Prospective
(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations provide that the requirement imposed by section 2(1) does not apply—
(a)in circumstances specified in the regulations,
(b)in relation to heat networks of a description specified in the regulations.
(2)The Scottish Ministers may direct that the requirement imposed by section 2(1) does not apply—
(a)to—
(i)a person specified by name in the direction,
(ii)persons of a description specified in the direction,
(b)in relation to heat networks of a description specified in the direction.
(3)Where the Scottish Ministers issue a direction under subsection (2), they must—
(a)do so in writing, and
(b)publish the direction in such manner as they consider appropriate.
(4)The Scottish Ministers may grant an exemption by regulations under subsection (1) or by a direction under subsection (2)—
(a)either—
(i)indefinitely, or
(ii)for a period specified in the regulations or the direction,
(b)either—
(i)unconditionally, or
(ii)subject to conditions specified in the regulations or the direction.
(5)The Scottish Ministers may revise or revoke a direction under subsection (2).
(6)Subsection (3) applies to the revision or revocation of a direction under subsection (2) as it applies to such a direction.
(7)Regulations under subsection (1), or a direction under subsection (2), may make different provision for different areas.