Energy Act 2023

219 Heat networks regulations

(1) The appropriate authority may by regulations make provision for the purposes of—

(a) regulating relevant heat networks, or

(b) conferring powers in relation to the development or maintenance of relevant heat networks.

(2) Schedule 18 contains further provision about the power to make regulations under this section.

(3) The provision made in Schedule 18 is without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).

(4) Regulations under this section may—

(a) contain such consequential, incidental, supplementary, transitional or saving provisions as the appropriate authority considers appropriate;

(b) make different provision for different purposes;

(c) provide for a person to exercise discretion in dealing with any matter.

(5) Regulations made by the Secretary of State by virtue of subsection (4)(a) may include—

(a) provisions amending or repealing an Act of Parliament, an Act or Measure of Senedd Cymru or Northern Ireland legislation;

(b) provisions amending the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 9).

(6) Regulations made by the Department by virtue of subsection (4)(a) may include provisions amending or repealing Northern Ireland legislation.

(7) Before making any regulations under this section, the appropriate authority is to consult such persons or bodies as it may consider appropriate.

(8) It is immaterial for the purposes of subsection (7) whether consultation is carried out before or after the coming into force of this section.

(9) In this section “the appropriate authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, the Secretary of State;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department.