What this class covers
ANZSIC class 2612 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in generating electricity through hydro-electric processes. This includes operations that harness the energy of flowing or falling water to produce electrical power, typically through turbines connected to generators. The class also encompasses pumped hydro storage facilities, which operate by pumping water to an elevated reservoir during periods of low electricity demand and releasing it to generate power during peak demand periods.
In Australia, this classification applies to various scale operations from large state-owned hydro-electric schemes to smaller private generation facilities. Typical examples include Snowy Hydro's extensive network of power stations in the Snowy Mountains, Hydro Tasmania's operations harnessing Tasmania's water resources, and smaller run-of-river hydro plants operated by regional energy providers. The classification is used by government agencies, statistical bodies, and industry regulators to track and analyse the hydro-electricity generation sector within Australia's broader energy market.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class primarily engage in:
- Operating hydro-electric power stations that generate electricity from water flowing through dams or rivers
- Managing pumped hydro storage facilities that store energy by pumping water uphill and generate power by releasing it
- Maintaining and operating the infrastructure required for hydro-electric generation including turbines, generators, and water control systems
- Selling hydro-electrically generated power to the National Electricity Market or directly to consumers
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes electricity generation using tidal processes, which is classified separately under ANZSIC 2619: Other Electricity Generation. This distinction reflects the different technological approaches and resource types between conventional hydro-electric and tidal generation.
Businesses engaged in electricity transmission or distribution rather than generation would typically be classified under ANZSIC 2620: Electricity Transmission or ANZSIC 2630: Electricity Distribution. Operations that primarily focus on water supply rather than electricity generation fall under Division E: Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Services.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to specify ANZSIC 2612 as your primary classification, which corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 26120 for tax purposes. This classification affects your business's workers' compensation premiums through the applicable state or territory scheme, typically falling under higher-risk categories due to the industrial nature of power generation.
Hydro-electricity generators may need to comply with reporting requirements to the Australian Energy Regulator and may be eligible for specific energy sector grants or renewable energy incentives. Businesses should maintain accurate records of generation capacity and output, as this data may be required for regulatory reporting or participation in renewable energy certificate schemes.