Introduction
1. This discussion paper sets out the Ministry of Commerce's ("the Ministry's") specific proposals for amending the Electricity (Information Disclosure) Regulations 1994 ("the Regulations"). The Ministry's proposals fall into the following categories:
- amendments arising as a result of recent industry reforms;
- amendments to line charge disclosure requirements;
- amendments aimed at increasing focus on line business reliability and security;
- amendments which are intended to make disclosed information more accessible to the general public; and
- amendments to ensure that the financial statements disclosed under the Regulations comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and to improve the definitions for calculation of financial performance measures.
2. It is intended that these amendments would take effect from 1 April 1999.
Comments Sought on This Discussion Paper
3. We would appreciate any comments by 19 October on the proposals in this discussion paper. Comments should be sent to:
Tony Fenwick
Manager
Energy Markets Policy Group
Ministry of Commerce
PO Box 1473
WELLINGTON
Fax 04-473 7010
or by e-mail to: john.nisbet@moc.govt.nz
4. Respondents should note that written comments provided to the Ministry in response to this discussion paper will be among the information we hold which is subject to public release under the Official Information Act 1982. If the Ministry receives a request for this material we will be required to consider its release, in whole or in part, in terms of the criteria set out in the Act. The Act requires us to make the information available unless we consider that there is good reason, pursuant to the Act, to withhold the information, and that good reason outweighs the desirability, in the public interest, of making the information available. The grounds for withholding official information are set out in the Official Information Act.
5. In providing your comments, please advise the Ministry if you have any objections to the release of any material and, if you do object, the specific material that you would wish withheld, and the grounds for withholding. The Ministry will carefully review any representations that you make in this regard in considering any formal Official Information Act requests that might be received in the future relating to this material. You should note, however, that the decision on release rests with the Ministry. Any decision to withhold information is subject to appeal to the Ombudsman.
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