Proposed regulations improve energy safety

Associate Minister of Energy, Hon Harry Duynhoven today released two discussion papers on amendments to the electricity and gas safety regulations.

“The regulations are a result of amendments to the Gas Act 1992 and the Electricity Act 1992 which focussed on energy safety. These changes require a number of new regulatory provisions,” says Mr Duynhoven.

New proposed Gas Safety Regulations and Electricity Safety Regulations will replace the existing Gas Regulations 1993 and the Electricity Regulations 1997.

Essentially, the proposed gas and electricity safety regulations seek to provide for the safe supply and use of gas and electricity. They also set out regulatory requirements for appliances.

The most significant new regulations relate to the requirement for suppliers in the gas and electricity sectors to develop and maintain safety management systems.

New general safety requirements are also proposed in both sets of regulations. These complement the new purpose statements in the Acts concerning public safety and the protection of property.

“New infringement provisions will allow for breaches of the legislation to be dealt with by an instant fine. This is aimed at addressing behaviours that need be changed to avoid harm from electrical work, and to encourage compliance with the Regulations,” Mr Duynhoven said today.

“Major changes to the gas appliance safety regime are also proposed to require third party certification of appliances before they can be sold or installed,” said Mr Duynhoven.

Mr Duynhoven invites interested parties to consider the proposals presented in the two discussion papers and lodge submissions. Submissions close on 29 February 2008.

The two discussion documents are available on the Energy Safety website www.energysafety.govt.nz

ENDS

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