Generators

Any power station can apply to become an accredited generator under the scheme. Accreditation will only be granted on the basis that it does or will generate electricity:

• from an eligible fuel source
• above a baseline (representing 'existing' gas-fired generation as at May 2000)
• which supports electricity load in Queensland.

Accreditation is essentially a license granted by the Regulator that permits the person who holds the accreditation to create
Gas Electricity Certificates (GECs) for the eligible electricity generated by the power station.

Separate accreditation is required for each individual power station. Accreditation may be sought by both existing and proposed power stations and the applicant should be either the economic operator of the power station or a person nominated by the economic operator of the power station.

In order to apply to become an accredited generator, the approved form (Word - 1MB) must be completed and sent to the regulator, accompanied by the appropriate application fee.

Only accredited generators can create GECs for eligible gas-fired generation. Accredited generators are also entitled to all the rights of other scheme participants, such as the right to transfer, mortgage and surrender GECs.

The Electricity Act 1994 imposes a number of general conditions on an accredited generator, including payment of an annual fee, suspension, cancellation and surrender. The regulator may state individual or 'special' conditions that apply to the accreditation. If there is a conflict between the special conditions and the conditions imposed by the Act, the latter will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

The accreditation takes effect on the day stated in the accreditation or, if it states no day of effect, the day it is issued but not before 1 January 2005. An accreditation remains in force until 31 December 2020 however the right to create GECs will only apply to electricity generated up to and on 31 December 2019.