The Essential Services Commission has commenced public consultation on its proposal to revoke the Public Lighting Code of Practice (code of practice). Most obligations are outdated or already covered by other requirements, while essential minimum standards will be preserved by transferring them to the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice (EDCoP).
The code of practice was created to ensure a safe visual environment. Key rules include how electricity distributors connect and work with public lighting customers, like councils and VicRoads.
Most of these obligations are duplicated in other Victorian regulations.
We propose transferring any obligations that are not duplicated over to the EDCoP, including obligations related to:
distributor public lighting asset management
minimum service standards and Guaranteed Service Levels
information provision
definitions.
We also propose to make some minor amendments to account for innovations in technology, such as the improved longevity of lamps and meters that allow distributors to remotely monitor lamps.
Electricity distributors are reminded that meeting these standards is essential for public safety and that strong compliance is expected.
The commission invites interested parties to provide their feedback on whether any other obligations should be retained and transferred to the EDCoP. The consultation aims to ensure relevant provisions in Victoria are not adversely affected by revoking the code of practice, while also removing duplications and clarifying ambiguity.
