Pursuant to regulation 85 of the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 (“Regulations”), I, Mark Wogan, Manager, Energy Safety, WorkSafe New Zealand, give the following notice of exemption:

Notice

1. Short Title and Commencement

This notice is the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations – Te Horo Gas Quality Exemption Notice 2024.

This exemption is to take effect the day after publication of this notice in the New Zealand Gazette.

2. Exemption

The following persons are hereby exempt from the requirements of regulation 41(2) of the said Regulations, in respect of the Te Horo gas distribution network, provided they meet the conditions specified in this notice.

3. Persons to Whom This Exemption Applies

First Gas Limited, NZBN: 9429040812106 (Exemption holder)

Any gas retailer supplying to consumers from the Te Horo gas distribution network

4. Conditions

4.1. This exemption applies only to the Te Horo gas distribution network downstream from the offtake point from the transmission pipeline designated as Te Horo gas gate (THO22701).

4.2. This exemption is conditional on First Gas Limited ensuring that:

1. at all times gas supplied downstream of the blend point meets NZS 5442:2008 with the exception of the limit on hydrogen specified in Table 2 of NZS 5442:2008,
2. it complies at all times with the monitoring plan – which includes conducting and recording evaluation of ignition, combustion performance and emissions for all appliances connected to the network by testing,
3. it provides regular reports to WorkSafe on progress with the trial, no less frequently than at the completion of each stage of the monitoring plan,
4. it agrees to compile a comprehensive report on the trial – including any findings, effectiveness of the controls in place and adverse outcomes, and provides a copy of the report to WorkSafe within 90 days of completion of the trial, and
5. it advises WorkSafe as soon as reasonably practicable of becoming aware of any incident or issue that may affect the safety of the distribution network or any consumer or consumer installation connected to the distribution network.

4.3. This exemption is conditional on consumers having the right to opt out of the trial and be offered with alternative supply arrangements for the duration of the trial.

4.4. The exemption holder must give notice to WorkSafe New Zealand no less than five days before the start of the trial.

5. Expiry

This exemption expires on 31 July 2025.

Signed at Wellington this 26th day of July 2024.

MARK STEPHEN WOGAN, Manager, Energy Safety, WorkSafe New Zealand.

Notes:

This exemption:

1. Expires on 31 July 2025.

2. Does not affect or alter the obligation to comply with other regulations in the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.

3. This notice may be found at WorkSafe’s website: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/.