Gas Act 1986

Recovery of gas charges etc. E+W+S

7 (1) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) below apply where—

(a) a demand in writing is made by a gas supplier for the payment of any of the charges due to him from a consumer in respect of the supply of gas to the consumer’s premises, or to any premises previously owned or occupied by him; and

(b) the consumer does not pay those charges within 28 days after the making of the demand.

(2) Sub-paragraph (3) below also applies where—

(a) a request in writing is made by a gas supplier for the provision of a deposit by way of reasonable security for the payment of the charges due to him from a consumer in respect of the supply of gas to the consumer’s premises; and

(b) the consumer does not provide such a deposit, or agree to take his supply through a pre-payment meter, within 7 days after the making of the request.

(3) If the supplier is a relevant supplier, he may, after giving not less than 7 days’ notice of his intention—

(a) cut off the supply to the consumer’s premises by disconnecting the service pipe at the meter or by such other means as he thinks fit; and

(b) recover any expenses incurred in so doing from the consumer.

(4) If—

(a) the supplier is not a relevant supplier but another supplier ( “the new supplier ”) is such a supplier; and

(b) the supplier has assigned to the new supplier his right to recover any of the charges due to him from the consumer,

sub-paragraph (3) above shall apply as if any reference to the supplier were a reference to the new supplier.

(5) The powers conferred by sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) above shall not be exercisable as respects any charges or deposit the amount of which is genuinely in dispute.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 2B para. 7(1)(3) modified (8.11.1995 with effect as mentioned by Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 24 of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 45, s. 17(1), Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 24; S.I. 1996/218, art. 2