(1) The Minister must, within 3 months after the day on which the Minister receives an application under section 16 or 17:
(a) allow the application; or
(b) refuse the application.
(2) If the Minister allows the application, the Minister must:
(a) ensure that the alterations required to give effect to the Minister's decision are made to the rate book; and
(b) give the applicant written notice of:
(i) the Minister's decision; and
(ii) the alteration made to the rate book.
(3) If the Minister refuses the application, the Minister must give the applicant written notice of the Minister's decision.