Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts

UTILITIES ACT 2000 - SECT 179

    (1)     This section applies to a complaint about the actual or potential withdrawal of a utility service because of a failure to pay a customer debt in relation to residential premises.

    (2)     If the ACAT is satisfied that the withdrawal of the utility services causes, or would cause, substantial hardship for a consumer, the ACAT may give the respondent a written direction—

        (a)     not to withdraw the service; or

        (b)     if the service has been withdrawn—to restore the service as soon as practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours after the direction is given to the respondent.

    (3)     A direction may contain ancillary directions, for example, that the service not be withdrawn—

        (a)     during a stated period; or

        (b)     unless the consumer fails to comply with a stated condition.

Note     An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).