)(ba)(i)
18. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
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Item 3D - After subsection 13(2)
19. This item inserts a new subsection 13(2A) to stipulate that an application for
accreditation of a power station that is intended to generate power from eligible
WCMG must be made on or before 30 June 2010.
Item 3E - Paragraph 14(2)(a)
20. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
Item 3F - Paragraph 14(3)(b)
21. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
Item 3G - After paragraph 14(3)(b)
22. This item provides that if a power station generates electricity using eligible WCMG
then the Regulator must determine a "2008 WCMG limit" for the power station.
Item 3H - Subsection 14(3) (note)
23. This item amends the note to indicate that the "2008 WCMG limit" may be varied.
Item 3J - Subsection 14(4)
24. This item amends subsection 14(4) to require that the Regulator must determine the
"2008 WCMG limit" in accordance with the guidelines prescribed in the regulations.
It is the policy intent that these guidelines will include, inter alia:
· that the 2008 WCMG limit is to be based on the power station's total generation
using eligible WCMG in 2008;
· a methodology for taking into account 1997 eligible renewable power baselines and
unusual factors, such as plant outages and resource restrictions, which reduced
actual power generation using waste coal mine gas during 2008; and
· a methodology to ensure that the sum of all 2008 WCMG limits for a year does not
exceed the amount by which the annual target has been increased to account for
generation from eligible WCMG.
Item 3K - Subsection 15A(1)
25. This item amends subsection 15A(1) to add that the time period within which the
Regulator must decide an application for accreditation of a power station is subject to
new subsection 15A(3).
This item also inserts a new heading "General rule" for subsection 15A(1).
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Item 3L - At the end of section 15A
26. This item inserts new subsections 15A(3) and 15A(4) under the heading
"Applications that list eligible WCMG as an eligible energy source".
Subsection 15A(3) stipulates that if an application for accreditation of a power station
that is properly made under section 13 lists eligible WCMG as an intended source of
power generation for that power station, the Regulator must decide on the application
by 31 December 2010. This allows the Regulator up to six months following the
deadline stipulated in new subsection 13(2A) for all relevant applications for
accreditation to set all 2008 WCMG limits in accordance with the guidelines to be
prescribed in the regulations.
Subsection 15A(4) stipulates that if the Regulator does not decide the application on
or before 31 December 2010, the Regulator is taken, on the following day, to have
made a decision under section 15 refusing the application. This decision is reviewable
under section 66 of the Act - "Review of decisions".
Item 3M - At the end of Division 3 of Part 2
27. This item inserts new section 17A entitled "What is eligible WCMG?" Several
amendments are made in Item 3M:
· This item inserts new subsection 17A(1) which provides that waste coal mine gas is
"eligible WCMG" if the following two circumstances both apply:
- The waste coal mine gas must be used in generating electricity by a power
station during the period from 1 July 2011 or, if a different date is prescribed
by the regulations, the date so prescribed, and ending on 31 December 2020;
and
- The waste coal mine gas must be used in a power station that was generating
electricity from this source during May 2009, or if not, had previously
generated electricity using WCMG, and as at the end of May 2009, the owner
or operator has a plan to resume generating electricity from WCMG before
the end of September 2009.
· This item inserts new subsection 17A(2) which provides that for the purposes of
this Act, the regulations may prescribe the meaning of waste coal mine gas.
· This item inserts new subsection 17A(3) which provides that for the purposes of
this Act, the regulations may prescribe conditions, in addition to those in subsection
17A(1), that apply in order for waste coal mine gas to be eligible WCMG.
Item 3N - Paragraph 18(4)(a)
28. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
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Item 3P - At the end of subsection 18(4)
29. This item excludes from the calculation of electricity generated by accredited power
stations electricity that was generated from eligible WCMG and is in excess of the
power station's 2008 WCMG limit.
Item 3Q - Paragraph 20(2)(b)
30. This item changes a reference in the Act from "eligible renewable energy sources" to
"eligible energy sources".
Item 4 - Section 23B
31. This item is an administrative amendment consequential to the addition of the new
subsection 23B(2) outlined in Item 6.
Item 5 - Section 23B
32. This item is an amendment consequential to the addition of the new subsection
23B(2) outlined in Item 6.
Item 6 - At the end of section 23B
33. Several amendments are made in Item 6:
· This item adds a new subsection 23B(2) that allows for regulations to specify the
circumstances under which the number of certificates that may be created in
relation to a small generation unit as defined in the Act and the regulations, that is
installed during a period specified in column 1 of the table in subsection 23B(2) is
to be multiplied by the number specified in column 2 of the table in subsection
23B(2).
The table in subsection 23B(2) entitled "Multiplier for certificates for small
generation units" provides that in the circumstances specified in regulations, small
generation units installed between 9 June 2009 and 30 June 2012 will be able to
create 5 RECs for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of generation. For small generation
units installed between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013, 4 RECs would be able to be
created for each MWh of eligible generation. The multiplier applies at a rate of
3 RECs for each MWh of eligible generation for systems installed between
1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 and 2 RECs for each MWh of eligible generation for
systems installed between 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. For systems installed on
and after 1 July 2015, eligible small generation units will be able to generate 1 REC
for each MWh of eligible generation.
This item also notes that regulations made in accordance with subsection 23A(2)
may make provisions relating to the time at which a small generation unit is taken
to be installed.
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· This item also adds a new subsection 23B(3) that allows for regulations to provide
that only certificates that relate to the first 1.5kW of the rated power output of the
small generation unit may be multiplied.
· This item also adds a new subsection 23B(4) that provides that a certificate created
in accordance with the regulations as mentioned in subsection 23B(2) has a value of
1 MWh even though the certificate does not actually represent 1 MWh due to the
effect of the multiplier as outlined in subsection 23B(2).
Item 7 - Application of amendments of section 23B
34. This item clarifies that amendments made by items 4 to 6 apply only to small
generation units that are installed on or after 9 June 2009.
Items 7A, 7B, and 7C (References to eligible renewable energy source)
35. The amendments at items 7A, 7B and 7C change references in the Act from "eligible
renewable energy source" to "eligible energy source".
Item 7D - Division 12 of Part 2 (heading)
36. This item amends the heading to add a reference to 2008 WCMG limits.
Item 7E - At the end of Division 12 of Part 2
37. This item inserts new section 30G which sets out that the Regulator may, by written
determination, vary the 2008 WCMG limit for an accredited power station in
accordance with guidelines prescribed in the regulations. The 2008 WCMG limit can
be increased for any years specified in the determination but a determination that
decreases the 2008 WCMG limit can only have effect for the years following the year
in which the determination is made.
Item 8 - Section 40 (table item dealing with 2010 and later years)
38. This item repeals the table item that stipulated annual targets in gigawatt-hours
(GWh) of renewable source electricity for 2010 and later years, and substitutes annual
targets to give effect to the new profile of targets under the expanded national
Renewable Energy Target. The annual targets increase gradually between 2010 and
2014, following which they increase at a faster rate from 2016 to reach 45 000 GWh
in 2020. The annual targets are maintained at 45 000 GWh from 2020 until the
scheme ends in 2030. The new profile of annual targets includes an additional
amounts in gigawatt-hours equivalent to the amount of generation from eligible
WCMG in the period 2011 to 2020 inclusive. The additional amount for 2011 is
425 gigawatt-hours, and for 2012 to 2020 inclusive is 850 gigawatt-hours each year.
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Item 8A - Subsection 66(1) (after table item 5D)
39. This item inserts a new table item to clarify that the decision to vary the 2008 WCMG
limit for an accredited power station is a reviewable decision and that person who
may request this review is to be the nominated person for the power station.
Item 8B - After paragraph 138(ca)
40. This item amends the contents of the register of accredited power stations to include
the 2008 WCMG limit for each relevant power station, including any variation to that
limit.
Items 8C, 8D and 8E (References to eligible renewable energy source)
41. Amendments at Items 8C, 8D and 8E change references in the Act from "eligible
renewable energy source" or "eligible renewable energy sources" to "eligible energy
source" or "eligible energy sources" respectively.
Item 9 - Section 162
42. This item repeals the existing review provisions and replaces them with new
provisions. Several amendments are made in Item 9:
· This item inserts a new subsection 162(1) which provides that the Minister must
cause an independent review of the following legislation to be undertaken as soon
as practicable after 31 December 2013:
- this Act - paragraph 162(1)(a);
- the regulations to this Act - paragraph 162(1)(b); and
- the Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Act - paragraph 162(1)(c).
· This item also inserts a new subsection 162(2) which provides that the review must
be undertaken by a person whom the Minister considers possesses appropriate
qualifications to undertake the review.
· This item also inserts a new subsection 162(3) which provides that the person
undertaking the review must give the Minister a written report of the review before
30 June 2014.
· This item also inserts a new subsection 162(4) which provides that the Minister
must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within
15 sitting days of that House after the day on which the report is given to the
Minister.
· This item also inserts a new subsection 162(5) which provides that the report
referred to in subsections 162(3) and 162(4) is not a legislative instrument. This
subsection is included to assist readers and clarify that the report referred to in
subsections 162(3) and 162(4) is merely declaratory of the law and is not a
legislative instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative
Instruments Act 2003.
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SCHEDULE 2 - PARTIAL EXEMPTIONS FOR LIABILITY TO CHARGE
Item 1 - At the end of section 3
43. This item adds a new paragraph to clarify that the operation of the Act allows a partial
exemption relating to one or more emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities to be
taken into account when working out a liable entity's renewable energy certificate
shortfall and that if it is, it will reduce the renewable energy shortfall charge payable.
Item 2 - Subsection 5(1)
44. This item defines an emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity as follows:
· If regulations are made for the purpose of subsection 167(1) of the Carbon
Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009, an emissions-intensive trade-exposed
activity is taken to be an emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity under the
emissions-intensive trade-exposed assistance program; or
· However, if no regulations are made for the purpose of subsection 167(1) of the
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009, the meaning of emissions-intensive
trade-exposed activity for the purpose of the Renewable Energy Target scheme will
be as prescribed in the regulations.
Item 3 - Subsection 5(1)
45. This item defines emissions-intensive trade-exposed assistance program as having has
the same meaning as in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 for the
purposes of the Act.
Item 4 - Subsection 5(1)
46. This item inserts a definition of a partial exemption for the purposes of the Act.
Item 5 - Subsection 5(1)
47. This item inserts a definition of a partial exemption certificate for the purposes of the
Act.
Item 6 - Section 38 (method statement, after Step 1)
48. This item inserts an additional step (step 1A) in the calculation of a liable entity's
renewable energy certificate shortfall for a year, to account for the sum of the partial
exemptions to which the liable entity is entitled under the Act in respect of
emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities.
Item 7 - Section 38 (method statement, Step 2)
49. This item is an amendment consequential to the insertion by Item 5 of step 1A in the
method statement in section 38 of the Act.
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Item 8 - After Division 1 of part 4
50. Several amendments are made in Item 8:
· This item inserts a new Division 1A (Partial exemption from liability to charge)
which consists of new sections 38A, 38B and 38C. These sections provide for the
object of a partial exemption from liability, a method for calculating the amount of
exemption and for information relating to partial exemptions to be published.
· This item inserts new section 38A, which clarifies that the object of this division is
to provide a partial exemption from the renewable energy shortfall charge for liable
entities in respect of emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities. A partial
exemption is intended to be provided to an entity who makes a relevant acquisition
of electricity under Part 3 of the Act (Acquisition of electricity), where the liable
entity sells the electricity for use by another entity in an emissions-intensive trade-
exposed activity, or where the liable entity itself uses the electricity to carry on an
emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity.
· This item inserts new section 38B, which outlines the methodology for calculating
annual partial exemptions for liable entities in respect of electricity used in
emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities. The item provides that the amount of
a liable entity's partial exemption for a year is the total in megawatt-hours (MWh)
of all amounts stated in partial exemption certificates issued in relation to the liable
entity for the year and included in the liable entity's energy acquisition statement
for the year.
· This item inserts new section 38C, which provides that the Authority must publish
information on a partial exemption provided to a liable entity in respect of a
particular year on the Authority's website before 1 October in the following year.
- This item inserts new subsection 38C(1), which clarifies that the name of the
liable entity, the value in dollars of the amount of the entity's partial
exemption for the year, and any other information relating to a partial
exemption, as prescribed in the regulations, are to be published on the
Authority's website.
- This item inserts new subsection 38C(2), which provides that the Authority
must also publish any other information in relation to partial exemptions as is
required by the regulations.
- This item inserts new subsection 38C(3), which provides that if a liable
entity's partial exemption is later reduced or increased, the authority must
correct the information on its website.
Item 9 - At the end of subsection 39(3)
51. This item inserts a new paragraph (d) in subsection 39(3), which provides that all
partial exemptions expected to be provided in respect of emissions-intensive
trade-exposed activities are to be taken into account when calculating the renewable
power percentage for a year.
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Item 10 - Subsection 39(4) (formula)
52. This item repeals the existing formula for calculating the amount of renewable
electricity required under the scheme in a year and replaces it with a new formula
which includes an additional term to take account of the total of all partial exemptions
for a year in respect of emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities.
Item 11 - Part 5 (heading)
53. This item repeals the existing heading and substitutes `Part 5 - Statements,
certificates and assessments' to reflect that the Part is now stipulating that partial
exemption certificates are included in the information required to accompany annual
energy acquisition statements to be submitted by liable entities.
Item 12 - After paragraph 44(2)(b)
54. This item inserts a new paragraph 44(2)(ba), which stipulates that a liable entity's
annual energy acquisition statement must specify whether the liable entity wishes to
claim one or more partial exemptions for the year.
Item 13 - After paragraph 44(3)(a)
55. This item inserts a new paragraph 44(3)(aa), which stipulates that where a liable
entity has specified that it wishes to claim a partial exemption for the year, the entity
must include as part of their annual energy acquisition statement, a copy of each
partial exemption certificate issued to the liable entity by the Authority in relation to
an emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity and a copy of each partial exemption
certificate the liable entity has received from another person, for that year.
Item 14 - After Division 1 of Part 5
56. Several amendments are made in Item 14:
· This item inserts a new Division 1A - Partial Exemption Certificates that outlines
the criteria and procedures for obtaining partial exemption certificates.
· This item inserts new section 46A, which sets out the requirements for making
applications for partial exemption certificates.
- This item inserts new subsection 46A(1), which provides that only a
prescribed person may apply in relation to an emissions-intensive
trade-exposed activity at a site. The partial exemption certificate will be in
respect of an emissions-intensive trade-exposed activity; a site at which the
activity is carried on; and a liable party who is, or will be, the party supplying
the electricity to the activity during a particular year.
- This item inserts new subsection 46A(2), which stipulates the requirements of
an application for a partial exemption certificate. These requirements include
that the application must be in a form or manner approved by the Authority;
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include any information prescribed by the regulations; be lodged with the
Authority in accordance with the regulations and be signed on behalf of the
applicant.
- This item inserts new subsection 46A(3), which states that regulations may
provide that information required to be included in an application must be
verified by statutory declaration.
· This item inserts new section 46B, which provides requirements for the issue of a
partial exemption certificate by the Authority and the contents of the certificate.
- This item inserts new subsection 46B(1), which provides that if an application
is made under section 46A, the Authority must issue the applicant with a
partial exemption certificate that includes the amount of the liable entity's
partial exemption for the year in relation to the emissions-intensive
trade-exposed activity and site mentioned in the application. This amount is
to be calculated according to a method prescribed by the regulations. The
certificate must also include any other information prescribed by the
regulations.
- This item inserts new subsection 46B(2), which provides for regulations to
prescribe the period in which the partial exemption certificate must be issued.
- This item inserts a new subsection 46B(3), which provides that a certificate
issued under subsection 46B(1) is not a legislative instrument. This
subsection is included to assist readers and clarify that the certificate referred
to in Division 1A is merely declaratory of the law and is not a legislative
instrument within the meaning of section 5 of the Legislative Instruments Act
2003.
· This item inserts new section 46C, which provides for the amendment of partial
exemption certificates in certain circumstances, by the Authority's own initiative or
at the request of the person who has been issued the certificate.
- This item inserts new subsection 46C(1), which allows the Authority to
amend a partial exemption certificate if the person to whom it has been issued
requests an amendment in writing.
- This item inserts new subsection 46C(2), which provides that the Authority
must have regard to matters prescribed by the regulations and may have
regard to any other matters that it considers relevant when deciding whether
or not to amend a partial exemption certificate when requested under 46C(1).
- This item inserts new subsection 46C(3), which allows the Authority to
amend a partial exemption certificate on its own initiative in circumstances
prescribed in the regulations.
- This item inserts new subsection 46C(4), which provides that the Authority
must notify the person where the Authority refuses to amend a partial
exemption certificate.
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- This item inserts a new note that an amendment of a partial exemption
certificate under this section may also result in the Authority issuing an
assessment under the default assessments provisions of section 48 of the Act
or amending an assessment under section 49 of the Act.
Item 15 - Subsection 66(1) (after table item 5E)
57. This item inserts a new table item to clarify that the decision to amend or to refuse to
amend a partial exemption certificate is a reviewable decision, and that the person
who may request this review is to be the person to whom the certificate is issued.
Item 16 -Subsection 160(1)
58. This item repeals subsection 160(1) and replaces it with a new subsection 160(1),
which retains the stipulations around record keeping for a person who is a registered
person or a liable entity and also applies these stipulations to a person who has been
issued with a partial exemption certificate. The item introduces the term `record
keeper' to describe these three categories of persons. This item also notes that the
heading to section 160 is altered by omitting "and liable entities" and substituting ",
liable entities and holders of partial exemption certificates" to reflect that the section
now also covers holders of partial exemption certificates.
Item 17 - After subsection 160(3)
59. This item inserts new subsection 160(3) that stipulates the documents to be kept by a
person who has been issued with a partial exemption certificate. This includes
documents relevant to ascertaining a matter to which the certificate relates and any
other prescribed matter.
Item 18 - Paragraph 160(4)(b)
60. This item repeals paragraph 160(4)(b) and replaces it with new paragraphs that clarify
that records must be kept so that the liable entity's liability under the Act, and matters
to which a partial exemption certificate relate, can be readily ascertained.
Item 19 - Subsection 160(5)
61. This item omits "registered person, or a liable entity," from subsection 160(5) and
replaces it with "record-keeper" to ensure consistency with references to
`record-keeper' in subsection 160(1).
Item 20 - Subsection 160(6)
62. This item omits "registered person or liable entity" (wherever occurring), and
replaces it with "record-keeper" to ensure consistency with references to
`record-keeper' in subsection 160(1).
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Item 21 - Subsection 160(7)
63. This item repeals the existing subsection 160(7) and replaces it with a new subsection
160(7) that provides that a registered person, or liable entity or person who has been
issued with a partial exemption certificate, commits an offence if the person fails to
comply with a requirement under section 160, and that the penalty on conviction
would be up to 30 penalty units.
Item 22 - Transitional regulations
64. This item inserts provisions to empower the making of transitional regulations
relating to the transition of the definition of `emissions-intensive trade-exposed
activity' from that definition prescribed in the regulations, to the definition under the
emissions-intensive trade-exposed assistance program under the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme Act 2009.
SCHEDULE 3 - AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSITION OF
STATE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET SCHEMES
Item 1 - Subsection 5(1)
65. This item inserts a definition of a constitutional corporation for the purposes of the
Act.
Item 2 - At the end of Part 1
66. This item operates to ensure that the national Renewable Energy Target will operate
as a single, national scheme by granting constitutional corporations an immunity from
compliance with obligations arising under a law of a State that substantially
corresponds to this Act. This provision is not intended to apply to feed-in tariffs or
other support mechanisms for renewable energy that do not substantially correspond
to this Act. Several amendments are made in Item 2:
· The item adds a new section 7B that clarifies that to the extent that this Act applies
in relation to a constitutional corporation, the operation of this Act is based on the
legislative power that the Commonwealth Parliament has under paragraph 51(xx)
of the Constitution and any other legislative power that the Commonwealth
Parliament has under the Constitution.
· The item adds a new section 7C that clarifies that a constitutional corporation need
not comply with any other law of a State that substantially corresponds to this Act.
Item 3 - Definitions
67. This item inserts a range of definitions that relate to the transition of State-based
renewable energy targets into the national Renewable Energy Target scheme. In
particular:
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· The Victorian Renewable Energy Act 2006 is an example of a State Act that
substantially corresponds to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
· A Victorian Renewable Energy Certificate is an example of a State certificate that
is substantially the same as a renewable energy certificate.
· The Victorian Essential Services Commission is an example of a State regulator
that has substantially the same kind of functions as the regulator of the national
Renewable Energy Target.
Item 4 - Continuation of existing accreditations
68. This item enables power stations accredited under a State law that substantially
corresponds to the Act (a State Act) to be automatically accredited under the
expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme. Several amendments are made
in Item 4:
· Subitem 4(1) provides for a power station that was accredited under a State Act
immediately before the day on which this item commences, to be automatically
eligible and approved for accreditation under the national Renewable Energy
Target scheme, subject to item 5 below. In particular, it provides that the
Commonwealth regulator of the Act will automatically deem power stations that
have had their components approved under a relevant State Act, be approved under
paragraph 14(1)(a) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. The
application is taken to have been approved on the day on which this item
commences.
· Subitem 4(2) clarifies that to avoid doubt, the Commonwealth regulator must
determine the 1997 eligible renewable power baseline for the power station and any
non-renewable energy sources used by the power station.
· Subitem 4(3) provides for a nominated person for a power station under a State Act
to be automatically taken to be a registered person and a nominated person for a
power station under the Act, unless notice is given under item 5 that they do not
wish to be accredited under the Act. The person is taken to be registered on the day
on which this item commences.
· Subitem 4(4) clarifies that to avoid doubt, section 12 of the Act applies, whereby
the Commonwealth regulator must allocate the registered person a unique
registration number and advise the person of that number.
Item 5 - Existing accreditations not to continue if notice given
· To allow for power stations and nominated persons that have been accredited under
a State-based renewable energy target scheme that do not wish to be accredited
under the Act, item 5 provides that a nominated person for a power station under
the State-based renewable energy target scheme may notify the Commonwealth
regulator in writing by 30 November 2009 that subitems 4(1) and 4(3) do not apply.
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Item 6 - Conversion of State certificates to renewable energy certificates
69. This item provides that, under prescribed circumstances, the Commonwealth
regulator must create a REC in respect of a State certificate that is surrendered to a
State regulator. Several amendments are made in Item 6:
· Subitem 6(1) provides that if the regulator of a State Act gives written notice to the
Commonwealth regulator before 15 May 2010 that a State certificate has been
surrendered after 1 April 2010 (under a provision of a State Act that substantially
corresponds to section 28A of the Act, which provides for the voluntary surrender
of RECs) then the Commonwealth regulator must, before 15 June 2010, create and
register a REC in respect of the State certificate. The surrender of the State
certificate to the State regulator under this process must be for the purpose of
subitem 6(1).
· Subitem 6(2) provides a second period for the process described above for
subitem 6(1). In this case, written notice needs to be provided to the
Commonwealth regulator between 15 May 2010 and 2 November 2010 inclusive.
In this case, the Commonwealth regulator must create and register a REC in respect
of the state certificate before 1 December 2010.
· Subitem 6(3) provides that notices under subitems 6(1) and 6(2) must be made in
the prescribed form and allows the regulations to prescribe any information which
must be included in the notice.
· Subitem 6(4) clarifies that despite subitems 6(1) and 6(2) a REC may only be
created once.
· Subitem 6(5) provides that for the purposes of a renewable energy certificate
created in respect of a State certificate under subitem 6(1) or 6(2), the renewable
energy certificate is treated as if it had been created under a prescribed provision of
the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 and the person who created the State
certificate is treated as having created the renewable energy certificate. Subject to
subitem (6)(c), the person who owned the State certificate, immediately before it
was surrendered under the State Act, is treated as the owner of the renewable
energy certificate.
· Subitem 6(6) provides that subsections 26(2), (3), (3A) and (5) and (6) of the Act
do not apply for State certificates that are created under subitems 6(1) or 6(2)
because the registration of renewable energy certificates is covered in the
transitional provisions under subitems 6(1) and 6(2). It also provides that
Section 26 of the Act applies as if the Commonwealth regulator had determined
that the renewable energy certificate is eligible for registration under subsection
26(4). This subitem also provides that the owner at the time of the conversion of
the certificate should be recorded as the person who had created the certificate.
· Subitem 6(7) provides that a renewable energy certificate created in respect of a
State certificate under subitem 6(1) or 6(2) is not a certificate for the purpose of
providing a small generation unit return under section 23F of the Act.
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· Subitem 6(8) provides that if a renewable energy certificate is created in respect of
a State certificate under subitems 6(1) or 6(2), the register of RECs maintained
under section 135 of the Act must also contain the year in which the State
certificate was created.
· Subitem 6(9) provides that the Commonwealth regulator must notify in writing the
creator of the State certificate; the regulator of the State Act; and the owner of the
REC (if they did not create it) that a REC has been created in respect of a State
certificate and registered under section 26 of the Act as soon as practicable after
registration.
· Subitem 6(10) provides that the regulator of the national Renewable Energy Target
must provide the notice referred to in subitem 6(9) as soon as practicable after the
renewable energy certificate has been registered under section 26 of the
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
Item 7 - No criminal liability for Commonwealth regulator
70. This item clarifies that nothing in item 6 makes the Commonwealth regulator liable to
be prosecuted for an offence.
Item 8 - Renewable energy certificate must not be created if State certificate created
71. To prevent a State certificate and a REC being created for the same unit of electricity,
this item provides that despite section 18 of the Act, a nominated person for an
accredited power station must not create a REC for electricity generated by the power
station if a State certificate has been created in relation to that electricity.
Item 9 - Transitional regulations
72. This item provides regulation-making powers to support the transition of existing and
proposed state schemes into a single national scheme. Several amendments are made
in Item 9:
· Subitem 9(1) provides for regulations to be made prescribing matters required or
permitted to be prescribed or those necessary or convenient for carrying out or
giving effect to the transition.
· Subitem 9(2) provides that regulations of a transitional nature may be made in
relation to matters arising from the amendment or repeal of a State Act; exemptions
from fees payable under regulations; and the number of RECs that may be created
in relation to a small generation unit.
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