[33BF1 Overall standards of performance.E+W+S
(1)The Director may from time to time—
(a)determine such standards of overall performance in connection with the provision of gas supply services by [F2gas suppliers]] as, in his opinion, ought to be achieved by them; and
(b)arrange for the publication, in such form and in such manner as he considers appropriate, of the standards so determined.
(2)The Director may only make a determination under subsection (1)(a) above after—
(a)consulting [F3gas suppliers] and persons or bodies appearing to the Director to be representative of persons likely to be affected; and
(b)arranging for such research as the Director considers appropriate with a view to discovering the views of a representative sample of persons likely to be affected and considering the results.
[F4(3)Different standards may be determined for different gas suppliers if the Director is of the opinion that the differences are such that no gas supplier would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other gas suppliers.
(3A)Standards may be determined either as respects the provision of gas supply services generally or as respects the provision of such services to customers of a particular class or description.]
(4)It shall be the duty of every [F5gas supplier] to conduct his business in such a way as can reasonably be expected to lead to his achieving the standards set under this section.
Textual Amendments
F1Cross heading, ss. 33A and 33B inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 11; Commencement Order No. 1 made on 29.5.1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I.
F2Words in s. 33B(1) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 35(1); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F3Words in s. 33B(2) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 35(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F4S. 33B(3)(3A) substituted for s. 33B(3) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 35(3); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
F5Words in s. 33B(4) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 10(1), Sch. 3 para. 35(4); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2