Full description
Country Energy was formed on 1 July 2001 by an order from the Minister for Energy under the Electricity Supply Act 1995 (Act No.94, 1995). The agency consisted initially of an amalgamation of the former Advance Energy and Great Southern Energy. (1) The former North Power [II] later joined the agency.
The company established corporate offices at Bathurst, Port Macquarie and Queanbeyan and regional offices in Dubbo, Grafton, Albury, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth. Country Energy was responsible for quoting for and connecting energy and natural gas to premises, supplying street lighting, providing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) supply, giving advice regarding environmentally sensitive solutions to energy needs and sale of electrical appliances.
On 1 January 2002 Full Retail Competition was introduced in New South Wales and Victoria. The transmissions and distribution continued to be regulated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, but customers could select their energy retailer. This deregulation made available a wider range of services and a choice of pricing options.
On 2 March 2011 the name of Country Energy was changed to Essential Energy. (2)
The Board of Essential Energy was responsible for governance and performance and for overseeing the implementation of strategy and objectives. The Board operated in accordance with its Charter which provided an overarching statement of authority and accountability for governance and management of Essential Energy consistent with the Constitution, applicable legislation, government policy and Essential Energy's Code of Conduct and Statement of Business Ethics. (3)
Endnotes
1. NSW Government Gazette No.103, 29 June 2001, p.5120.
2. Energy Services Corporations Amendment (Change of Name) Regulation 2011 (2011 No 105); notified on NSW Legislation website, 2 March 2011.
3. Essential Energy Annual Report, 2021-2022, p.38.
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