(1) Where the utility, a shipper, bulk customer or distribution company contravenes an obligation imposed under these Rules the Commission may impose a pecuniary penalty on the utility, shipper, bulk customer or distribution company.

(2) A person who

(a) wilfully interferes or knowingly allows interference with the utility’s transmission system;

(b) obtains natural gas in an illegal manner; or

(c) tampers with or breaks a seal on a meter commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.

(3) Where an offence under these Rules is committed by a distribution company or a bulk customer which is a body corporate, a partnership or other firm, every director or officer of that body corporate or any member of the partnership or firm or other person concerned with the management of the bulk customer or distribution company shall be considered to have committed the offence and is on summary conviction, liable to payment of compensation for any damage resulting from the breach and to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both unless the person proves to the satisfaction of the court that

(a) due diligence was exercised to secure compliance with tine provisions of these Rules; and

(b) The offence was committed without the person’s knowledge, consent or connivance.