43B.—(1) Before determining standards of performance under Article 43 or 43A, the Authority shall—
(a)arrange for such research as the Authority considers appropriate with a view to discovering the views of a representative sample of persons likely to be affected and consider the results;
(b)publish a notice of its proposals in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) and consider any representations which are duly made in respect of those proposals; and
(c)consult the General Consumer Council and other persons or bodies mentioned in paragraph (4).
(2) The notice required by paragraph (1)(b) is a notice—
(a)stating that the Authority proposes to determine standards of performance and setting out the standards of performance proposed;
(b)stating the reasons why it proposes to determine those standards of performance; and
(c)specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations with respect to the proposals may be made.
(3) A notice required by paragraph (1)(b) shall be published in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected by the proposals.
(4) The persons or bodies to be consulted by the Authority under paragraph (1)(c) are—
(a)electricity suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under Article 43) or electricity distributors and electricity suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under Article 43A); and
(b)persons or bodies appearing to the Authority to be representative of persons likely to be affected by the determination.
(5) The Authority shall make arrangements for securing that notices under paragraph (1)(b) and determinations under Article 43 and 43A are made available to the public by whatever means it considers appropriate.
(6) Any requirement for research or consultation under this Article may be satisfied by research and consultation carried out in anticipation of its coming into operation.]
F1Arts. 42, 42A, 43, 43A, 43B substituted (3.7.2007 for art. 43B for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.2007) for arts. 42, 43 by Electricity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. 2007/321), regs. 1(2)(3), 10 (with transitional provisions in Pt. IV)