Energy Act 2023

184 Designation of central systems

(1) In this Part, “designated central system” means a central system that is designated for the purposes of this Part by notice given by the Secretary of State.

(2) “Central system” means an information technology system which has one or both of the following functions—

(a) to support the operation of the provisions of one or more designated documents;

(b) to process, transmit or store data in connection with the operation of the provisions of one or more designated documents.

(3) The designation of a central system has effect from the time specified in the notice under subsection (1).

(4) A notice under subsection (1) in relation to a central system must also specify the person (referred to in this Part as the “responsible body”) who is responsible, for the purposes of this Part, for operating or procuring the operation of the central system.

(5) A notice under subsection (1) must be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected by the designation.

(6) The Secretary of State may revoke the designation of a central system under this section.

(7) The Secretary of State may not designate a central system, or revoke the designation of a central system, except so as to give effect to a recommendation of the GEMA.

(8) Before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the purposes of subsection (7), the GEMA must consult such persons as it considers appropriate.

(9) Subsection (8) does not apply in relation to the designation of a central system where—

(a) immediately before being designated, the central system is a qualifying central system within the meaning of Schedule 12, and

(b) the designation does not involve any change to the responsible body in relation to the central system.

(10) The Secretary of State may by notice provide—

(a) that the person who is the responsible body in relation to a designated central system is to cease to be the responsible body in relation to that system, and

(b) that a person specified in a notice under this paragraph is instead to be the responsible body in relation to the designated central system.

(11) The Secretary of State may not give a notice under subsection (10) except so as to give effect to a recommendation of the GEMA.