Electricity Act 1989

1 (1) Where a customer of an [F1 authorised supplier] is to be charged for his supply wholly or partly by reference to the quantity of electricity supplied, the supply shall be given through, and the quantity of electricity shall be ascertained by, an appropriate meter. E+W+S

[F2 (1A) An authorised supplier may give a supply otherwise than through an appropriate meter in such circumstances as may be prescribed.]

[F3 (2) If the [F1 authorised supplier] agrees, the meter may be provided by the customer [F4 (who may provide a meter which belongs to him or is made available otherwise than in pursuance of arrangements made by the supplier)]; but otherwise it shall be provided by the [F1 authorised supplier] [F5 (who may provide a meter which belongs to him or to any person other than the customer)].

(2A) [F6 An authorised supplier] may refuse to allow one of his customers to provide a meter only if there are reasonable grounds for his refusal.]

(3) The meter shall be installed on the customer’s premises in a position determined by the [F1 authorised supplier], unless in all the circumstances it is more reasonable to place it outside those premises or in some other position.

(4) The [F1 authorised supplier] may require the replacement of any meter provided and installed in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) above where its replacement—

(a) is necessary to secure compliance with this Schedule or any regulations made under it; or

(b) is otherwise reasonable in all the circumstances;

and any replacement meter shall be provided and installed in accordance with those sub-paragraphs.

(5) If the customer refuses or fails to take his supply through an appropriate meter provided and installed in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) above, the supplier may refuse to give or may discontinue the supply.

(6) For the purposes of this paragraph a meter is an appropriate meter for use in connection with any particular supply if it is of a pattern or construction which, having regard to the terms on which the supply is to be charged for, is particularly suitable for such use.

(7) Section 23 of this Act shall apply in relation to any dispute arising under this paragraph between [F7 an electricity supplier] and a customer F8 ... .

(8) Pending the determination under section 23 of this Act of any dispute arising under this paragraph, the meter and its provision and installation shall be such as the Director may direct; and directions under this sub-paragraph may apply either in cases of particular descriptions or in particular cases.

(9) Part I of this Act shall apply as if any duty or other requirement imposed on [F7 an electricity supplier] by directions under sub-paragraph (8) above were imposed by directions under section 23 of this Act.

(10) In this Schedule “exempt supply” means a supply of electricity to any premises where—

(a) the premises are not premises used wholly or mainly for domestic purposes; or

(b) the [F1 authorised supplier] or the customer is a person authorised by an exemption to supply electricity to those premises.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 7 paras. 1(1)-(4)(10)(b) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 2(1); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F2 Sch. 7 para. 1(1A) inserted (16.5.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 3(2); S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F3 Sch. 7 para. 1(2)(2A) substituted (1.7.1992) for para. 1(2) by Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 (c. 43), s. 56(6), Sch. 1 para. 16; Commencement Order No. 1 made on 29.5.1992, art. 3, Sch. Pt. I

F4 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(2) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 3(3)(a); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F5 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(2) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 3(3)(b); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F6 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(2A) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 3(4); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F7 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(7)(9) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 3(5); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

F8 Words in Sch. 7 para. 1(7) 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)