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Gas Act 1986

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Changes over time for: Cross Heading: Supplemental

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Version Superseded: 10/11/2011

Status:

Point in time view as at 08/04/2010.

Changes to legislation:

Gas Act 1986, Cross Heading: Supplemental is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 07 December 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

SupplementalE+W+S

45 Offences by bodies corporate.E+W+S

(1)Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Part and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2)Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) above shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

F146 Service of notices etc.E+W+S

(1)F2. . .Any notice or other document required or authorised to be given, delivered or served under this Part or regulations made under this Part may be given, delivered or served either—

(a)by delivering it to the person to whom it is to be given or delivered or on whom it is to be served;

(b)by leaving it at the usual or last known place of abode of that person;

(c)by sending it in a prepaid letter addressed to that person at his usual or last known place of abode;

(d)in the case of a body corporate, by delivering it to the secretary or clerk of the body at their registered or principal office, or sending it in a prepaid letter addressed to the secretary or clerk of the body at that office; or

(e)if it is not practicable after reasonable inquiry to ascertain the name or address of a person to whom it should be given or delivered, or on whom it should be served, as being a person having any interest in premises, by addressing it to him by the description of the person having that interest in the premises (naming them) to which it relates and delivering it to some responsible person on the premises, or affixing it or a copy of it to some conspicuous part of the premises.

[F3(2)Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, where this subsection applies in relation to a [F4gas transporter] or gas supplier, any notice to be given to or served on the transporter or supplier under—

(a)any condition of his licence;

(b)any provision of Schedule 2B to this Act; or

(c)in the case of a transporter, section 10 above,

may be given or served by delivering it at, or sending it in a prepaid letter to, an appropriate office of the transporter or supplier.

(3)Subsection (2) above applies in relation to a [F4gas transporter] if he divides [F5any authorised area of his] into such areas as he thinks fit and—

(a)in the case of each area, fixes offices of his which are to be appropriate offices in relation to notices relating to matters arising in that area; and

(b)publishes in each area, in such manner as he considers adequate, the addresses of the offices fixed by him for that area.

(4)Subsection (2) above applies in relation to a gas supplier if he divides the premises specified in his licence into such areas as he thinks fit and—

(a)in the case of each area, fixes offices of his which are to be appropriate offices in relation to notices relating to matters arising in that area;

(b)publishes in each area, in such manner as he considers adequate, the addresses of the offices fixed by him for that area; and

(c)endorses on every demand note for gas charges payable to him the addresses of the offices fixed for the area in question.

(5)In this section references to premises specified in a licence include references to premises of a description, or situated in an area, so specified.]

Textual Amendments

F1S. 46 applied (29.9.2000) by 2000 c. 27, s. 106(4); S.I. 2000/2412, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3(2))

F2Words in s. 46(1) repealed (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, ss. 10(1), 17(5), Sch. 3 para. 52(1), Sch. 6; S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F3S. 46(2)-(5) substituted for s. 46(2)(3) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 52(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F4Words in s. 46 substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 2(1); S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F5Words in s. 46(1) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6, Pt. I para. 18; S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

47 Provisions as to regulations.E+W+S

(1)Regulations made under any provision of this Part may provide for the determination of questions of fact or of law which may arise in giving effect to the regulations and for regulating (otherwise than in relation to any court proceedings) any matters relating to the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with the determination of such questions, including provision—

(a)as to the mode of proof of any matter;

(b)as to parties and their representation;

(c)for the right to appear [F6before and be heard by] the Secretary of State, the Director and other authorities; and

(d)as to awarding costs [F7or expenses] of proceedings for the determination of such questions, determining the amount thereof and the enforcement of awards thereof.

(2)Regulations made under any provision of this Part which prescribe a period within which things are to be done may provide for extending the period so prescribed.

(3)Regulations made under any provision of this Part may—

[F8(aa)provide for anything falling to be determined under the regulations to be determined—

(i)by the Director or by such other person as may be prescribed by the regulations; and

(ii)in accordance with such procedure and by reference to such matters and to the opinion of such persons as may be so prescribed;]

(a)make different provision for different areas or in relation to different cases or different circumstances; and

(b)provide for such exceptions, limitations and conditions, and make such supplementary, incidental or transitional provision, as the Secretary of State [F9or, as the case may be, the Director] considers necessary or expedient.

(4)Regulations made under any provision of this Part may provide that any person contravening the regulations shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

F10[(5)Proceedings for an offence under any regulations made under any provision of this Part shall not in England and Wales be instituted except by or with the consent of the Secretary of State [F11, the Director]] or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

(6)In any proceedings against any person for an offence under any regulations made under any provision of this Part, it shall be a defence for that person to show—

(a)that he was prevented from complying with the regulations by circumstances not within his control; or

(b)that circumstances existed by reason of which compliance with the regulations would or might have involved danger to the public and that he took all such steps as it was reasonable for him to take both to prevent the circumstances from occurring and to prevent them from having that effect.

[F12(7)Any power to make regulations conferred by this Part on the Secretary of State or the Authority shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(8)Any statutory instrument containing regulations under this Part made by the Secretary of State shall, except as otherwise provided by this Act, be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F6Words in s. 47(1)(c) substituted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para. 9(2)(a); Commencement Order No. 1 made on 29.5.1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I.

F7Words in s. 47(1)(d) inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para. 9(2)(b); Commencement Order No. 1 made on 29.5.1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I.

F8S. 47(3)(aa) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 53(1)(a); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F9Words in s. 47(3)(b) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 53(1)(b); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F10S. 47(5) repealed (1.3.1996) so far as relating to proceedings for offences created by regulations made or having effect under section 16 of this Act so far as relating to standards affecting safety by Offshore Safety Act 1992 (c. 15), s. 3(3)(b), Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/487, art. 2

F11Words in s. 47(5) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 53(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F12S. 47(7)(8) substituted (20.12.2000) for sub (7) by 2000 c. 27, s. 100; S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Power to repeal or modify s. 47(3)(4) conferred by Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c. 37), s. 15 (as amended (1.3.1996) by Offshore Safety Act 1992 (c. 15), s. 2(3)(b); S.I. 1996/487, art. 2)

48 Interpretation of Part I and savings.E+W+S

(1)In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires—

  • authorised area”, in relation to a [F13gas transporter], has the meaning given by section 7(2) above;

  • [F14authorised supplier” means a person authorised by a licence or exemption to supply to any premises gas which has been conveyed to those premises through pipes;]

  • [F15authorised transporter” means a person authorised by a licence or exemption to convey gas through pipes to any premises or to a pipe-line system operated by a gas transporter;]

  • calorific value” has the meaning given by section 12(2) above;

  • F16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • declared calorific value” has the meaning given by section 12(2) above;

  • distribution main”, in relation to a [F13gas transporter], means any main of the [F17transporter] through which the [F17transporter] is for the time being distributing gas and which is not being used only for the purpose of conveying gas in bulk;

  • F18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • [F19exemption” means an exemption under section 6A;]

  • gas” means—

    (a)

    any substance in a gaseous state which consists wholly or mainly of—

    (i)

    methane, ethane, propane, butane, hydrogen or carbon monoxide;

    (ii)

    a mixture of two or more of those gases; or

    (iii)

    a combustible mixture of one or more of those gases and air; and

    (b)

    any other substance in a gaseous state which is gaseous at a temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 1013·25 millibars and is specified in an order made by the Secretary of State;

  • gas fittings” means gas pipes and meters, and fittings, apparatus and appliances designed for use by consumers of gas for heating, lighting, motive power and other purposes for which gas can be used;

  • [F20gas interconnector” has the meaning given by section 5(8);]

  • [F21gas supplier” and “gas shipper” have the meanings given by section 7A(11) above;]

  • holding company[F22has the meaning given by] [F23section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006];

  • information” includes accounts, estimates and returns;

  • [F24“ kilowatt hour” means 3.6 megajoules;]

  • [F25licence” means a licence under section 7[F26, 7ZA] or 7A and “licence holder” shall be construed accordingly;]

  • F27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • notice” means notice in writing;

  • [F28officer”, in relation to any person, includes any servant or agent of that person, and any officer or servant of such an agent;

  • owner”, in relation to any premises or other property, includes a lessee, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;]

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations [F29made, unless the context otherwise requires, by the Secretary of State];

  • [F30[F13gas transporter]” has the meaning given by section 7(1) above;]

  • F31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • F32[service pipe” means a pipe, other than a distribution main of a [F13gas transporter]], which is used for the purpose of conveying gas from such a main to any premises, and includes part of any such pipe;

  • storage”, in relation to gas, means storage in, or in a facility which is connected (directly or indirectly) to, a pipe-line system operated by a [F13gas transporter];

  • subsidiary[F22has the meaning given by section 736 of] the Companies Act 1985;

  • F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • F34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F35(1A)In this Part any reference to an officer authorised by any person includes, in relation to an officer who is an officer or servant of an agent of that person, an officer who, in accordance with the terms of any written authority given by that person to the agent, is authorised by the agent on behalf of that person.]

(2)In this Part, except in section 18, references to the supply of gas do not include references [F36to the supply of gas (directly or indirectly) to a [F13gas transporter], gas supplier or gas shipper].

[F37(2A)In relation to any time after 31st December 1999—

(a)references in this Part to 2,500, 75,000 and 2 million therms shall be construed as references to 73,200, 2,196,000 and 58 million kilowatt hours respectively; and

(b)other references in this Part to therms, and references in this Part to therms or kilowatt hours, shall be construed as references to kilowatt hours.

(2B)A person is of pensionable age for the purposes of this Part if—

(a)he has attained pensionable age (within the meaning given by the rules in paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the M1Pensions Act 1995); or

(b)in the case of a man born before 6th April 1955, he is the same age as a woman who has attained pensionable age (within the meaning so given).

F38(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ]

F38(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F13Words in s. 48 substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 2(1); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F14Definition of “authorised supplier” in s. 48(1) inserted (7.11.2000 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 19(a); S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F15Definition of “authorised transporter” in s. 48(1) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. I para. 19(a); S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F16Definition of “the council” in s. 48(1) repealed (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F17Words in s. 48(1) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(b); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F18Definition of “domestic customer” in s. 48(1) repealed (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6, Pt. I para. 19(c), Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F19Definition of “exemption” in s. 48(1) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6, Pt. I para. 19(b); S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F20Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.12.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 149(11), 198(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F21Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(d); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F22Words substituted by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40, SIF 27), s. 144(4), Sch. 18 para. 44(a) (subject to the transitional provisions referred to in S.I. 1990/1392 art. 2(d))

F24Definition in s. 48(1) inserted (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/450, reg. 3(2).

F25Definition of “licence” in s. 48(1) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6, Pt. I para. 19(d); S.I. 2001/3266, arts. 1(2), 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F26Word in s. 48(1) inserted (1.12.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 149(8)(a), 198(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F27Words in s. 48(1) repealed (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/506, art. 20(d)

F28Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(f); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F29Words in s. 48(1) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(g); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F30Words in s. 48(1) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(h); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F31Words in s. 48(1) repealed (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, ss. 10(1), 17(5), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(i), Sch. 6; S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F32Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(j); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F33Words in s. 48(1) repealed (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, ss. 10(1), 17(5), Sch. 3 para. 54(1)(k), Sch. 6; S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F34Definition of "therm" in s. 48(1) omitted (1.1.2000) by virtue of S.I. 1992/450, reg. 3(5)(e).

F35S. 48(1A) inserted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F36Words in s. 48(2) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(3); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F37S. 48(2A)-(3) substituted for s. 48(3) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 54(4); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F38S. 48(3)(4) repealed (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 48(1) amended (temp. until 31.12.1999) (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/450, reg. 3(4)(b).

Marginal Citations

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