(1)  The Pricing Regulator is to fix maximum retail margins or maximum distribution charges for non-contestable customers during the period in which a retailer has been granted an exclusive retail franchise or a distributor has been granted an exclusive franchise for pipeline services.

(2)  The Pricing Regulator is to publish notice of the maximum retail margins or maximum distribution charges from time to time in the Gazette and local newspapers.

(3)  A notice under subsection (2) may be limited in application, or have varying application, according to factors specified in the notice.

(4)  The Pricing Regulator may, by notice in the Gazette , vary or revoke a notice under subsection (2) .

(5)  The Pricing Regulator may, from time to time, publish in such manner as the Pricing Regulator thinks fit, principles and guidelines that the Pricing Regulator will observe or take into account in fixing maximum retail margins or maximum distribution charges.

(6)  If maximum retail margins or maximum distribution charges are set by the process by which the exclusive franchise is granted, the Pricing Regulator may not set maximum retail margins or maximum distribution charges for non-contestable customers at a level that is lower than those set by that process.

(7)  The Pricing Regulator must give public notification of the basis on which the retail margins or distribution charges are determined.

(8)  A gas entity must not charge a retail margin or distribution charge to non-contestable customers that exceeds an applicable maximum retail margin or distribution charge fixed by the Pricing Regulator under this section.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 500 penalty units.

(9)  The Pricing Regulator must, in performing the Pricing Regulator's functions, endeavour to act in a fair and equitable manner taking proper account of the interests of participants in the gas supply industry and the interests of consumers of gas.

(10)  Nothing in subsection (9) gives rise to, or can be taken into account in, any civil cause of action.

(11)  In exercising his or her powers and performing his or her functions under this Act, the Pricing Regulator is not subject to the direction of the Minister or any other person.