(1) This section applies to a proceeding in relation to—
(a) the recovery of a customer debt that is more than $10 000; or
(b) any other cause of action against a customer for more than $10 000 in relation to which an application to ACAT may be made under part 12 (Complaints to ACAT about utilities).
(2) A utility may not begin a proceeding to which this section applies against the customer in the Magistrates Court unless the utility has given the customer written notice of its intention to do so.
(3) The notice—
(a) must be given at least 7 days before the day the proceeding is begun; and
(b) must include a statement about—
(i) the customer's rights to make an application in relation to a complaint to the ACAT under part 12; and
(ii) the effect of the Magistrates Court Act 1930
, section 266 (Complaints under Utilities Act, pt 12).
(4) In this section:
"customer debt"—see section 169.