Parliamentarians to recommend revised Electricity Act includes provisions for emergencies

   

The Joint Select Committee reviewing the Electricity Act 2015 is to recommend the inclusion of provisions to address emergencies.

 

During Tuesday's deliberations, committee member Phillip Paulwell noted that there are still gaps in the legislation, which should be dealt with during the review.

 

He said a major gap is dealing with disasters such as hurricanes.

 

According to Mr. Paulwell, the continued disruption from Hurricane Beryl has highlighted the need for the committee to ensure there are appropriate provisions to allow for a transparent assessment and restoration process.

 

"I think in an environment where you have an emergency, some of the provisions, especially in relation to regulation, ought to be relieved. I believe that when there is an emergency, the country is in such a state of dislocation, of frustration, of upset, and of pain that it does require a different type of regulation to take effect. In some jurisdictions, I see, for example, every day in public media, the public is able to be updated on the situation as they unfold," he suggested. 

 

Mr. Paulwell said the role of the National Disaster Committee should be expanded. 

 

"Perhaps it is a time for that disaster committee to play more than just the role that they play now, and probably there could be legal provision given to them to step in to enable a more streamlined approach to disaster recovery, because it is not only electricity that is affected. Disaster affects water, it affects roads, and so on. And what I'm seeking to see if it can be incorporated at this late stage is a scenario of emergency," he proposed.