PART IIN.I.AMENDMENTS TO THE GAS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1996

Time limits for exclusive licencesN.I.

6.—(1) For Article 9(1A) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“(1A) The period specified in a licence under paragraph (1) shall, in relation to any designated activities, expire—

(a)where the activities are designated by reference to a class or description of activities, not later than the twentieth anniversary of the commencement of any of those activities under the licence; and

(b)where the activities are designated by reference to an area, not later than the twentieth anniversary of the first supply of gas to customers in the area.”.

(2) In Article 9(3) for the words “Subject to Article 9A, where a licence” there shall be substituted the words “Subject to Article 9A, where a licence”.

(3) For Article 9(7) and (7A) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

“(7) The grantor may, with the consent of the holder of a licence conferring exclusive authority to carry on designated activities, modify the licence—

(a)so as to substitute for the specified period such longer period as the grantor may determine;

(b)so as to add to those activities which are designated activities for the purposes of this Article such other activities as the grantor may determine.

(7A) The grantor may not under paragraph (7)(a) substitute a longer period than that allowed under paragraph (1A) unless the grantor is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interests of the efficient operation of the designated activities.”.

Commencement Information