The independent Regulator (and the Office) is an integral part of the reform of the energy supply industry. The Regulator was appointed and the Office established effective 1 July 1998 pursuant to amendments to the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995 (ESI Act).

The ESI Act amendments established an independent economic, technical and safety regulator. This was consistent with reform of the electricity supply industry and National Competition Policy which requires that regulatory functions be removed from government business enterprises.

With the introduction of gas into the Tasmanian energy market, the Regulator was charged with responsibility for gas regulation under the Gas Act 2000; Gas Pipelines Act 2000; and the Gas Pipelines Access (Tasmania) Act 2000. Accordingly, the Regulator (and the Office) was re-badged as the Tasmanian Energy Regulator.

By an instrument of delegation the Regulator has delegated all his functions as Regulator arising under the Electricity Industry Safety and Administration Act 1997, to the relevant officer of Workplace Standards Tasmania; and by a second instrument of delegation, has delegated several of his functions as Director of Gas, arising under the Gas Act 2000, to the Director of Gas Safety and the Manager Gas Safety of Workplace Standards Tasmania.

The Office is co-located with the Government Prices Oversight Commission (GPOC). More information on GPOC can be found at the GPOC web site: www.gpoc.tas.gov.au

Energy Ombudsman

If a customer is dissatisfied with the way a complaint has been handled by an energy company, the complaint may be lodged with the Energy Ombudsman. The Energy Ombudsman Act 1998 provides that the Ombudsman receive, investigate and resolve complaints concerning any service of, or relating to the sale and supply of gas or electricity by, an energy entity.

The Regulator has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Energy Ombudsman. The Memorandum provides that the Ombudsman make available to the Regulator information regarding any systemic issues identified in relation to industry compliance with the various regulatory instruments.