Framework agreements
18.—(1) A utility may regard a framework agreement as a contract within the meaning of these Regulations and award it in accordance with these Regulations and in such a case a reference in these Regulations to a contract includes a framework agreement, except where the context otherwise requires.
(2) A utility which has entered into a framework agreement awarded in accordance with these Regulations may rely on regulation 17(1)(i) when awarding a contract under a framework agreement.
(3) A utility which has not entered into a framework agreement awarded in accordance with these Regulations must not rely on regulation 17(1)(i) when awarding a contract under a framework agreement.
(4) A utility may not misuse a framework agreement in order to prevent, restrict or distort competition.