Bill allows electrical workers entry right

Press, 25 August 1983, Page 7

Bill allows electrical workers entry right

PA. Wellington Electrical supply workers can enter property without the owner’s consent under legislation introduced in Parliament this week. The Minister of Energy, Mr Birch, said the Electricity Amendment Bill protected consumers’ right of privacy but allowed entry without their consent in some circumstances.

He told the House the bill incorporated recommendations of the Public and Administrative Law Reform Committee, a body which reports to the Minister of Justice on aspects of public and administrative law reform.

It required the Ministry and electrical supply authorities to comply with conditions if they entered land without the owner’s consent. Reasonable notice of intended entry had to be given, and entry was only to be made at reasonable times.

The person entering was to carry a warrant of authority or be working under the immediate control of a person holding such authority. The warrant had to be produced on entry. Entry into a dwelling was to be authorised by a warrant from a judicial officer by written application on oath.

But, Mr Birch told the

House, the conditions did not apply where entry was necessary in circumstances of probable danger to life or property, or where entry was necessary to maintain continuity or safety of electrical supply. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Palmer, said he did not think the bill followed the recommendations of the committee. The committee had previously said the Ministry of Energy did not agree to its suggestion that the power of entry be restricted “so that it could only be exercised at reasonable times.” The bill was sent to the Commerce and Energy Select Committee.