41B. Directions for electricity rationing

Where there is an electricity shortage situation, the Authority may, with the approval of the Minister, give to any one or more persons such directions for the purpose in subsection (2) to do any act in subsection (3) that the Authority considers necessary.

The purpose of the directions is to prevent the electricity shortage situation from occurring or continuing, or to deal with or alleviate the electricity shortage situation.

A direction may require any person to whom the direction is given to do or not to do any thing in order to regulate the generation, transmission, supply or use of electricity, including —

Directions under this section may be issued at any one or more times during the electricity shortage situation, including to the same person.

Where the same direction is to be given to a class of persons, the Authority may, instead of issuing a direction to each person in the class, issue a direction for the class of persons.

The Authority must publicise a direction under subsection (5) in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing the direction to the attention of all persons in the class.

A direction under this section remains in force until revoked by the Authority, and such revocation does not prevent the issue of another direction under this section to the same person or class of persons, whether with the same requirements as or different requirements from the direction revoked.

The Authority is not required to consult any person, or provide any notice, before issuing any direction under this section.

A person (including an electricity licensee) who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to one or both of the following: