QUALITY DECLARATION - SUMMARY

INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The estimates presented are derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Economic Activity Survey (EAS) and the Energy Supply Survey (ESS) (as part of the 2007-08 Annual Integrated Collection (AIC)). The data presented are based on the 2006 Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). The survey data were collected under the authority of the Census and Statistics Act 1905.

RELEVANCE

This publication presents information based on an alternative view of electricity supply and gas supply activity in Australia for the reference years 2006-07 to 2007-08. The data presented are based on the 2006 Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). The frames used for the Economic Activity Survey (EAS) and the Energy Supply Survey (ESS), like most ABS economic surveys, were taken from the ABS Business Register. The ABS Business Register is updated monthly to take account of new businesses and businesses which have ceased operating. The scope of the estimates in this release consists of all businesses on the ABS Business Register involved with electricity generation, transmission, distribution or onselling. Excluded are mining businesses that generate electricity for their own use. Estimates are also provided for gas extraction, pipeline transport (onshore gas only) and gas distribution. The core data for ANZSIC06 Division D (Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services) are released in Australian Industry, 2007-08 (cat. no. 8155.0). More detailed information for ANZSIC06 SD26 (Electricity Supply) and SD27 (Gas Supply) is available in 8155.0's related data cubes for Electricity and Gas. The period covered by the estimates is, in general, the twelve months ended 30 June, for both 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively. Where businesses are unable to supply information on this basis, an accounting period for which data can be provided is used for data other than that relating to employment. Such businesses make a substantial contribution to some of the estimates presented in this release. As a result, the estimates can reflect trading conditions that prevailed in periods outside the twelve months ended June in the relevant year. The surveys are designed primarily to deliver national estimates for all industry divisions within the scope of the collections.

TIMELINESS

The release date of Alternative View of Electricity and Gas Supply Activity , 2006-07 to 2007-2008, ABS cat. no. 4647.0, is 29 September, 2009. The data used in this publication were collected for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 financial years. Please also refer to Australian Industry, 2007-08, ABS cat. no 8155.0 and its attached data cubes for the Energy Supply Survey.


ACCURACY

The ABS aims to produce high quality data from its industry collections while minimising the reporting burden on businesses. To achieve this, extensive effort is put into survey and questionnaire design, collection procedures and processing. Errors can arise from inaccuracies in collecting, recording and processing the data. Every effort was made to minimise reporting error by the careful design of questionnaires, intensive training of survey analysts, and efficient data processing procedures. For more information on data accuracy, please see the Quality Declarations and Explanatory Notes of Australian Industry, 2007-08, ABS cat. no 8155.0 and its attached data cubes for the Energy Supply Survey.

COHERENCE

The alternative activity view of electricity and gas supply estimates presented are designed to compliment rather than replace the official ANZSIC-based electricity and gas industry statistics presented in Australian Industry, 2007-08, ABS cat. no 8155.0 . The estimates contained in this publication are largely coherent with the corresponding series published in Australian Industry, 2007-08, ABS cat. no 8155.0. However, in some instances, estimates may differ between the two publications.

INTERPRETABILITY

Estimates are available as original series only, and are not seasonally or trend adjusted. Although financial estimates in this release relate to the full twelve months, employment estimates relate to the last pay period ending in June of the given year.

ACCESSIBILITY

The publication is available free of charge on the ABS website. Please also refer to Australian Industry, 2007-08, ABS cat. no 8155.0 and its attached data cubes for the Energy Supply Survey. If the information you require is not available as a standard product, the ABS may have other relevant data available on request and for a charge. Please contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Kai Wallenius on (02)6252 6019.