Electricity Act 1989

3 (1) In formulating any relevant proposals, a licence holder or a person authorised by an exemption to [F1 generate, [F2 distribute, supply or participate in the transmission of] electricity]— S

(a) shall have regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest and of protecting sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest; and

(b) shall do what he reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or on any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects.

(2) In considering any relevant proposals for which his consent is required under section 36 or 37 of this Act, the Secretary of State shall have regard to—

(a) the desirability of the matters mentioned in paragraph (a) of sub-paragraph (1) above; and

(b) the extent to which the person by whom the proposals were formulated has complied with his duty under paragraph (b) of that sub-paragraph.

(3) Without prejudice to sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) above, in exercising any relevant functions each of the following, namely, a licence holder, a person authorised by an exemption to generate or supply electricity and the Secretary of State shall avoid, so far as possible, causing injuries to fisheries or to the stock of fish in any waters.

(4) In this paragraph—

• “building” includes structure;

• “relevant proposals” has the same meaning as in paragraph 1 above and, for the purposes of this paragraph, any such order as is mentioned in sub-pargaraph (4) of that paragraph may be made under this sub-paragraph;

• “relevant functions” means any powers conferred and any duties imposed by or under this Act.

(5) This paragraph and paragraphs 4 and 5 below extend to Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 9 para. 3(1) substituted (1.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3264, art. 6

F2 Words in Sch. 9 para. 3(1) substituted (1.9.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 19 para. 16; S.I. 2004/2184, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 9 para. 3: transfer of certain functions (S.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7)