Gas Act 1986

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 public gas supplier, has the meaning given by section 7(2) above;

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

• “the Council” means the Gas Consumers’ Council;

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

• “distribution main”, in relation to a public gas supplier, means any main of the supplier through which the supplier is for the time being distributing gas and which is not being used only for the purpose of conveying gas in bulk;

• “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;

• “holding company” [F1 has the meaning given by section 736 of] the M1 Companies Act 1985;

• “information” includes accounts, estimates and returns;

• [F2 “ kilowatt hour” means 3.6 megajoules;]

• “the Monopolies Commission” means the Monopolies and Mergers Commission;

• “notice” means notice in writing;

• “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations [F3 (except in section 33A above)];

• “public gas supplier” has the meaning given by section 7(1) above;

• “regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State;

• “subsidiary” [F1 has the meaning given by section 736 of] the Companies Act 1985;

• “tariff customer” has the meaning given by section 14(5) above;

• “therm” means 105·506 megajoules.

(2) In this Part, except in section 18, references to the supply of gas do not include references—

(a) to the supply of gas (directly or indirectly) to a public gas supplier; or

(b) to the supply of gas by a company to any subsidiary or holding company of that company, or to any subsidiary of a holding company of that company.

(3) Nothing in this Part relating to the modification of a public gas supplier’s authorisation shall authorise the inclusion in any such authorisation of any condition other than one such as is mentioned in section 7 above or, in the case of a modification under section 23 or 26 above, as would be so mentioned if the references to the Secretary of State in subsection (7)(a), (b) and (d) of the said section 7 were references to the Director.

(4) Nothing in this Part and nothing done under it shall prejudice or affect the operation of any of the relevant statutory provisions (whenever made) as defined in Part I of the M2 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words 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))

F2 Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/450, reg. 3(2).

F3 Words in s. 48(1) inserted (1.7.1992) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para.10; Commencement Order No. 1 made on 29.5.1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt.I.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 48(1) amended (temp. until 31.12.1999) (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/450, reg. 3(4)(b).

Marginal Citations

M1 1985 c. 6.

M2 1974 c. 37.