Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27)

Part I U.K. New regulatory arrangements

1 Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. E+W+S

(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (in this Act referred to as “the Authority”) for the purpose of carrying out—

(a) functions transferred to the Authority from the Director General of Gas Supply and the Director General of Electricity Supply; and

(b) the other functions of the Authority under this Act.

(2) The functions of the Authority are performed on behalf of the Crown.

(3) The offices of Director General of Gas Supply and Director General of Electricity Supply are abolished.

(4) Schedule 1 has effect with respect to the Authority.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 1 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 1 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 1(1)(2)(4) in force at 1.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2917, art. 2; s. 1(3) in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

2 Gas and Electricity Consumer Council. E+W+S

(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (in this Act referred to as “the Council”) for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the Council under this Act.

(2) The Council shall not be regarded as a servant or agent of the Crown or as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

(3) The Gas Consumers’ Council established under section 2 of the M1 Gas Act 1986 (in this Act referred to as “the 1986 Act”) and the consumers’ committees established under section 2 of the M2 Electricity Act 1989 (in this Act referred to as “the 1989 Act”) are abolished.

(4) Schedule 2 has effect with respect to the Council.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 2 wholly in force at 7.11.2000; s. 2 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 2(1)(2)(4) in force at 1.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2917, art. 2; s. 2(3) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12)

Marginal Citations

M1 1986 c. 44.

M2 1989 c. 29.

3 Transfer to Authority and Council of functions, property etc. E+W+S

(1) The functions of the Director General of Gas Supply and the Director General of Electricity Supply (“the Directors”) are transferred to the Authority.

(2) Any enactment which—

(a) relates to a function of either of the Directors; and

(b) is in force immediately before the transfer by subsection (1) of that function,

shall have effect after the transfer, so far as necessary for the purposes of or in consequence of the transfer, as if references to the Director were references to the Authority.

(3) The Secretary of State may make one or more schemes (“transfer schemes”) for the transfer of the property, rights and liabilities of the Directors to the Authority or to the Council.

(4) A transfer scheme may provide for the transfer to the Council of rights and liabilities relating to persons employed in the civil service of the state.

(5) On the day appointed by a transfer scheme, the property, rights and liabilities which are the subject of the scheme shall, by virtue of this subsection, be transferred in accordance with the provisions of the scheme.

(6) The property, rights and liabilities of the Gas Consumers’ Council (including rights and obligations in relation to contracts of employment) are, by virtue of this subsection, transferred to the Council.

(7) Subsection (6) has effect in relation to property, rights or liabilities to which it applies in spite of any provision (of whatever nature) which would prevent or restrict the transfer of the property, rights or liabilities otherwise than by that subsection.

(8) Schedule 3 has effect in relation to transfer schemes and transfers by any provision of this Act of functions, property, rights and liabilities to the Authority or Council.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 3 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 3 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 3(3)(4)(5)(8) in force at 1.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2917, art. 2; s. 3(6)(7) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 3(1)(2) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

4 Forward work programmes. E+W+S

(1) The Authority and the Council shall, before each financial year, each publish a document (the “forward work programme”) containing a general description of the projects, other than those comprising routine activities in the exercise of its functions, which it plans to undertake during the year.

(2) That description must include the objectives of each project.

(3) The forward work programme for any year shall also include an estimate of the overall expenditure which the Authority or the Council expects to incur during the year in the exercise of its functions.

(4) Before publishing the forward work programme for any year, the Authority or the Council shall give notice—

(a) containing a draft of the forward work programme, and

(b) specifying the time within which representations or objections to the proposals contained in it may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5) The notice under subsection (4) must be published by the Authority or the Council in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.

(6) The Authority must send a copy of any notice given by it under subsection (4) to the Council.

(7) The Council must send a copy of any notice given by it under subsection (4) to the Authority and the Secretary of State.

Commencement Information

I4 S. 4 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 4 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 4 in force at 7.11.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 4 in force at 20.12.2000 for all remaining purposes by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

5 Annual and other reports of Authority. U.K.

(1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, make to the Secretary of State a report (the “annual report” for that year) on—

(a) its activities during that year, and

(b) the activities of the Competition Commission during that year in respect of any references made by the Authority.

(2) The annual report for each year shall include—

(a) a general survey of developments in respect of matters falling within the scope of the Authority’s functions, including in particular developments in competition between persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with—

(i) the shipping, transportation or supply of gas conveyed through pipes; or

(ii) the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity;

(b) a report on the progress of the projects described in the forward work programme for that year;

(c) a summary of final and provisional orders made and penalties imposed by the Authority during the year; and

(d) a report on such other matters as the Secretary of State may from time to time require.

(3) The annual report for each year shall set out any general directions given by the Secretary of State under section 34(3) of the 1986 Act or section 47(2) of the 1989 Act.

(4) The Secretary of State shall consult the Authority before exercising the power under subsection (2)(d) in relation to any matter.

(5) The Secretary of State shall—

(a) lay a copy of each annual report before each House of Parliament; and

(b) arrange for the report to be published in such manner as he considers appropriate.

(6) The Authority may also prepare other reports with respect to any matter falling within the scope of its functions and may arrange for any such report to be published in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(7) The Authority shall send a copy of each annual or other report published under this section to the Council.

(8) In making or preparing any report under this section the Authority shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where publication of that matter would or might, in the opinion of the Authority, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(9) [F1 Paragraph 12A(1) of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998 (annual reports of the Competition Commission)] does not apply to activities of the Competition Commission on which the Authority is required to report under this section.

(10) Section 39 of the 1986 Act (annual and other reports of the Director General of Gas Supply) and section 50 of the 1989 Act (annual and other reports of the Director General of Electricity Supply) shall cease to have effect.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 5(9) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 43(2); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 5(2)(a) modified (19.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 3

Commencement Information

I5 S. 5 wholly in force at 1.10.2000; s. 5 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 5(1)-(9) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3376, art. 2, Sch.; s. 5(10) in force at 20.12.2000 save in respect of Sch. 7 para. 29 by S.I. 2000/3376, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15); s. 5(10) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

6 Publication of advice and information about consumer matters. E+W+S

(1) For section 35 of the 1986 Act (publication by Director of information and advice) there is substituted—

“35 Publication of advice and information about consumer matters.

(1) If it appears to the Authority that the publication of any advice and information would promote the interests of consumers in relation to gas conveyed through pipes, the Authority may publish that advice or information in such manner as it thinks fit.

(2) In publishing advice or information under this section the Authority shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where publication of that matter would or might, in the opinion of the Authority, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(3) Before deciding to publish under this section any advice or information relating to a particular individual or body of persons the Authority shall consult that individual or body.

(4) In this section “consumers” includes both existing and future consumers.”

(2) For subsections (1) and (2) of section 48 of the 1989 Act (publication by Director of information and advice) there is substituted—

“(1) If it appears to the Authority that the publication of any advice and information would promote the interests of consumers in relation to electricity conveyed by distribution systems, the Authority may publish that advice or information in such manner as it thinks fit.

(2) In publishing advice or information under this section the Authority shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where publication of that matter would or might, in the opinion of the Authority, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(2A) Before deciding to publish under this section any advice or information relating to a particular individual or body of persons the Authority shall consult that individual or body.”

(3) After subsection (3) of that section there is inserted—

“(4) In this section “consumers” includes both existing and future consumers.”

Commencement Information

I6 S. 6 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

7 Co-operation between Authority and Council. E+W+S

(1) The Authority and the Council shall make arrangements with a view to securing—

(a) co-operation and the exchange of information between them; and

(b) consistent treatment of matters which affect both of them.

(2) As soon as practicable after agreement is reached on those arrangements, the Authority and the Council shall prepare a memorandum setting them out and send a copy of it to the Secretary of State.

(3) Arrangements under this section shall be kept under review by the Authority and the Council.

(4) As soon as practicable after agreement is reached on any changes to those arrangements, the Authority and the Council shall revise their memorandum and send a copy of the revised memorandum to the Secretary of State.

(5) The Secretary of State shall lay a copy of any document received by him under this section before each House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I7 S. 7 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

8 Payments by licence holders relating to new arrangements. E+W+S

(1) In this section “payment conditions” means—

(a) in relation to a gas licence, conditions included in the licence by virtue of section 7B(4)(c) of the 1986 Act; or

(b) in relation to an electricity licence, conditions included in the licence by virtue of section 7(1)(b) of the 1989 Act.

(2) The payment conditions of a gas licence or an electricity licence may (without prejudice to the generality of the provisions mentioned in subsection (1)) require the payment by the licence holder of sums relating to any of the expenses mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) Those expenses are—

(a) the expenses of the Council; and

(b) the expenses of the Secretary of State in relation to the establishment of the Authority and the Council.

(4) The Authority may, in accordance with this section, modify any payment conditions of a gas licence or an electricity licence where the Authority considers it necessary or expedient to do so in consequence of, or of preparations for—

(a) the establishment of the Authority or the Council; or

(b) the abolition of any office or body mentioned in section 1(3) or 2(3).

(5) Where the Authority modifies any payment conditions of a licence under subsection (4) it may make such incidental or consequential modifications as it considers necessary or expedient of the other conditions of the licence.

(6) Before modifying the conditions of a licence under subsection (4) or (5) the Authority shall consult the licence holder.

(7) Any consultation undertaken by the Director General of Gas Supply, the Director General of Electricity Supply or the Secretary of State before the commencement of subsection (6) shall be as effective for the purposes of that subsection as if undertaken by the Authority after that time.

(8) The powers of the Authority under subsections (4) and (5) may not be exercised after the end of the period of two years beginning with the commencement of this section.

(9) The Secretary of State may give directions to the Authority for the purpose of securing that sums relating to any of the expenses mentioned in subsection (3) are included in the sums payable by virtue of payment conditions in gas licences and electricity licences; and the Authority shall comply with any such direction.

Commencement Information

I8 S. 8 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

Part II U.K. Objectives of regulation of gas and electricity

Gas E+W+S

9 Objectives and duties under 1986 Act. E+W+S

For section 4 of the 1986 Act (general duties of Secretary of State and Director) there is substituted—

“4AA The principal objective and general duties of the Secretary of State and the Authority.

(1) The principal objective of the Secretary of State and the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (in this Act referred to as “the Authority”) in carrying out their respective functions under this Part is to protect the interests of consumers in relation to gas conveyed through pipes, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition between persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with, the shipping, transportation or supply of gas so conveyed.

(2) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out those functions in the manner which he or it considers is best calculated to further the principal objective, having regard to—

(a) the need to secure that, so far as it is economical to meet them, all reasonable demands in Great Britain for gas conveyed through pipes are met; and

(b) the need to secure that licence holders are able to finance the activities which are the subject of obligations imposed by or under this Part or the Utilities Act 2000.

(3) In performing that duty, the Secretary of State or the Authority shall have regard to the interests of—

(a) individuals who are disabled or chronically sick;

(b) individuals of pensionable age;

(c) individuals with low incomes; and

(d) individuals residing in rural areas;

but that is not to be taken as implying that regard may not be had to the interests of other descriptions of consumer.

(4) The Secretary of State and the Authority may, in carrying out any function under this Part, have regard to—

(a) the interests of consumers in relation to electricity conveyed by distribution systems (within the meaning of the M3 Electricity Act 1989); and

(b) any interests of consumers in relation to—

(i) telecommunication services and telecommunication apparatus (within the meaning of the M4 Telecommunications Act 1984); or

(ii) water services or sewerage services (within the meaning of the M5 Water Industry Act 1991),

which are affected by the carrying out of that function.

(5) Subject to subsection (2), the Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out their respective functions under this Part in the manner which he or it considers is best calculated—

(a) to promote efficiency and economy on the part of persons authorised by licences or exemptions to carry on any activity, and the efficient use of gas conveyed through pipes;

(b) to protect the public from dangers arising from the conveyance of gas through pipes or from the use of gas conveyed through pipes; and

(c) to secure a diverse and viable long-term energy supply,

and shall have regard, in carrying out those functions, to the effect on the environment of activities connected with the conveyance of gas through pipes.

(6) In this section “consumers” includes both existing and future consumers.

(7) In this section and sections 4AB and 4A, references to functions of the Secretary of State or the Authority under this Part include a reference to functions under the Utilities Act 2000 which relate to gas conveyed through pipes.

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

• “exemption” means an exemption granted under section 6A;

• “licence” means a licence under section 7 or 7A and “licence holder” shall be construed accordingly.”

Commencement Information

I9 S. 9 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

Marginal Citations

M3 1989 c. 29.

M4 1984 c. 12.

M5 1991 c. 56.

10 Guidance on social and environmental matters in relation to gas. E+W+S

After section 4AA of the 1986 Act (which is inserted by section 9 above) there is inserted—

“4AB Guidance on social and environmental matters.

(1) The Secretary of State shall from time to time issue guidance about the making by the Authority of a contribution towards the attainment of any social or environmental policies set out or referred to in the guidance.

(2) The Authority shall, in carrying out its functions under this Part, have regard to any guidance issued under this section.

(3) Before issuing guidance under this section the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) the Authority;

(b) the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (in this Act referred to as “the Council”);

(c) licence holders; and

(d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult in relation to the guidance.

(4) A draft of any guidance proposed to be issued under this section shall be laid before each House of Parliament.

(5) Guidance shall not be issued under this section until after the period of forty days beginning with—

(a) the day on which the draft is laid before each House of Parliament; or

(b) if the draft is laid before the House of Lords on one day and the House of Commons on another, the later of those two days.

(6) If, before the end of that period, either House resolves that the guidance should not be issued, the Secretary of State must not issue it.

(7) In reckoning any period of forty days for the purposes of subsection (5) or (6), no account shall be taken of any time during which—

(a) Parliament is dissolved or prorogued; or

(b) both Houses are adjourned for more than four days.

(8) The Secretary of State shall arrange for any guidance issued under this section to be published in such manner as he considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I10 S. 10 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

11 Health and safety in relation to gas. E+W+S

For section 4A of the 1986 Act (duties with respect to safety) there is substituted—

“4A Health and safety.

(1) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall consult the Health and Safety Commission about all gas safety issues which may be relevant to the carrying out of any of their respective functions under this Part.

(2) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall, in carrying out their respective functions under this Part, take into account any advice given by the Health and Safety Commission about any gas safety issue (whether or not in response to consultation under subsection (1)).

(3) For the purposes of this section a gas safety issue is anything concerning the conveyance of gas through pipes, or the use of gas conveyed through pipes, which may affect the health and safety of—

(a) members of the public; or

(b) persons employed in connection with the conveyance of gas through pipes or the supply of gas conveyed through pipes.”

Commencement Information

I11 S. 11 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

12 Exceptions from the general duties under 1986 Act. E+W+S

After section 4A of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“4B Exceptions from sections 4AA to 4A.

(1) Section 4AA does not apply in relation to the issuing by the Secretary of State of guidance under section 4AB.

(2) Sections 4AA to 4A do not apply in relation to anything done by the Authority—

(a) in the exercise of functions relating to the determination of disputes; or

(b) in the exercise of functions under section 36A(3).

(3) The Authority may nevertheless, when exercising any function under section 36A(3), have regard to any matter in respect of which a duty is imposed by sections 4AA to 4A if it is a matter to which the Director General of Fair Trading could have regard when exercising that function.

(4) The duties imposed by sections 4AA to 4A do not affect the obligation of the Authority or the Secretary of State to perform or comply with any other duty or requirement (whether arising under this Act or another enactment, by virtue of any Community obligation or otherwise).”

Commencement Information

I12 S. 12 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

Electricity U.K.

13 Objectives and duties under 1989 Act. E+W+S

For section 3 of the 1989 Act (general duties of Secretary of State and Director) there is substituted—

“3A The principal objective and general duties of the Secretary of State and the Authority.

(1) The principal objective of the Secretary of State and the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (in this Act referred to as “the Authority”) in carrying out their respective functions under this Part is to protect the interests of consumers in relation to electricity conveyed by distribution systems, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition between persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with, the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.

(2) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out those functions in the manner which he or it considers is best calculated to further the principal objective, having regard to—

(a) the need to secure that all reasonable demands for electricity are met; and

(b) the need to secure that licence holders are able to finance the activities which are the subject of obligations imposed by or under this Part or the Utilities Act 2000.

(3) In performing that duty, the Secretary of State or the Authority shall have regard to the interests of—

(a) individuals who are disabled or chronically sick;

(b) individuals of pensionable age;

(c) individuals with low incomes; and

(d) individuals residing in rural areas;

but that is not to be taken as implying that regard may not be had to the interests of other descriptions of consumer.

(4) The Secretary of State and the Authority may, in carrying out any function under this Part, have regard to—

(a) the interests of consumers in relation to gas conveyed through pipes (within the meaning of the M6 Gas Act 1986); and

(b) any interests of consumers in relation to—

(i) telecommunication services and telecommunication apparatus (within the meaning of the M7 Telecommunications Act 1984); or

(ii) water services or sewerage services (within the meaning of the M8 Water Industry Act 1991),

which are affected by the carrying out of that function.

(5) Subject to subsection (2), the Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out their respective functions under this Part in the manner which he or it considers is best calculated—

(a) to promote efficiency and economy on the part of persons authorised by licences or exemptions to transmit, distribute or supply electricity and the efficient use of electricity conveyed by distribution systems;

(b) to protect the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; and

(c) to secure a diverse and viable long-term energy supply,

and shall, in carrying out those functions, have regard to the effect on the environment of activities connected with the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.

(6) In this section “consumers” includes both existing and future consumers.

(7) In this section and sections 3B and 3C, references to functions of the Secretary of State or the Authority under this Part include a reference to functions under the Utilities Act 2000 which relate to electricity conveyed by distribution systems.

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

• “exemption” means an exemption granted under section 5;

• “licence” means a licence under section 6 and “licence holder” shall be construed accordingly.”

Commencement Information

I13 S. 13 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

Marginal Citations

M6 1986 c. 44.

M7 1984 c. 12.

M8 1991 c. 56.

14 Guidance on social and environmental matters in relation to electricity. E+W+S

After section 3A of the 1989 Act (which is inserted by section 13 above) there is inserted—

“3B Guidance on social and environmental matters.

(1) The Secretary of State shall from time to time issue guidance about the making by the Authority of a contribution towards the attainment of any social or environmental policies set out or referred to in the guidance.

(2) The Authority shall, in carrying out its functions under this Part, have regard to any guidance issued under this section.

(3) Before issuing guidance under this section the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) the Authority;

(b) the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (in this Act referred to as “the Council”);

(c) licence holders; and

(d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult in relation to the guidance.

(4) A draft of any guidance proposed to be issued under this section shall be laid before each House of Parliament.

(5) Guidance shall not be issued under this section until after the period of forty days beginning with—

(a) the day on which the draft is laid before each House of Parliament; or

(b) if the draft is laid before the House of Lords on one day and the House of Commons on another, the later of those two days.

(6) If, before the end of that period, either House resolves that the guidance should not be issued, the Secretary of State must not issue it.

(7) In reckoning any period of forty days for the purposes of subsection (5) or (6), no account shall be taken of any time during which—

(a) Parliament is dissolved or prorogued; or

(b) both Houses are adjourned for more than four days.

(8) The Secretary of State shall arrange for any guidance issued under this section to be published in such manner as he considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I14 S. 14 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

15 Health and safety in relation to electricity. E+W+S

After section 3B of the 1989 Act (which is inserted by section 14 above) there is inserted—

“3C Health and safety.

(1) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall consult the Health and Safety Commission about all electricity safety issues which may be relevant to the carrying out of any of their respective functions under this Part.

(2) The Secretary of State may require the Authority also to consult him about electricity safety issues of particular descriptions.

(3) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall, in carrying out their respective functions under this Part, take into account any advice given by the Health and Safety Commission about any electricity safety issue (whether or not in response to consultation under subsection (1)).

(4) The Authority shall, in carrying out its functions under this Part, take into account any advice given by the Secretary of State about any electricity safety issue (whether or not in response to consultation under subsection (2)).

(5) For the purposes of this section an electricity safety issue is anything concerning the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity which may affect the health and safety of—

(a) members of the public; or

(b) persons employed in connection with any of those activities.”

Commencement Information

I15 S. 15 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

16 Exceptions from the general duties under 1989 Act. E+W+S

After section 3C of the 1989 Act (which is inserted by section 15 above) there is inserted—

“3D Exceptions from sections 3A to 3C.

(1) Section 3A does not apply in relation to the issuing by the Secretary of State of guidance under section 3B.

(2) Sections 3A to 3C do not apply in relation to functions of the Secretary of State under section 36 or 37.

(3) Sections 3A to 3C do not apply in relation to anything done by the Authority—

(a) in the exercise of functions relating to the determination of disputes;

(b) in the exercise of functions under section 43(3).

(4) The Authority may nevertheless, when exercising any function under section 43(3), have regard to any matter in respect of which a duty is imposed by sections 3A to 3C (“a general matter”), if it is a matter to which the Director General of Fair Trading could have regard when exercising that function (but that is not to be taken as implying that, in relation to functions mentioned in subsection (2), regard may not be had to any general matter).

(5) The duties imposed by sections 3A to 3C do not affect the obligation of the Authority or the Secretary of State to perform or comply with any other duty or requirement (whether arising under this Act or another enactment, by virtue of any Community obligation or otherwise).”

Commencement Information

I16 S. 16 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

Part III U.K. Functions of the Council

17 Preliminary. E+W+S

(1) In this Part—

• “consumers” includes both existing consumers and future consumers;

• “the interests of consumers” means the interests of consumers in relation to gas conveyed through pipes or electricity conveyed by distribution systems; and

• “consumer matter” means any matter connected with the interests of consumers.

(2) In considering the interests of consumers the Council shall have regard to the interests of—

(a) individuals who are disabled or chronically sick;

(b) individuals of pensionable age;

(c) individuals with low incomes; and

(d) individuals residing in rural areas,

but that is not to be taken as implying that regard may not be had to the interests of other descriptions of consumer.

Commencement Information

I17 S. 17 wholly in force at 7.11.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-12)

18 Acquisition and review of information. E+W+S

(1) The Council has the function of obtaining and keeping under review—

(a) information about consumer matters, including matters affecting consumers in different areas of Great Britain; and

(b) information about the views of consumers on such matters, including the views of consumers in different areas.

(2) As part of the arrangements it makes for carrying out that function, the Council—

(a) shall establish one or more committees of the Council for, or for areas within, Wales and Scotland; and

(b) may establish one or more committees of the Council for, or for areas within, England.

(3) The purposes of a committee established under subsection (2) (in this Act referred to as a “regional committee”) shall be—

(a) the provision of advice and information to the Council on consumer matters affecting the area for which the committee is established; and

(b) such other purposes as the Council may determine.

(4) The Council shall maintain in each of England, Wales and Scotland at least one office at which consumers may apply for information.

(5) After section 41H of the 1986 Act (which is inserted by section 88 below) there is inserted—

“41I Service by Authority of certain notices on Council.

Where the Authority is required by any provision of this Part to publish a notice or any other document, the Authority shall send a copy of the document to the Council.”

(6) Before section 57 of the 1989 Act (restriction on disclosure of information) there is inserted—

“56G Service by Authority of certain notices on Council.

Where the Authority is required by any provision of this Part to publish a notice or any other document, the Authority shall send a copy of the document to the Council.”

(7) Paragraphs 10 to 14 of Schedule 2 have effect in relation to regional committees.

Commencement Information

I18 S. 18 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 18 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 18(1)(2)(3)(4)(7) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 18(5)(6) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

19 Provision of advice and information to public authorities and other persons. E+W+S

(1) The Council has the function of—

(a) making proposals, or providing advice and information, about consumer matters (including matters affecting consumers in different areas), and

(b) representing the views of consumers on such matters (including the views of consumers in different areas),

to public authorities, persons authorised by a licence or exemption under the 1986 Act or the 1989 Act and other persons whose activities may affect the interests of consumers.

(2) Subject to subsection (5), information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate) shall not be disclosed in the exercise of the Council’s function under this section unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (3) applies to the information.

(3) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be disclosed if—

(a) the individual or body has consented to the disclosure;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the disclosure of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of the individual or body.

(4) Before deciding to disclose any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (3)(c), the Council shall—

(a) consult that individual or body; and

(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (3)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its disclosure;

and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.

(5) Subsections (2) to (4) do not apply to a disclosure of information which is made to the Authority, the Secretary of State, the Competition Commission or any other public authority.

(6) The disclosure by the Council of information in the exercise of its function under this section does not contravene section 105.

Commencement Information

I19 S. 19 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 19 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 19(1)(2)(3)(4)(a)(5)(6) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 19(4)(b) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

20 Provision of information to consumers. E+W+S

(1) The Council has the function of providing information about consumer matters, in such form as appears to the Council to be most useful to the recipients, to consumers of electricity or gas supplied by persons authorised to do so by a licence or exemption.

(2) That function may be exercised by—

(a) publishing information in any manner the Council thinks appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of those likely to be interested; or

(b) furnishing information to any consumer (whether in response to a request or otherwise).

(3) Information may only be disclosed in the exercise of that function if it is information that is available to the public from some other source.

(4) The disclosure by the Council of information in the exercise of that function does not contravene section 105.

(5) After section 33D of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“33DA Publication of statistical information about standards of performance.

(1) It shall be the duty of the Council to publish, in such form and manner and with such frequency as it thinks appropriate, such statistical information as it considers appropriate in relation to—

(a) the levels of performance achieved by gas suppliers and gas transporters in respect of—

(i) standards of performance prescribed or determined under sections 33A, 33AA, 33B and 33BA; and

(ii) energy efficiency obligations imposed by order under section 33BC; and

(b) complaints made by consumers about any matter relating to the activities of such suppliers or transporters and the handling of such complaints.

(2) In subsection (1)(b) “complaints” includes complaints made directly to gas suppliers and gas transporters (or anyone carrying on activities on their behalf) and complaints to the Authority or the Council.”

(6) After section 42A of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“42AA Publication of statistical information about standards of performance.

(1) It shall be the duty of the Council to publish, in such form and manner and with such frequency as it thinks appropriate, such statistical information as it considers appropriate relating to—

(a) the levels of performance achieved by electricity suppliers and electricity distributors in respect of—

(i) standards of performance prescribed or determined under sections 39, 39A, 40 and 40A; and

(ii) energy efficiency obligations imposed by order under section 41A; and

(b) complaints made by consumers about any matter relating to the activities of such suppliers or distributors and the handling of such complaints.

(2) In subsection (1)(b) “complaints” includes complaints made directly to electricity suppliers and electricity distributors (or anyone carrying on activities on their behalf) and complaints to the Authority or the Council.”

(7) In consequence of this section, section 33C(4) and (5) of the 1986 Act and section 42(4) and (5) of the 1989 Act shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I20 S. 20 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 20 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 20(1)(2)(3)(4) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 20(5)(6) in force at 7.11.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 20(5)(6) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

21 Power to publish advice and information about consumer matters. E+W+S

(1) If it appears to the Council that the publication of any advice and information about consumer matters (including information about the views of consumers on such matters) would promote the interests of consumers, the Council may publish that advice or information in such manner as it thinks fit.

(2) Information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate) shall not be published under this section unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (3) applies to the information.

(3) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be published if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the publication;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the publication of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(4) Before deciding to publish any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (3)(c), the Council shall—

(a) consult that individual or body; and

(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (3)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its publication;and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.

(5) The publication by the Council of information under this section does not contravene section 105.

Commencement Information

I21 S. 21 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 21 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 21(1)(2)(3)(4)(a)(5) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 21(4)(b) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

22 Complaints. E+W+S

(1) For section 32 of the 1986 Act (duty of Council to investigate certain matters) there is substituted—

“32 Consumer complaints.

(1) This section applies to a complaint which any customer or potential customer of, or user of gas supplied by, an authorised supplier (“the complainant”) has in his capacity as such against—

(a) the supplier, in respect of any matter connected with the services provided by him in the course of carrying on regulated activities; or

(b) any other person authorised by a licence or exemption, in respect of any matter affecting those services which is connected with the carrying on by that other person of regulated activities.

(2) Where a complaint to which this section applies (other than one appearing to it to be frivolous or vexatious) is referred to the Council by or on behalf of the complainant, the Council shall (subject to subsection (5)) investigate the complaint for the purpose of determining whether it is appropriate to take any action under subsection (6).

(3) Where it appears to the Council that the complaint relates to a matter in respect of which any enforcement function is or may be exercisable the Council shall (unless it considers that the Authority already has notice of that matter) inform the Authority of the matter.

(4) Where it appears to the Council that the complaint relates to a matter which constitutes a dispute of a kind which can be referred to the Authority under any provision of this Act, the Council shall inform the complainant that he may have the right to refer the dispute to the Authority.

(5) The Council is not required by this section—

(a) to investigate a complaint, until the complainant has taken such steps as appear to the Council to be reasonable for him to take for the purpose of giving the person against whom the complaint is made a reasonable opportunity to deal with the complaint;

(b) to investigate any matter to which subsection (3) applies, until the Authority has had a reasonable opportunity to exercise any enforcement function in respect of that matter; and

(c) to investigate any matter constituting a dispute which has been referred to the Authority under any provision of this Act.

(6) Where it appears to the Council to be appropriate to do so with a view to assisting in reaching a satisfactory resolution of a complaint referred to it under this section, the Council shall make representations on behalf of the complainant to the person against whom the complaint is made about anything to which the complaint relates.

(7) After investigating a complaint the Council may make a report to the Authority; and such a report may include information about—

(a) any representations made by the Council under subsection (6); and

(b) the response of the person against whom the complaint is made to the complaint or any such representations.

(8) No report under subsection (7), or information about a complaint referred to the Council under this section from which the complainant may be identified, shall be published or disclosed by the Council or the Authority in the exercise of any power under the Utilities Act 2000 or this Act, without the consent of the complainant.

(9) Where a representation made to the Authority about any matter (other than one appearing to it to be frivolous or vexatious) appears to the Authority—

(a) to be about a matter which is or amounts to a complaint to which this section applies; and

(b) to have been made by or on behalf of the complainant,

the Authority shall refer the complaint to the Council.

(10) In this section—

• “enforcement function” means a function under section 28 or 30A; and

• “regulated activities” means activities which are authorised or regulated by a licence or exemption.”

(2) For section 46 of the 1989 Act (duty of consumers’ committees to investigate certain matters) there is substituted—

“46 Consumer complaints.

(1) This section applies to a complaint which any customer or potential customer of, or user of electricity supplied by, an authorised supplier (“the complainant”) has in his capacity as such against—

(a) the supplier, in respect of any matter connected with the services provided by him in the course of carrying on regulated activities; or

(b) any other person authorised by a licence or exemption, in respect of any matter affecting those services which is connected with the carrying on by that other person of regulated activities.

(2) Where a complaint to which this section applies (other than one appearing to it to be frivolous or vexatious) is referred to the Council by or on behalf of the complainant, the Council shall (subject to subsection (5)) investigate the complaint for the purpose of determining whether it is appropriate to take any action under subsection (6).

(3) Where it appears to the Council that the complaint relates to a matter in respect of which any enforcement function is or may be exercisable the Council shall (unless it considers that the Authority already has notice of that matter) inform the Authority of the matter.

(4) Where it appears to the Council that the complaint relates to a matter which constitutes a dispute of a kind which can be referred to the Authority under any provision of this Act, the Council shall inform the complainant that he may have the right to refer the dispute to the Authority.

(5) The Council is not required by this section—

(a) to investigate a complaint, until the complainant has taken such steps as appear to the Council to be reasonable for him to take for the purpose of giving the person against whom the complaint is made a reasonable opportunity to deal with the complaint;

(b) to investigate any matter to which subsection (3) applies, until the Authority has had a reasonable opportunity to exercise any enforcement function in respect of that matter; and

(c) to investigate any matter constituting a dispute which has been referred to the Authority under any provision of this Act.

(6) Where it appears to the Council to be appropriate to do so with a view to assisting in reaching a satisfactory resolution of a complaint referred to it under this section, the Council shall make representations on behalf of the complainant to the person against whom the complaint is made about anything to which the complaint relates.

(7) After investigating a complaint the Council may make a report to the Authority; and such a report may include information about—

(a) any representations made by the Council under subsection (6); and

(b) the response of the person against whom the complaint is made to the complaint or any such representations.

(8) No report under subsection (7), or information about a complaint referred to the Council under this section from which the complainant may be identified, shall be published or disclosed by the Council or the Authority in the exercise of any power under the Utilities Act 2000 or this Act, without the consent of the complainant.

(9) Where a representation made to the Authority about any matter (other than one appearing to it to be frivolous or vexatious) appears to the Authority—

(a) to be about a matter which is or amounts to a complaint to which this section applies; and

(b) to have been made by or on behalf of the complainant,

the Authority shall refer the complaint to the Council.

(10) In this section—

• “enforcement function” means a function under section 25 or 27A; and

• “regulated activities” means activities which are authorised or regulated by a licence or exemption.”

(3) Sections 31 and 32A of the 1986 Act and section 45 of the 1989 Act shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I22 S. 22 wholly in force at 7.11.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to arts. 3-12)

23 Investigations. E+W+S

(1) For section 33 of the 1986 Act there is substituted—

“33 Power of Council to investigate other matters.

(1) The Council may investigate any matter (not being a matter which it is its duty to investigate under this Part) which appears to it to be a matter relating to the interests of consumers in relation to gas conveyed through pipes.

(2) The power to undertake an investigation under this section includes, without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), power to investigate any matter relating to or to anything connected with gas fittings (or their use) or the use of gas supplied by authorised suppliers.

(3) In subsection (2), “gas fittings” means gas fittings used or intended to be used by persons supplied with gas by authorised suppliers.

(4) Where the Council has investigated a matter under this section it may make a report on that matter to the Authority, the Secretary of State, the Director General of Fair Trading or any other public authority whose functions appear to the Council to be exercisable in relation to that matter.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the Council may—

(a) send a report on any matter investigated under this section to any person who appears to the Council to have an interest in that matter; and

(b) publish any such report in such manner as the Council thinks appropriate.

(6) Information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate)—

(a) shall not be included in a report which is to be sent to any person under subsection (5)(a), unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (7) applies; and

(b) shall be excluded from any such report which is to be published under subsection (5)(b), unless one or more or paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (8) applies.

(7) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be included in a report to be sent under subsection (5)(a) if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the disclosure;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the disclosure of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(8) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be included in a report to be published under subsection (5)(b) if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the publication;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the publication of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(9) Before deciding to include in such a report any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (7)(c) or (8)(c), the Council shall—

(a) consult that individual or body; and

(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (7)(c) or (8)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its inclusion in the report;

and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.”

(2) After section 46 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“46A Power of Council to investigate other matters.

(1) The Council may investigate any matter (not being a matter which it is its duty to investigate under this Part) which appears to it to be a matter relating to the interests of consumers in relation to electricity conveyed by distribution systems.

(2) Where the Council has investigated a matter under this section it may make a report on that matter to the Authority, the Secretary of State, the Director General of Fair Trading or any other public authority whose functions appear to the Council to be exercisable in relation to that matter.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the Council may—

(a) send a report on any matter investigated under this section to any person who appears to the Council to have an interest in that matter; and

(b) publish any such report in such manner as the Council thinks appropriate.

(4) Information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate)—

(a) shall not be included in a report which is to be sent to any person under subsection (3)(a), unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (5) applies; and

(b) shall be excluded from any such report which is to be published under subsection (3)(b), unless one or more or paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (6) applies.

(5) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be included in a report to be sent under subsection (3)(a) if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the disclosure;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the disclosure of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(6) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be included in a report to be published under subsection (3)(b) if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the publication;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the publication of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(7) Before deciding to include in such a report any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (5)(c) or (6)(c), the Council shall—

(a) consult that individual or body; and

(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (5)(c) or (6)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its inclusion in the report;

and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.”

Commencement Information

I23 S. 23 wholly in force at 7.11.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-12)

24 Provision of information to Council. E+W+S

(1) The Council may direct—

(a) the Authority; or

(b) the holder of a gas licence or an electricity licence,

to supply to it, in such form as it may reasonably specify, such information specified or described in the direction as it may require for the purpose of exercising its functions.

(2) A person to whom a direction under this section is given shall comply with it as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(3) Before giving a direction under this section and in specifying the form in which any information is to be supplied, the Council shall have regard to the desirability of minimising the costs, or any other detriment, to the Authority or licence holder.

(4) If the Authority fails to comply with a direction under this section it shall, if so required by the Council, give notice to the Council of the reasons for its failure.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 24 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 24 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 24(1)(2)(3) in force at 7.11.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 24(1)-(3) in force at 20.12.2000 for all remaining purposes and s. 24(4) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

25 Publication of notice of reasons. E+W+S

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Council may publish a notice given to it under section 24(4).

(2) Information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate) shall be excluded from any notice published under subsection (1) unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (3) applies to the information.

(3) Information relating to a particular individual or body may be published if—

(a) that individual or body has consented to the publication;

(b) it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

(c) it is not information the publication of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(4) Before deciding to publish any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (3)(c), the Council shall—

(a) consult that individual or body; and

(b) have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (3)(c) to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its publication;

and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.

(5) The publication by the Council of information under this section does not contravene section 105.

Commencement Information

I25 S. 25 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

26 Provision of information by Council to Authority. E+W+S

(1) The Authority may direct the Council to supply to it, in such form as it may reasonably specify, such information specified or described in the direction as it may require for the purpose of exercising its functions.

(2) The Council shall comply with a direction under this section as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(3) Where the Council refuses to supply any information under subsection (1), it must give notice to the Authority of its reason for the refusal and the Authority may publish that notice in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(4) In publishing any notice under this section the Authority shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where publication of that matter would or might, in the opinion of the Authority, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that person or body.

Commencement Information

I26 S. 26 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

27 Sections 24 to 26: supplementary. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations prescribing—

(a) descriptions of information which the Authority, a licence holder or the Council may refuse to supply under section 24 or 26; or

(b) circumstances in which the Authority, a licence holder or the Council may refuse to comply with a direction under section 24 or 26.

(2) The Council may, if no person is prescribed for the purpose under subsection (3), refer a failure by a licence holder to comply with a direction under section 24 to the Authority.

(3) The Secretary of State may make regulations for the purpose of enabling a failure to comply with a direction under section 24 or 26 to be referred by the person who gave the direction to such person (other than the Authority) as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(4) A person to whom such a failure is referred (whether under subsection (2) or regulations under subsection (3)) shall—

(a) consider any representations made by either party;

(b) determine whether the person failing to comply with the direction is entitled to refuse to do so and, if not, order him to comply with the direction; and

(c) give notice of his determination and any order under paragraph (b), with reasons, to both parties.

(5) A notice under subsection (4) may be published by either party to the reference; and subsections (2) to (5) of section 25 apply to the publication of such a notice as they apply to the publication of a notice under section 24(4).

(6) Section 60 of the 1989 Act (powers to make regulations) applies to regulations under this section as if they were made under Part I of that Act.

(7) The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under this section is exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I27 S. 27 wholly in force at 20.12.2000; s. 27 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 27 in force at 29.9.2000 for specified purposes by S.I. 2000/2412, art. 2, Sch.; s. 27(1)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 27(2) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

Part IV U.K. Amendment of the Electricity Act 1989

Electricity licensing U.K.

28 Prohibition on unlicensed distribution of electricity. E+W+S

(1) Section 4 of the 1989 Act (prohibition on unlicensed supply etc. of electricity) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), after paragraph (b) there is inserted—

“(bb) distributes electricity for that purpose;”.

(3) In subsection (4)—

(a) before the definition of “supply” there is inserted—

““distribute”, in relation to electricity, means distribute by means of a distribution system, that is to say, a system which consists (wholly or mainly) of low voltage lines and electrical plant and is used for conveying electricity to any premises or to any other distribution system;”

(b) for the definition of “supply” there is substituted—

““supply”, in relation to electricity, means supply of electricity conveyed by a distribution system to premises other than premises occupied by a licence holder for the purpose of carrying on the activities which he is authorised by his licence to carry on;”.

Commencement Information

I28 S. 28 wholly in force at 1.10.2000; s. 28 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 28(3)(a) in force for certain purposes at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 28(3)(a) in force for certain purposes at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 28(1)(2)(3)(b) in force for all purposes and s. 28(3)(a) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

29 Exemptions from electricity licensing. U.K.

For section 5 of the 1989 Act (exemptions from prohibition) there is substituted—

“5 Exemptions from prohibition.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order grant exemption from paragraph (a), (b), (bb) or (c) of section 4(1)—

(a) either to a person or to persons of a class;

(b) either generally or to such extent as may be specified in the order; and

(c) either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as may be so specified.

(2) Before making an order under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make such an order and setting out the terms of the proposed order;

(b) stating the reasons why he proposes to make the order in the terms proposed; 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,

and shall consider any representations which are duly made in respect of the proposals and not withdrawn.

(3) The notice required by subsection (2) shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of it on the Authority and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected by the proposed order.

(4) Notice of an exemption granted to a person shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of the exemption on him; and

(b) by publishing the exemption in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of other persons who may be affected by it.

(5) Notice of an exemption granted to persons of a class shall be given by publishing the exemption in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons of that class; and

(b) other persons who may be affected by it.

(6) An exemption may be granted—

(a) indefinitely; or

(b) for a period specified in, or determined by or under, the exemption.

(7) Conditions subject to which an exemption is granted may (in particular) require any person carrying on any activity in pursuance of the exemption—

(a) to comply with any direction given by the Secretary of State or the Authority as to such matters as are specified in the exemption or are of a description so specified;

(b) except in so far as the Secretary of State or the Authority consents to his doing or not doing them, not to do or to do such things as are specified in the exemption or are of a description so specified; and

(c) to refer for determination by the Secretary of State or the Authority such questions arising under the exemption as are specified in the exemption or are of a description so specified.

(8) The Secretary of State may by order revoke an order by which an exemption was granted to a person or vary an order by which more than one exemption was so granted so as to terminate any of the exemptions—

(a) at the person’s request;

(b) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(c) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect.

(9) The Secretary of State may by order revoke an order by which an exemption was granted to persons of a class or vary an order by which more than one exemption was so granted so as to terminate any of the exemptions—

(a) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(b) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect.

(10) The Secretary of State may by direction withdraw an exemption granted to persons of a class from any person of that class—

(a) at the person’s request;

(b) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(c) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect in the case of the person.

(11) Before—

(a) making an order under subsection (8)(b) or (c) or (9); or

(b) giving a direction under subsection (10)(b) or (c),

the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority and give notice of his proposal to do so (with reasons) and of a period within which representations may be made to him.

(12) The notice under subsection (11) shall be given—

(a) where the Secretary of State is proposing to make an order under subsection (8)(b) or (c), by serving a copy of it on the person to whom the exemption was granted;

(b) where he is proposing to make an order under subsection (9), by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons of the class of persons to whom the exemption was granted; and

(c) where he is proposing to give a direction under subsection (10)(b) or (c), by serving a copy of it on the person from whom he proposes to withdraw the exemption.”

Commencement Information

I29 S. 29 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 29 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 29 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

30 Licences authorising supply etc. of electricity. U.K.

For section 6 of the 1989 Act there is substituted—

“6 Licences authorising supply, etc.

(1) The Authority may grant any of the following licences—

(a) a licence authorising a person to generate electricity for the purpose of giving a supply to any premises or enabling a supply to be so given (“a generation licence”);

(b) a licence authorising a person to transmit electricity for that purpose in that person’s authorised area (“a transmission licence”);

(c) a licence authorising a person to distribute electricity for that purpose (“a distribution licence”); or

(d) a licence authorising a person to supply electricity to premises (“a supply licence”).

(2) The same person may not be the holder of both a distribution licence and a supply licence.

(3) A supply licence may authorise the holder to supply electricity—

(a) to any premises;

(b) only to premises specified in the licence, or to premises of a description so specified; or

(c) only to any premises situated in a specified area, or to premises of a specified description which are so situated.

(4) The Authority may, with the consent of the holder of a supply licence, modify terms included in the licence in pursuance of subsection (3) so as to extend or restrict the premises to which the licence holder may give a supply of electricity.

(5) A distribution licence may authorise the holder to distribute electricity in any area, or only in an area specified in the licence.

(6) The Authority may, with the consent of the holder of a distribution licence, modify terms included in the licence in pursuance of subsection (5) so as to extend or restrict the area within which the licence holder may distribute electricity.

(7) A licence and any extension or restriction of a licence under subsection (4) or (6) shall be in writing.

(8) A licence shall, unless previously revoked in accordance with any term of the licence, continue in force for such period as may be specified in or determined by or under the licence.

(9) In this Part—

• “authorised area”, in relation to the holder of a transmission licence, means so much of the area designated as such in the licence as is not for the time being designated in a subsequent transmission licence;

• “electricity distributor” means any person who is authorised by a distribution licence to distribute electricity except where he is acting otherwise than for purposes connected with the carrying on of activities authorised by the licence;

• “electricity supplier” means any person who is authorised by a supply licence to supply electricity except where he is acting otherwise than for purposes connected with the carrying on of activities authorised by the licence.

6A Procedure for licence applications.

(1) This section applies to any application—

(a) for a licence; or

(b) for the extension or restriction of a licence under section 6(4) or (6).

(2) The application shall be made in such form and manner, and shall contain, or be accompanied by, such information and documents and such fee (if any), as may be prescribed.

(3) Within the prescribed period after the making of the application the applicant shall publish a notice of the application in the prescribed manner.

(4) Where the Authority proposes to refuse the application, it shall give to the applicant a notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to refuse the application;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to refuse the application; and

(c) specifying the time within which representations with respect to the proposed refusal may be made,

and shall consider any representations which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5) Where the Authority grants the licence, extension or restriction applied for, it shall as soon as practicable thereafter send a notice of the grant to any person who holds a licence and whose interests may, in the opinion of the Authority, be affected by the grant.

(6) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed in regulations made by the Authority.

(7) Any sums received by the Authority under this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

6B Applications for transmission licences.

(1) This section applies to applications for a transmission licence (in addition to the requirements of section 6A).

(2) The applicant shall give notice of the application to any person who holds a transmission licence and whose authorised area includes the whole or any part of the area to which the application relates.

(3) Before granting the transmission licence applied for, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to grant the licence;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to grant the licence; and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed licence may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(4) A notice under subsection (3) shall be given by publication in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.

(5) The Authority shall send a copy of a notice under subsection (3) to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) the Secretary of State; and

(c) any person who holds a transmission licence and whose authorised area includes the whole or any part of the area to which the application relates.”

Commencement Information

I30 S. 30 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 30 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 30 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 30 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

31 Enactments referring to public electricity suppliers. U.K.

(1) References in any enactment to public electricity suppliers shall have effect after the commencement of this section as if they were references to—

(a) electricity suppliers;

(b) electricity distributors; or

(c) both electricity suppliers and electricity distributors,

according to the nature of the activities carried on by the persons to whom they referred before that time.

(2) References in any enactment to the supply of electricity shall have effect after the commencement of this section as if they were references to—

(a) the supply of electricity;

(b) the distribution of electricity; or

(c) both the supply and distribution of electricity,

according to the nature of the activities to which they referred before that time.

(3) References in any enactment to holders of licences under section 6(2) of the 1989 Act shall have effect after the commencement of this section as if they were references to electricity suppliers.

Commencement Information

I31 S. 31 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 31 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 31 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

32 Electricity licence conditions. E+W+S

(1) Section 7 of the 1989 Act (conditions of licences) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) for “grantor” and “section 3 above” there is substituted respectively “ Authority ” and “ sections 3A to 3C ”.

(3) In subsection (2) for “a licence” there is substituted “ a transmission licence or distribution licence ”.

(4) In subsection (3)—

(a) for “Conditions included in a licence by virtue of subsection (1)(a) above” there is substituted “ Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of subsection (1), conditions included in a licence by virtue of that paragraph ”;

(b) for “Director” (in each place it appears) there is substituted “ Authority or Secretary of State ”; and

(c) in paragraph (c) after “licence” (in the first place it appears) there is inserted “ , or under any document referred to in the licence, ”.

(5) After subsection (3) there is inserted—

“(3A) Conditions included in a transmission licence or a distribution licence by virtue of subsection (1)(a) may require the holder, in such circumstances as are specified in the licence—

(a) so to increase his charges for the transmission or distribution of electricity as to raise such amounts as may be determined by or under the conditions; and

(b) to pay the amounts so raised to such licence holders as may be so determined.”

(6) For subsection (5) there is substituted—

“(5) Conditions included in a licence may contain provision for the conditions—

(a) to have effect or cease to have effect at such times and in such circumstances as may be determined by or under the conditions; or

(b) to be modified in such manner as may be specified in the conditions at such times and in such circumstances as may be so determined.”

(7) After subsection (6) there is inserted—

“(6A) Conditions included in a licence may provide for references in the conditions to any document to operate as references to that document as revised or re-issued from time to time.”

(8) In subsection (7) for “Secretary of State or the Director” there is substituted “ Authority ”.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 32 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 32 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 32(1) in force for the purpose of s. 32(2) and s. 32(2) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 32 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 32(1)(3)-(8) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

33 Standard conditions of electricity licences. U.K.

(1) Such conditions as may be determined by the Secretary of State before the commencement of subsection (3), and published by him in such manner as he considers appropriate, in relation to any of the types of licence mentioned in section 6(1) of the 1989 Act (that is to say, in relation to generation licences, transmission licences, distribution licences or supply licences) shall, subject to such modifications of the conditions made under Part I of the 1989 Act after the determination under this subsection be standard conditions for the purposes of licences of that type.

(2) The standard conditions for the purposes of licences of any type may contain provision—

(a) for any standard condition included in a licence of that type not to have effect until brought into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be specified in or determined under the standard conditions;

(b) for the effect of any standard condition included in such a licence to be suspended in such manner, and in such circumstances, as may be so specified or determined; or

(c) for any standard condition included in such a licence which is for the time being suspended to be brought back into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be so specified or determined.

(3) After section 8 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“8A Standard conditions of licences.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), each condition which by virtue of section 33(1) of the Utilities Act 2000 is a standard condition for the purposes of any of the types of licence mentioned in section 6(1) (that is to say, generation licences, transmission licences, distribution licences or supply licences) shall be incorporated by reference in each licence of that type granted after the commencement of this section.

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority may, in granting a licence of any type, modify any of the standard conditions for licences of that type in its application to the licence to such extent as it considers requisite to meet the circumstances of the particular case.

(3) Before making any modifications under subsection (2), the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make the modifications and setting out their effect;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to make the modifications; and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(4) A notice under subsection (3) shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the notice to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications; and

(b) by sending a copy of the notice to the Secretary of State and the Council.

(5) If, within the time specified in the notice under subsection (3), the Secretary of State directs the Authority not to make any modification, the Authority shall comply with the direction.

(6) The Authority shall not under subsection (2) make any modifications of a condition of a licence of any type unless it is of the opinion that the modifications are such that—

(a) the licence holder would not be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of licences of that type; and

(b) no other holder of a licence of the same type would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of such licences (including the holder of the licence being modified).

(7) The modification under subsection (2) of part of a condition of a licence shall not prevent any other part of the condition which is not so modified being regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(8) In this section “modify” includes fail to incorporate and “modification” shall be construed accordingly.”

Commencement Information

I33 S. 33 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 33 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 33(1)(2) in force at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781 , art. 2 , Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10 ); s. 33(3) in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266 , art. 2 , Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

34 Modification of conditions of particular licence. U.K.

(1) In section 11 of the 1989 Act (modification of licence conditions by agreement), for subsection (1) there is substituted—

“(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority may modify the conditions of a particular licence.

(1A) The Authority may not make any modifications under this section unless the licence holder has consented to the modifications and, in the case of standard conditions of the licence, the Authority is of the opinion that the modifications—

(a) are requisite to meet the circumstances of the particular case; and

(b) are such that—

(i) the licence holder would not be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of licences of that type; and

(ii) no other holder of a licence of the same type would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of such licences (including the holder of the licence being modified).”

(2) After subsection (4) of that section there is inserted—

“(5) The modification under this section of part of a standard condition of a licence shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.”

Commencement Information

I34 S. 34 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 34 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 34 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

35 Modification of standard conditions of licences. U.K.

After section 11 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“11A Modification of standard conditions of licences.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority may modify the standard conditions of licences of any type mentioned in section 6(1).

(2) Where at any time the Authority modifies the standard conditions of licences of any type under this section the Authority may make such incidental or consequential modifications as it considers necessary or expedient of any conditions of any licence of that type.

(3) Before making any modifications under this section, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make the modifications and setting out their effect;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to make the modifications; and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made;

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(4) A notice under subsection (3) shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the notice to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications; and

(b) by sending a copy of the notice to each relevant licence holder, to the Secretary of State and to the Council.

(5) If, within the time specified in the notice under subsection (3), the Secretary of State directs the Authority not to make any modification, the Authority shall comply with the direction.

(6) The Authority may not under this section make any modifications of the standard conditions of licences of any type unless—

(a) no notice of objection to those modifications is given to the Authority within the time specified in the notice under subsection (3) by any relevant licence holder;

(b) if one or more relevant licence holders give notice of objection to the Authority within that time—

(i) the proportion (expressed as a percentage) of the relevant licence holders who have given notice of objection is less than such percentage as may be prescribed; and

(ii) the percentage given by subsection (7) is less than such percentage as may be prescribed; or

(c) subsection (8) applies to the case.

(7) The percentage given by this subsection is the proportion (expressed as a percentage) of the relevant licence holders who have given notice of objection, weighted according to their market share in such manner as may be prescribed.

(8) This subsection applies where the Authority is satisfied that—

(a) the effect of the standard conditions is such as to impose a burden affecting relevant licence holders in the carrying on of activities to which the modifications relate;

(b) the modifications would remove or reduce the burden without removing any necessary protection; and

(c) the modifications are such that no holder of a licence of the type in question would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of such licences.

(9) Where the Authority modifies the standard conditions of licences of any type—

(a) the Authority shall also make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of those conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time; and

(b) the Authority shall publish the modifications in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(10) In this section—

• “prescribed” means prescribed in an order made by the Secretary of State; and

• “relevant licence holder”, in relation to proposed modifications of standard conditions of licences of any type, means the holder of a licence of that type—

  (a)

  which is to be modified under the proposals by the inclusion of any new standard condition; or

  (b)

  which includes any standard conditions to which the proposals relate, other than standard conditions which are not in effect (by virtue of anything done under section 33(2) of the Utilities Act 2000) at the time specified in the notice under subsection (3).

(11) A statutory instrument containing an order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I35 S. 35 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 35 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 35 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 35 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

36 Electricity licence modification references. U.K.

(1) Section 12 of the 1989 Act (licence modification references to the Competition Commission) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsection (1) there is substituted—

“(1) The Authority may make to the Competition Commission a reference which is so framed as to require the Commission to investigate and report on the questions—

(a) whether any matters which relate to the carrying on of activities authorised or regulated by a particular licence and which are specified in the reference operate, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest; and

(b) if so, whether the effects adverse to the public interest which those matters have or may be expected to have could be remedied or prevented by modifications of the conditions of the licence.

(1A) The Authority may make to the Competition Commission a reference which is so framed as to require the Commission to investigate and report on the questions—

(a) whether any matters which relate to the carrying on of activities authorised or regulated by licences of any type mentioned in section 6(1), and which are specified in the reference operate, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest; and

(b) if so, whether the effects adverse to the public interest which those matters have or may be expected to have could be remedied or prevented by modifications of the standard conditions of licences of that type.”

(3) In subsection (3)(b), for “conditions of the licence” there is substituted “ relevant conditions ”.

(4) In subsection (4), after “licence” at the end of paragraph (a) there is inserted “ or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders and the Council ”.

(5) In subsection (5), for “this section” there is substituted “ subsection (1A) ”.

(6) In subsection (6), after “this section” there is inserted “ or in carrying out functions under section 14A ”, after “the investigation” there is inserted “ or the carrying out of those functions ” and after “such investigation” there is inserted “ or such functions ”.

(7) After subsection (6) there is inserted—

“(6A) In this section and sections 13, 14 and 14A—

• “relevant conditions”—

  (a)

  in relation to a reference under subsection (1), means the conditions of the licence to which the reference relates; and

  (b)

  in relation to a reference under subsection (1A), means the standard conditions of the licences to which the reference relates; and

• “relevant licence holder” means the holder of a licence to which a reference under subsection (1A) relates.”

Commencement Information

I36 S. 36 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 36 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 36 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

37 Reports on modification references. U.K.

(1) Section 13 (reports on modification references) of the 1989 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)(c), for “conditions of the licence” there is substituted “ relevant conditions ”.

(3) In subsection (5)—

(a) in paragraph (a), for the words from “such” to “relates” there is substituted “ a report on a reference under section 12(1), send a copy of it to the licence holder ”; and

(b) in paragraph (b), for “publish the report” there is substituted “ send another copy to the Council and publish that other copy ”.

(4) After subsection (5) of that section there is inserted—

“(5A) Subject to subsection (6), the Authority shall—

(a) on receiving a report on a reference under section 12(1A), send a copy of it to the Secretary of State; and

(b) not less than 14 days after that copy is received by the Secretary of State—

(i) send another copy to the Council and to each relevant licence holder; and

(ii) not less than 24 hours after complying with sub-paragraph (i) above, publish the copy sent to the Council in such manner as it considers appropriate for bringing the report to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it.”

(5) In subsection (6) of that section, for the words from “paragraph (b)” to the end there is substituted “ subsection (5) or (5A), direct the Authority to exclude that matter from the copy of the report, or (as the case may be) each copy of the report, to be sent and published as mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection. ”

Commencement Information

I37 S. 37 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 37 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 37 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

38 Modification following report. U.K.

(1) Section 14 of the 1989 Act (modification following report) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), for “the conditions of the licence” and “the conditions of that licence” there is substituted “ the relevant conditions ”.

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) Where at any time it modifies under subsection (1) the standard conditions of licences of any type in consequence of a reference under section 12(1A), the Authority may make such incidental and consequential modifications as it considers necessary or expedient of any conditions of licences of that type granted before that time.”

(4) In subsection (4)(b) after “licence” there is inserted “ or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders ”.

(5) After subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(5) After considering any representations or objections made in response to proposals set out in a notice under subsection (3), the Authority shall give notice to the Competition Commission—

(a) setting out the modifications it proposes to make to remedy or prevent the adverse effects specified in the report; and

(b) stating the reasons for making the modifications.

(6) The Authority shall include with the notice under subsection (5) a copy of any representations or objections received in relation to the notice under subsection (3).

(7) If the period of four weeks from the date on which the notice under subsection (5) is given elapses without a direction under section 14A(1)(a) having been given to it, the Authority shall—

(a) make the modifications set out in the notice; or

(b) if a direction under section 14A(1)(b) has been given, make the modifications which are not specified in the direction.

(8) The modification under subsection (1) of part of a standard condition of a particular licence in consequence of a reference under section 12(1) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(9) Where the Authority modifies the standard conditions of licences of any type as mentioned in subsection (1A), the Authority—

(a) shall also make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of those conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time; and

(b) shall publish the modifications made for those purposes in such manner as it considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I38 S. 38 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 38 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 38 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

39 Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications. U.K.

After section 14 of the 1989 Act (modification following report) there is inserted—

“14A Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications following report.

(1) The Competition Commission (in this section referred to as “the Commission”) may, within the period of four weeks after the date on which it is given a notice under section 14(5), direct the Authority—

(a) not to make the modifications set out in that notice; or

(b) not to make such of the modifications as may be specified in the direction;

and the Authority shall comply with any such direction.

(2) The Secretary of State may, within the period of four weeks after the date on which the Commission is given a notice under section 14(5) and on the application of the Commission, direct that the period for giving a direction under subsection (1) (and, accordingly, the period mentioned in section 14(7)) shall be extended by 14 days.

(3) The power to give a direction under subsection (1) may only be exercised in respect of such of the modifications set out in the notice under section 14(5)(a) as appear to the Commission not to be the modifications which are requisite for the purpose of remedying or preventing all or any of the adverse effects specified in the report as effects which could be remedied or prevented by modifications.

(4) If the Commission gives a direction under subsection (1), the Commission—

(a) shall give notice setting out the modifications proposed by the Authority, the terms of the direction and the reasons for giving it; and

(b) shall itself make such modifications of the relevant conditions as appear to it to be requisite for the purpose of remedying or preventing—

(i) if the direction was given under subsection (1)(a), the adverse effects specified in the report as effects which could be remedied or prevented by modifications;

(ii) if the direction was given under subsection (1)(b), such of those adverse effects as are not remedied or prevented by the modifications made by the Authority under section 14(7)(b).

(5) In exercising its function under subsection (4)(b) the Commission shall have regard to the matters to which the Authority is required to have regard when determining the conditions of a licence.

(6) Before making modifications under subsection (4)(b) the Commission shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make the modifications and setting them out;

(b) stating the reason why it proposes to make them;

(c) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(7) A notice under subsection (4)(a) or (6) shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications; and

(b) by serving a copy on the Authority and the holder of the licence in question or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders.

(8) After making modifications under this section the Commission shall publish a notice stating that the modifications have been made and setting them out, with the reasons for making them.

(9) Where, in consequence of a reference under section 12(1A), the Commission modifies under subsection (4)(b) the standard conditions of licences of any type, the Authority may make such incidental and consequential modifications as it considers necessary or expedient of any conditions of licences of that type granted before that time.

(10) Where the Commission modifies the standard conditions of licences of any type as mentioned in subsection (9), the Authority—

(a) shall make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of those conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time; and

(b) shall publish the modifications made for those purposes in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(11) The modification under this section of part of a standard condition of a particular licence in consequence of a reference under section 12(1) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(12) The provisions mentioned in subsection (13) are to apply in relation to the exercise by the Commission of its functions under this section as if—

(a) in section 82(1) and (2) of the M9 Fair Trading Act 1973 references to a report of the Commission under that Act were references to a notice under subsection (4)(a), (6) or (8) of this section;

(b) in section 85 of that Act references to an investigation on a reference made to the Commission were references to an investigation by the Commission for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under this section.

(13) The provisions are—

(a) section 82(1) and (2) of the M10 Fair Trading Act 1973 (general provisions as to reports under that Act);

(b) section 85 of that Act (attendance of witnesses and production of documents);

(c) section 24 of the M11 Competition Act 1980 (modification of provisions about the Competition Commission’s general functions); and

(d) Part II of Schedule 7 to the M12 Competition Act 1998 (the Competition Commission’s general functions).

(14) This section does not apply to the modification of a licence following a report of the Commission made before the commencement of section 39 of the Utilities Act 2000.”

Commencement Information

I39 S. 39 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 39 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 39 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M9 1973 c. 41.

M10 1973 c. 41.

M11 1980 c. 21.

M12 1998 c. 41.

40 Modification by order under other enactments. E+W+S

(1) Section 15 of the 1989 Act (modification of licences by order under enactments other than the 1989 Act) is amended as follows.

F2 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) After subsection (2) there is inserted—

“(2A) The modification under subsection (1) of part of a standard condition of a particular licence shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(2B) Where the Secretary of State modifies under subsection (1) the standard conditions of licences of any type—

(a) he shall also make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of those conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time; and

(b) he may, after consultation with the Authority, make such incidental or consequential modifications as he considers necessary or expedient of any conditions of any licence of that type granted before that time.

(2C) Where at any time the Secretary of State modifies standard conditions under subsection (2B)(a) for the purposes of their incorporation in licences granted after that time, he shall publish those modifications in such manner as he considers appropriate.”

F2 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F2 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 40(2)(4)(5) repealed (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Commencement Information

I40 S. 40 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 40 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 40 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

41 Transfer of electricity licences. U.K.

After section 7 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“7A Transfer of licences.

(1) A licence—

(a) is capable of being transferred by the licence holder, with the consent of the Authority, in accordance with this section but subject to any term as to transfer contained in the licence;

(b) may include conditions which must be complied with before the licence can be transferred.

(2) A transfer may relate to the whole or any part of the licence.

(3) The reference in subsection (2) to part of a licence is a reference to a part of the activities authorised by the licence (whether described by reference to activities being carried on by the licence holder or to activities which he is authorised by the licence to carry on).

(4) Such consent may be given subject to compliance with such modification or other conditions as the Authority considers appropriate.

(5) In the case of a partial transfer, conditions imposed under subsection (4) may make as respects so much of the licence as is proposed to be retained by the transferor provision different from that made as respects so much of the licence as is proposed to be transferred.

(6) In deciding whether to give its consent to a proposed transfer, the Authority shall apply the same criteria as it would apply if the Authority were deciding whether—

(a) in the case of a general transfer, to grant a corresponding licence to the transferee; or

(b) in the case of a partial transfer—

(i) to grant to the transferee a licence corresponding to so much of the licence as is proposed to be transferred; and

(ii) to grant to the transferor a licence corresponding to so much of the licence as is proposed to be retained.

(7) The Authority shall give the Secretary of State not less than 28 days’ notice of any proposal to impose a modification condition.

(8) If, before the expiry of the time specified in a notice under subsection (7), the Secretary of State directs the Authority not to impose the condition, the Authority shall comply with the direction.

(9) Before giving consent to the transfer of a licence, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to grant consent to the transfer;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to give consent; and

(c) specifying the time from the date of publication of the notice (not being less than two months) within which representations or objections with respect to the transfer may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections that are duly made and not withdrawn.

(10) A notice under subsection (9) shall be given by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the transfer.

(11) A purported transfer of a licence shall be void—

(a) if the licence is not capable of transfer or the Authority has not given its consent;

(b) if the purported transfer is in breach of a condition of the licence; or

(c) if there has, before the purported transfer, been a contravention of a condition subject to compliance with which the Authority’s consent is given.

(12) In this section—

• “transfer” includes any form of transfer or assignment or, in Scotland, assignation;

• “modification condition” means a condition requiring or otherwise providing for the making of modifications to the conditions of a licence.”

Commencement Information

I41 S. 41 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 41 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 41 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

42 Reasons for decisions under 1989 Act. U.K.

After section 49 of the 1989 Act (keeping of register) there is inserted—

“49A Reasons for decisions.

(1) This section applies to the following decisions of the Authority or the Secretary of State, namely—

(a) the revocation of a licence;

(b) the modification of the conditions of a licence;

(c) the giving of any directions or consent in pursuance of a condition included in a licence by virtue of section 7(3)(a) or (b);

(d) the determination of a question referred in pursuance of a condition included in a licence by virtue of section 7(3)(c);

(e) the determination of a dispute referred under section 23(1);

(f) the making of a final order, the making or confirmation of a provisional order or the revocation of a final order or of a provisional order which has been confirmed.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after making such a decision the Authority or the Secretary of State shall publish a notice stating the reasons for the decision in such manner as it or he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be interested.

(3) The Authority shall send a copy of a notice published in respect of a decision mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (f) of subsection (1) to the licence holder to whose licence, or to whom, the decision relates.

(4) In preparing a notice under subsection (2) the Authority or the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where it or he considers that publication of that matter would or might seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(5) This section does not apply to a decision resulting in any provision which the Secretary of State has under section 49(4) directed the Authority not to enter in the register required to be kept under that section.”

Commencement Information

I42 S. 42 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 42 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 42 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

43 Altering activities requiring electricity licence. U.K.

After section 56 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“ Alteration of activities requiring licence U.K.

56A Power to alter activities requiring licence.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide—

(a) that specified activities are to become licensable activities; or

(b) that specified activities are to cease to be licensable activities.

(2) For the purposes of this Part activities are licensable activities if undertaking them without the authority of a licence or exemption constitutes an offence under section 4(1).

(3) An order under this section may make consequential, transitional, incidental or supplementary provision including—

(a) amendments (or repeals) in any provision of this Act or any other enactment; and

(b) provision modifying any standard conditions of licences or (in the case of an order under subsection (1)(a)) provision determining the conditions which are to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of activities which are to become licensable activities.

(4) An order under this section may only provide for activities to become licensable activities if they are activities connected with the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.

(5) An order under this section providing for activities to become licensable activities may only be made on the application of the Authority made in accordance with section 56B.

(6) An order under this section providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities may be made either—

(a) on the application of the Authority made in accordance with section 56E; or

(b) following consultation by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 56F.

(7) An order under this section may provide that it is to remain in force only for a period specified in the order.

(8) An order shall not be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

56B Application by Authority for order including new activities.

(1) If the Authority proposes to make an application for an order providing for activities to become licensable activities, it shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make an application for an order providing for the activities to become licensable activities;

(b) setting out the conditions which it would expect such an order to determine to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities and any other conditions which it would expect to be included in such licences; and

(c) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given by serving a copy on the Council and by publishing it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons appearing to it to be carrying on, or be intending to carry on, the activities; and

(b) any other persons appearing to it to be likely to be affected by an order providing for the activities to become licensable activities.

(3) If an objection has been duly made (and not withdrawn) by a person who is carrying on or intends to carry on the activities, the Authority shall make a reference to the Competition Commission under section 56C before making the application.

(4) In any other case where the Authority considers it appropriate to make a reference to the Commission under section 56C before making the application, the Authority may make such a reference.

(5) If a reference is made to the Commission, the application shall not be made unless the Commission has reported on the reference that the fact that the activities to which the application relates are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(6) The application shall set out—

(a) the activities which the Authority considers should become licensable activities; and

(b) the conditions which the Authority would expect to be determined to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities in question and any other conditions which it would expect to be included in such licences.

56C References to Competition Commission.

(1) A reference to the Competition Commission under this section shall require the Commission to investigate and report on whether the fact that the activities specified in the reference are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(2) The Authority may, at any time, by notice given to the Commission vary the reference by adding to the activities specified in the reference or by excluding from the reference some of the activities so specified; and on receipt of such notice the Commission shall give effect to the variation.

(3) The Authority shall specify in the reference, or a variation of the reference, for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out the investigation on the reference—

(a) the conditions which the Authority would expect to be determined to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities specified in the reference and any other conditions which it would expect to be included in such licences; and

(b) any effects adverse to the public interest which, in its opinion, the fact that the activities so specified are not licensable activities has or may be expected to have.

(4) As soon as practicable after making the reference, or a variation of the reference, the Authority shall serve a copy of it on the Council and publish particulars of it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons appearing to the Authority to be carrying on, or be intending to carry on, the activities specified in it; and

(b) any other persons appearing to the Authority to be likely to be affected by it.

(5) The Authority shall, for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out the investigation on the reference, give to the Commission—

(a) any information which is in its possession and which relates to matters falling within the scope of the investigation, and which is either requested by the Commission for that purpose or is information which in its opinion it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the Commission without any such request; and

(b) any other assistance which the Commission may require, and which it is within its power to give, in relation to any such matters,

and the Commission shall take account of the information for the purpose of carrying out the investigation.

(6) In determining for the purposes of this section whether the fact that particular activities are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest, the Commission shall have regard to—

(a) the matters referred to in section 3A;

(b) any social or environmental policies set out or referred to in guidance issued under section 3B; and

(c) any advice given by the Health and Safety Commission or the Secretary of State under section 3C (advice about health and safety in relation to electricity).

(7) The provisions mentioned in subsection (8) are to apply in relation to references under this section as if—

(a) the functions of the Commission in relation to those references were functions under the M13 Fair Trading Act 1973;

(b) the expression “merger reference” included a reference under this section;

(c) in section 70 of the M14 Fair Trading Act 1973—

(i) references to the Secretary of State were references to the Authority; and

(ii) the reference to three months were a reference to six months.

(8) The provisions are—

(a) sections 70 (time limit for report on merger), 85 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents) and 93B (false or misleading information) of the M15 Fair Trading Act 1973;

(b) Part II of Schedule 7 to the M16 Competition Act 1998 (performance of the Commission’s general functions); and

(c) section 24 of the M17 Competition Act 1980 (modification of provisions about performance of such functions).

56D Reports on references.

(1) In making a report on a reference under section 56C, the Competition Commission shall include in the report definite conclusions on whether the fact that the activities specified in the reference (or the reference as varied) are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(2) The Commission shall also include in the report such an account of its reasons for those conclusions as in its opinion is expedient for facilitating proper understanding of the questions raised by the reference and of its conclusions.

(3) Where the Commission concludes that the fact that particular activities are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest, it shall specify in the report—

(a) the effects adverse to the public interest which that fact has or may be expected to have; and

(b) any modifications to the conditions specified in the reference in accordance with section 56C(3)(a) which they consider appropriate.

(4) Section 82 of the M18 Fair Trading Act 1973 (general provisions as to reports) shall apply in relation to reports of the Commission on references under section 56C as it applies to reports of the Commission under that Act.

(5) A report of the Commission on a reference under section 56C shall be made to the Authority.

(6) On receiving the report, the Authority shall send a copy of it to the Secretary of State.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), the Authority shall, not less than 14 days after the copy is received by the Secretary of State, send another copy to the Council and publish that other copy in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing the report to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it.

(8) If it appears to the Secretary of State that the publication of any matter in the report would be against the public interest or the commercial interests of any person, he may, before the end of the period of 14 days mentioned in subsection (7), direct the Authority to exclude that matter from the copy of the report to be sent to the Council and published under that subsection.

56E Application by Authority for order excluding activities.

(1) Before making an application for an order providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make an application for an order providing for the activities to cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy on the Secretary of State and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons appearing to the Authority to be likely to be affected by such an order.

(3) An application under this section shall set out—

(a) the activities which the Authority considers should cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) the Authority’s reasons for proposing that the order be made.

56F Consultation by Secretary of State about order excluding activities.

(1) If the Secretary of State proposes to make an order providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities (otherwise than on an application by the Authority under section 56E), he shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make an order providing for the activities to cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections duly made (and not withdrawn).

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy on the Authority and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons appearing to him to be likely to be affected by such an order.”

Commencement Information

I43 S. 43 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 43 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 43 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M13 1973 c. 41.

M14 1973 c. 41.

M15 1973 c. 41.

M16 1998 c. 41.

M17 1980 c. 21.

M18 1973 c. 41.

Duties of electricity distributors U.K.

44 Duty to connect on request. U.K.

For sections 16 and 17 of the 1989 Act (duty to supply on request and exceptions to that duty) there are substituted—

“ Duties of electricity distributors U.K.

16 Duty to connect on request.

(1) An electricity distributor is under a duty—

(a) to make a connection between a distribution system of his and any premises, when required to do so by—

(i) the owner or occupier of the premises; or

(ii) an authorised supplier acting with the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises,

for the purpose of enabling electricity to be conveyed to or from the premises;

(b) to make a connection between a distribution system of his and any distribution system of another authorised distributor, when required to do so by that authorised distributor for the purpose of enabling electricity to be conveyed to or from that other system.

(2) Any duty under subsection (1) includes a duty to provide such electric lines or electrical plant as may be necessary to enable the connection to be used for the purpose for which it is required.

(3) The duties under this section shall be performed subject to such terms as may be agreed under section 16A for so long as the connection is required.

(4) In this section and sections 16A to 23—

(a) any reference to making a connection includes a reference to maintaining the connection (and continuing to provide the necessary electric lines or electrical plant);

(b) any reference to requiring a connection includes a reference to requiring the connection to be maintained (and the continued provision of the necessary electric lines and electrical plant); and

(c) any reference to the provision of any electric line or electrical plant is a reference to the provision of such a line or an item of electrical plant either by the installation of a new one or by the modification of an existing one.

(5) The duties under this section are subject to the following provisions of this Part and any regulations made under those provisions.

16A Procedure for requiring a connection.

(1) Where a person requires a connection to be made by an electricity distributor in pursuance of section 16(1), he shall give the distributor a notice requiring him to offer terms for making the connection.

(2) That notice must specify—

(a) the premises or distribution system to which a connection to the distributor’s system is required;

(b) the date on or by which the connection is to be made; and

(c) the maximum power at which electricity may be required to be conveyed through the connection.

(3) The person requiring a connection shall also give the distributor such other information in relation to the required connection as the distributor may reasonably request.

(4) A request under subsection (3) shall be made as soon as practicable after the notice under subsection (1) is given (if not made before that time).

(5) As soon as practicable after receiving the notice under subsection (1) and any information requested under subsection (3) the distributor shall give to the person requiring the connection a notice—

(a) stating the extent (if any) to which his proposals are acceptable to the distributor and specifying any counter proposals made by him;

(b) specifying any payment which that person will be required to make under section 19(1) or regulations under section 19(2);

(c) specifying any security which that person will be required to give under section 20; and

(d) stating any other terms which that person will be required to accept under section 21.

(6) A notice under subsection (5) shall also contain a statement of the effect of section 23.

17 Exceptions from duty to connect.

(1) Nothing in section 16(1) requires an electricity distributor to make a connection if and to the extent that—

(a) he is prevented from doing so by circumstances not within his control;

(b) circumstances exist by reason of which his doing so would or might involve his being in breach of regulations under section 29, and he has taken all such steps as it was reasonable to take both to prevent the circumstances from occurring and to prevent them from having that effect; or

(c) it is not reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be required to do so.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) an electricity distributor is not required to make a connection if—

(a) making the connection involves the distributor doing something which, without the consent of another person, would require the exercise of a power conferred by any provision of Schedule 3 or 4;

(b) the distributor’s licence does not provide for that provision to have effect in relation to him; and

(c) any necessary consent has not, at the time the request is made, been given.

(3) Subsection (1)(c) does not permit an electricity distributor to disconnect any premises or distribution system to which a connection is being maintained by him unless the distributor gives—

(a) where the connection is to premises, to the occupier or to the owner if the premises are not occupied;

(b) where the connection is to another distribution system, to the person who is authorised by a licence or exemption to run that system,

not less than seven working days’ notice of his intention to disconnect the premises or distribution system.”

Commencement Information

I44 S. 44 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 44 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 44 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

45 Abolition of tariffs. U.K.

Section 18 of the 1989 Act (charging by reference to tariffs) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I45 S. 45 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 45 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 45 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

46 Power to recover expenditure. U.K.

(1) Section 19 of the 1989 Act (power to recover expenditure) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) for “a public electricity supplier”, “supplier” and “supply of electricity” there is substituted respectively “ an electricity distributor ”, “ distributor ” and “ connection ”.

(3) For subsection (2) there is substituted—

“(2) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Authority, make provision by regulations for entitling an electricity distributor to require a person requiring a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) to pay to the distributor, in respect of any expenses reasonably incurred in providing any electric line or electrical plant used for the purpose of making the connection, such amount as may be reasonable in all the circumstances if—

(a) the connection is required within the prescribed period after the provision of the line or plant; and

(b) a person (“the initial contributor”) has made a payment to the distributor in respect of those expenses, the line or plant having been provided for the purpose of making a connection to any premises or distribution system as required by that person.”

(4) In subsection (3) for “a public electricity supplier” there is substituted “ an electricity distributor. ”

(5) In subsection (4) for the words from “maintaining” to the end there is substituted “ continuing to provide it ”.

Commencement Information

I46 S. 46 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 46 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 46(1)(3)-(5) in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 46(1)(3)-(5) in force for all remaining purposes and s. 46(2) in force for all purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

47 Power to require security. U.K.

(1) Section 20 of the 1989 Act (power to require security) is amended as follows.

(2) For subsection (1) there is substituted—

“(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, an electricity distributor may require any person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) to give him reasonable security for the payment to him under section 19 in respect of the provision of any electric line or electrical plant.

(1A) If a person fails to give any security required under subsection (1), or the security given has become invalid or insufficient, and he fails to provide alternative or additional security, the electricity distributor may if he thinks fit—

(a) if the connection has not been made, refuse to provide the line or plant for so long as the failure continues; or

(b) if the connection is being maintained, disconnect the premises or distribution system in question.”

(3) In subsection (3), for “a public electricity supplier” and “supplier” (in each place) there is substituted respectively “ an electricity distributor ” and “ distributor ”.

(4) Subsections (2) and (4) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I47 S. 47 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 47 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 47 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

48 Additional terms of connection. U.K.

For section 21 of the 1989 Act (additional terms of connection) there is substituted—

“21 Additional terms of connection.

An electricity distributor may require any person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) above to accept in respect of the making of the connection—

(a) any restrictions which must be imposed for the purpose of enabling the distributor to comply with regulations under section 29;

(b) any terms which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept; and

(c) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b), any terms restricting any liability of the distributor for economic loss resulting from negligence which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept.”

Commencement Information

I48 S. 48 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 48 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 48 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

49 Special agreements with respect to connection. U.K.

For section 22 of the 1989 Act (special agreements with respect to supply) there is substituted—

“22 Special agreements with respect to connection.

(1) Notwithstanding anything in sections 16 to 21, a person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) may enter into an agreement with the electricity distributor (referred to in this Part as a “special connection agreement”) for the making of the connection on such terms as may be agreed by the parties.

(2) So long as a special connection agreement is effective, the rights and liabilities of the parties shall be those arising under the agreement and not those provided for by sections 16 to 21.

(3) Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the giving of a notice under section 16A(1) requiring a connection to be made as from the time when a special connection agreement ceases to be effective.”

Commencement Information

I49 S. 49 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 49 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 49 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

50 General duties of electricity distributors. U.K.

In section 9 of the 1989 Act (general duties of licence holders), for subsection (1) there is substituted—

“(1) It shall be the duty of an electricity distributor—

(a) to develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity distribution;

(b) to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity.”

Commencement Information

I50 S. 50 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 50 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 50 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Electricity code and metering U.K.

51 The electricity code. E+W+S

(1) In section 24 of the 1989 Act (the public electricity supply code), for “supply of electricity by public electricity suppliers” there is substituted “ distribution and supply of electricity ”.

(2) For Schedule 6 to the 1989 Act (the public electricity supply code) there is substituted the provisions of Schedule 4.

Commencement Information

I51 S. 51 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 51 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); S. 51(2) in force at 20.12.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 51(1) in force for all purposes and s. 51(2) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

52 Amendment of Schedule 7 to 1989 Act. U.K.

Schedule 5 (which amends Schedule 7 to the 1989 Act) has effect.

Commencement Information

I52 S. 52 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 52 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 52 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 52 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Powers of electricity licence holders U.K.

53 Powers of electricity licence holders. U.K.

(1) Section 10 of the 1989 Act (powers of licence holders) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), in paragraph (a) the words “a public electricity supplier or” shall cease to have effect and, in paragraph (b) after “to” (in the second place it appears) there is inserted “ an electricity distributor or ”.

(3) In subsection (3), for “A licence under section 6(1)(a) above” there is substituted “ A generation licence ”.

(4) After subsection (3) there is inserted—

“(3A) Subsection (3) applies in relation to any purpose connected with the supply to any premises of any gas or liquid subjected to a cooling effect produced in association with electricity as it applies to a purpose mentioned in that subsection.”

(5) In subsection (4), for “A licence under paragraph (b) or (c) of section 6(1) above” there is substituted “ A transmission licence ”.

Commencement Information

I53 S. 53 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 53 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 53 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Electricity performance standards U.K.

54 Standards of performance in individual cases. U.K.

(1) In section 39 of the 1989 Act—

(a) in subsection (2)(a), after “section” there is inserted “ or their rights under section 39A ”; and

(b) subsections (5), (5A) and (6) shall cease to have effect.

(2) After section 39 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“39A Standards of performance in individual cases: electricity distributors.

(1) The Authority may with the consent of the Secretary of State make regulations prescribing such standards of performance in connection with the activities of electricity distributors, so far as affecting customers or potential customers of electricity suppliers, as in the Authority’s opinion ought to be achieved in individual cases.

(2) If an electricity distributor fails to meet a prescribed standard, he shall make to any person who is affected by the failure and is of a prescribed description such compensation as may be determined by or under the regulations.

(3) The regulations may—

(a) prescribe circumstances in which electricity distributors are to inform customers or potential customers of electricity suppliers of their rights under this section;

(b) prescribe such standards of performance in relation to any duty arising under paragraph (a) as, in the Authority’s opinion, ought to be achieved in all cases;

(c) make provision as to the manner in which compensation under this section is to be made;

(d) prescribe circumstances in which electricity distributors are to be exempted from any requirements of the regulations or this section; and

(e) if the Authority is of the opinion that the differences are such that no electricity distributor would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other electricity distributors, make different provision with respect to different electricity distributors.

(4) Provision made under subsection (3)(c) may—

(a) require or permit compensation to be made on behalf of electricity distributors by electricity suppliers to customers or potential customers; and

(b) require electricity suppliers to provide services to electricity distributors in connection with the making of compensation under this section.

(5) The making of compensation under this section in respect of any failure to meet a prescribed standard shall not prejudice any other remedy which may be available in respect of the act or omission which constituted that failure.

(6) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations under this section.

39B Standards of performance in individual cases: disputes.

(1) Any dispute arising under section 39 or 39A or regulations made under either of those sections—

(a) may be referred to the Authority by either party or, with the agreement of either party, by the Council; and

(b) on such a reference, shall be determined by order made by the Authority or, if it thinks fit, by such person (other than the Council) as may be prescribed.

(2) A person making an order under subsection (1) shall include in the order his reasons for reaching his decision with respect to the dispute.

(3) The practice and procedure to be followed in connection with any such determination shall be such as may be prescribed.

(4) An order under subsection (1) shall be final and shall be enforceable—

(a) in England and Wales, as if it were a judgment of a county court; and

(b) in Scotland, as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff.

(5) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Authority with the consent of the Secretary of State.”

Commencement Information

I54 S. 54 partly in force; s. 54 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 54(2) in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 54(1) in force for all purposes and s. 54(2) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

55 Overall standards of performance. U.K.

After section 40 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“40A Overall standards of performance: electricity distributors.

(1) The Authority may from time to time—

(a) determine such standards of overall performance in connection with the activities of electricity distributors as, in its opinion, ought to be achieved by them; and

(b) arrange for the publication, in such form and in such manner as it considers appropriate, of the standards so determined.

(2) Different standards may be determined for different electricity distributors if the Authority is of the opinion that the differences are such that no electricity distributor would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other electricity distributors.

(3) It shall be the duty of every electricity distributor to conduct his business in such a way as can reasonably be expected to lead to his achieving the standards set under this section.”

Commencement Information

I55 S. 55 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 55 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 55 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 55 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

56 Standards of performance: procedures. U.K.

After section 40A of the 1989 Act (which is inserted by section 55 above) there is inserted—

“40B Procedures for prescribing or determining standards of performance.

(1) Before prescribing standards of performance in regulations under section 39 or 39A, or determining standards of performance under section 40 or 40A, 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 subsections (2) and (3) and consider any representations which are duly made in respect of those proposals; and

(c) consult the Council and other persons or bodies mentioned in subsection (4).

(2) The notice required by subsection (1)(b) is a notice—

(a) stating that the Authority proposes to prescribe or determine standards of performance and setting out the standards of performance proposed;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to prescribe or 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 subsection (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 subsection (1)(c) are—

(a) electricity suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under section 39 or 40) or electricity distributors and electricity suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under section 39A or 40A); and

(b) persons or bodies appearing to the Authority to be representative of persons likely to be affected by the regulations or determination.

(5) The Authority shall make arrangements for securing that notices under subsection (1)(b), regulations under section 39 or 39A and determinations under section 40 or 40A are made available to the public by whatever means it considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I56 S. 56 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 56 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 56 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 56 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

57 Information with respect to levels of performance. U.K.

(1) Section 42 of the 1989 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), paragraph (c) (and the word “and” preceding it) shall cease to have effect.

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) The Authority shall from time to time collect information with respect to—

(a) the compensation made by electricity distributors under section 39A above;

(b) the levels of overall performance achieved by electricity distributors.”

(4) In subsection (2) for the words from the beginning to “year” there is substituted “ At such times ” and in paragraph (b) the words “or 41 above” shall cease to have effect.

(5) After subsection (2) there is inserted—

“(2A) At such times as may be specified in a direction given by the Authority, each electricity distributor shall furnish to the Authority the following information, namely—

(a) as respects each standard prescribed by regulations under section 39A, the number of cases in which compensation was made and the aggregate amount or value of that compensation; and

(b) as respects each standard determined under section 40A, such information with respect to the level of performance achieved by the distributor as may be so specified.”

(6) Subsection (3) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I57 S. 57 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 57 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 57 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

58 Information to be given to customers. U.K.

For section 42A of the 1989 Act there is substituted—

“42A Information to be given to customers about overall performance.

(1) The Authority may make regulations requiring such information as may be specified or described in the regulations about—

(a) the standards of overall performance determined under section 40 or 40A; and

(b) the levels of performance achieved as respects those standards,

to be given by electricity suppliers or electricity distributors to customers or potential customers of electricity suppliers.

(2) Regulations under this section may include provision—

(a) specifying the form and manner in which and the frequency with which information is to be given; and

(b) requiring information about the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) and relating to electricity distributors to be given by electricity distributors to electricity suppliers and by electricity suppliers to their customers or potential customers.”

Commencement Information

I58 S. 58 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 58 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 58 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 58 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Enforcement of obligations U.K.

59 Financial penalties. E+W+S

(1) After section 27 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“27A Penalties.

(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that a licence holder—

(a) has contravened or is contravening any relevant condition or requirement; or

(b) has failed or is failing to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 39 or 39A,

the Authority may, subject to section 27C, impose on the licence holder a penalty of such amount as is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case.

(2) The Authority shall not impose a penalty on a licence holder under subsection (1) where it is satisfied that the most appropriate way of proceeding is under the M19 Competition Act 1998.

(3) Before imposing a penalty on a licence holder under subsection (1) the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to impose a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed to be imposed;

(b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;

(c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed; and

(d) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed penalty may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(4) Before varying any proposal stated in a notice under subsection (3)(a) the Authority shall give notice—

(a) setting out the proposed variation and the reasons for it; and

(b) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed variation may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5) As soon as practicable after imposing a penalty, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it has imposed a penalty on the licence holder and its amount;

(b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;

(c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of the penalty and its amount; and

(d) specifying a date, no earlier than the end of the period of 42 days from the date of service of the notice on the licence holder, by which the penalty is required to be paid.

(6) The licence holder may, within 21 days of the date of service on him of a notice under subsection (5), make an application to the Authority for it to specify different dates by which different portions of the penalty are to be paid.

(7) Any notice required to be given under this section shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them;

(b) by serving a copy of the notice on the licence holder; and

(c) by serving a copy of the notice on the Council.

(8) No penalty imposed by the Authority under this section may exceed 10 per cent. of the turnover of the licence holder (determined in accordance with provisions specified in an order made by the Secretary of State).

(9) An order under subsection (8) shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(10) Any sums received by the Authority by way of penalty under this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

(11) The power of the Authority under subsection (1) is not exercisable in respect of any contravention or failure before the commencement of section 59 of the Utilities Act 2000.

27B Statement of policy with respect to penalties.

(1) The Authority shall prepare and publish a statement of policy with respect to the imposition of penalties and the determination of their amount.

(2) In deciding whether to impose a penalty, and in determining the amount of any penalty, in respect of a contravention or failure the Authority shall have regard to its statement of policy most recently published at the time when the contravention or failure occurred.

(3) The Authority may revise its statement of policy and where it does so shall publish the revised statement.

(4) Publication under this section shall be in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in the statement of policy to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.

(5) The Authority shall undertake such consultation as it considers appropriate when preparing or revising its statement of policy.

27C Time limits on the imposition of financial penalties.

(1) Where no final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure later than the end of the period of 12 months from the time of the contravention or failure, unless before the end of that period—

(a) the notice under section 27A(3) relating to the penalty is served on the licence holder under section 27A(7), or

(b) a notice relating to the contravention or failure is served on the licence holder under section 28(2).

(2) Where a final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure unless the notice relating to the penalty under section 27A(3) was served on the licence holder under section 27A(7)—

(a) within three months from the confirmation of the provisional order or the making of the final order, or

(b) where the provisional order is not confirmed, within six months from the making of the provisional order.

27D Interest and payment of instalments.

(1) If the whole or any part of a penalty is not paid by the date by which it is required to be paid, the unpaid balance from time to time shall carry interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the M20 Judgments Act 1838.

(2) If an application is made under subsection (6) of section 27A in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.

(3) If the Authority grants an application under that subsection in relation to a penalty but any portion of the penalty is not paid by the date specified in relation to it by the Authority under that subsection, the Authority may where it considers it appropriate require so much of the penalty as has not already been paid to be paid immediately.

27E Appeals.

(1) If the licence holder on whom a penalty is imposed is aggrieved by—

(a) the imposition of the penalty;

(b) the amount of the penalty; or

(c) the date by which the penalty is required to be paid, or the different dates by which different portions of the penalty are required to be paid,

the licence holder may make an application to the court under this section.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be made—

(a) within 42 days from the date of service on the licence holder of a notice under section 27A(5), or

(b) where the application relates to a decision of the Authority on an application by the licence holder under section 27A(6), within 42 days from the date the licence holder is notified of the decision.

(3) On any such application, where the court considers it appropriate to do so in all the circumstances of the case and is satisfied of one or more of the grounds falling within subsection (4), the court—

(a) may quash the penalty;

(b) may substitute a penalty of such lesser amount as the court considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case; or

(c) in the case of an application under subsection (1)(c), may substitute for the date or dates imposed by the Authority an alternative date or dates.

(4) The grounds falling within this subsection are—

(a) that the imposition of the penalty was not within the power of the Authority under section 27A;

(b) that any of the requirements of subsections (3) to (5) or (7) of section 27A have not been complied with in relation to the imposition of the penalty and the interests of the licence holder have been substantially prejudiced by the non-compliance; or

(c) that it was unreasonable of the Authority to require the penalty imposed, or any portion of it, to be paid by the date or dates by which it was required to be paid.

(5) If an application is made under this section in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.

(6) Where the court substitutes a penalty of a lesser amount it may require the payment of interest on the substituted penalty at such rate, and from such date, as it considers just and equitable.

(7) Where the court specifies as a date by which the penalty, or a portion of the penalty, is to be paid a date before the determination of the application under this section it may require the payment of interest on the penalty, or portion, from that date at such rate as it considers just and equitable.

(8) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a penalty shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.

(9) In this section “the court” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, the High Court; and

(b) in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.

27F Recovery of penalties.

Where a penalty imposed under section 27A(1), or any portion of it, has not been paid by the date on which it is required to be paid and—

(a) no application relating to the penalty has been made under section 27E during the period within which such an application can be made, or

(b) an application has been made under that section and determined,

the Authority may recover from the licence holder, as a civil debt due to it, any of the penalty and any interest which has not been paid.”

(2) In section 28(1) of the 1989 Act (power to require information, etc.), for the words from “the Director” in the first place they appear, to “42B below” there is substituted “the Authority that a licence holder—

(a) may be contravening, or may have contravened, any relevant condition or requirement; or

(b) may be failing, or may have failed, to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 39 or 39A,

the Authority may, for any purpose connected with such of its functions under section 25 or 27A to 27F ”.

(3) In section 49 of the 1989 Act (keeping of a register), after subsection (2)(d) there is inserted “; and

(e) every penalty imposed under section 27A(1) and every notice under section 27A(5).”

Commencement Information

I59 S. 59 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 59 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 59(1) in force at 20.12.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 59(1) in force for all remaining purposes and s. 59(2)(3) in force for all purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M19 1998 c. 41.

M20 1838 c. 110.

60 Licence enforcement. U.K.

(1) The 1989 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) of section 25 (orders for securing compliance with certain provisions), for “and (5)” there is substituted “ , (5) and (5A) ”.

(3) In subsections (2), (4) and (6) of that section, for “subsection (5)” there is substituted “ subsections (5) and (5A) ”.

(4) In subsection (5) of that section, paragraphs (b) and (c) shall cease to have effect.

(5) After subsection (5) of that section there is inserted—

“(5A) The Authority is not required to make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order if it is satisfied—

(a) that the licence holder has agreed to take and is taking all such steps as it appears to the Authority for the time being to be appropriate for the licence holder to take for the purpose of securing or facilitating compliance with the condition or requirement in question; or

(b) that the contraventions were or the apprehended contraventions are of a trivial nature.”

(6) In section 26 (procedural requirements for making orders under section 25), in subsections (1)(c) and (4)(b), for “28” there is substituted “ 21 ”.

(7) Subsections (2) to (6) do not have effect in relation to—

(a) a provisional order which has been made before the commencement of the subsection making the amendment; or

(b) a final order in respect of which notice has been given under section 26(1) of the 1989 Act before the commencement of the subsection making the amendment.

Commencement Information

I60 S. 60 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 60 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 60 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Remuneration and service standards U.K.

61 Links between directors’ remuneration and electricity service standards. U.K.

After section 42B of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“42C Remuneration and service standards.

(1) This section applies to any company which is authorised by a licence to carry on activities subject to price regulation.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year of the company it must make a statement to the Authority—

(a) disclosing whether or not remuneration has been paid or become due during that financial year to the directors of the company as a result of arrangements falling within subsection (3); and

(b) where such remuneration has been paid or become due, describing the arrangements and the remuneration.

(3) Arrangements fall within this subsection if they are arrangements for linking the remuneration of the directors of the company to levels of performance as respects service standards in connection with activities subject to price regulation.

(4) A description under subsection (2)(b) must include in particular—

(a) a statement of when the arrangements were made;

(b) a description of the service standards in question;

(c) an explanation of the means by which the levels of performance as respects those service standards are assessed; and

(d) an explanation of how the remuneration was calculated.

(5) The statement required by subsection (2) must also state—

(a) whether or not there are in force in respect of the financial year during which the statement is made arrangements falling within subsection (3); or

(b) if not, whether the company intends that such arrangements will be in force at some time during that financial year,

and if there are, or it is intended that there will be, such arrangements in force the statement must describe those arrangements.

(6) A description under subsection (5) must—

(a) include in particular the matters listed in subsection (4)(a), (b) and (c); and

(b) where the arrangements described are different from any arrangements described under subsection (2)(b), state the likely effect of those differences on the remuneration of each director of the company.

(7) The statement required by subsection (2) must be made to the Authority in such manner as may be required by the Authority.

(8) The statement required by subsection (2)—

(a) must be published by the company making the statement in such manner as it reasonably considers will secure adequate publicity for it; and

(b) may be published by the Authority in such manner as it may consider appropriate.

(9) The duty of a company under this section applies in respect of any person who has at any time been a director of the company.

(10) In this section—

• “activities subject to price regulation”, in relation to any company, are activities for which—

  (a)

  a maximum price which may be charged by the company, or a method for calculating such a maximum price; or

  (b)

  a maximum revenue which may be received by the company, or a method for calculating such a maximum revenue,

  is determined by or under the licence granted under this Part;

• “company” means a company within the meaning of the M21 Companies Act 1985 which is limited by shares;

• “remuneration” in relation to a director of a company—

  (a)

  means any form of payment, consideration or other benefit (including pension benefit), paid or due to or in respect of the director; and

  (b)

  includes remuneration in respect of any of his services while a director of the company;

• “service standards” in relation to any company, means standards relating to the quality of service received by customers or potential customers of the company, including any such standards which are—

  (a)

  set by or under any conditions included in a licence granted under this Part;

  (b)

  prescribed by the Authority in regulations made under section 39 or 39A;

  (c)

  determined by the Authority under section 40 or 40A; or

  (d)

  set or agreed to by the company.”

Commencement Information

I61 S. 61 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 61 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 61 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M21 1985 c. 6.

Electricity from renewable sources U.K.

62 Obligation in connection with electricity from renewable sources. U.K.

For section 32 of the 1989 Act there is substituted—

“32 Obligation in connection with electricity from renewable sources.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order impose on each electricity supplier falling within a specified description (a “designated electricity supplier”) an obligation to do what is set out in subsection (3) (and that obligation is referred to in this section and sections 32A to 32C as the “renewables obligation”).

(2) The descriptions of electricity supplier upon which an order may impose the renewables obligation are those supplying electricity—

(a) in Great Britain;

(b) in England and Wales; or

(c) in Scotland,

excluding such categories of supplier (if any) as are specified.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this section and sections 32A and 32C, the renewables obligation is that the designated electricity supplier must, before a specified day (or before each of several specified days, or before a specified day in each year), produce to the Authority evidence of a specified kind showing—

(a) that it has supplied to customers in Great Britain during a specified period such amount of electricity generated by using renewable sources as is specified in relation to such a supplier; or

(b) that another electricity supplier has done so (or that two or more others have done so); or

(c) that, between them, they have done so.

(4) If the order applies only to electricity suppliers in part of Great Britain, it may specify that the only electricity supplied which counts towards discharging the renewables obligation is electricity supplied to customers in that part of Great Britain.

(5) Evidence of the supply of electricity may not be produced more than once in relation to the same electricity.

(6) In the case of electricity generated by a generating station fuelled or driven partly by renewable sources and partly by fossil fuel, only the proportion attributable to the renewable sources can count towards discharging the renewables obligation (but this is subject to section 32A(1)(g)).

(7) Before making an order, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the Authority;

(b) the Council;

(c) the electricity suppliers to whom the proposed order would apply;

(d) the generators of electricity from renewable sources; and

(e) such other persons, if any, as he considers appropriate.

(8) In this section—

• “fossil fuel” means coal, substances produced directly or indirectly from coal, lignite, natural gas, crude liquid petroleum, or petroleum products (and “natural gas” and “petroleum products” have the same meanings as in the M22 Energy Act 1976);

• “renewable sources” means sources of energy other than fossil fuel or nuclear fuel, but includes waste of which not more than a specified proportion is waste which is, or is derived from, fossil fuel;

• “specified” means specified in the order.

(9) An order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I62 S. 62 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 62 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 62 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 62 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M22 1976 c. 76.

63 Orders under section 32: supplementary. U.K.

After section 32 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“32A Orders under section 32: supplementary.

(1) An order under section 32 may make provision generally in relation to the renewables obligation imposed by the order, and may in particular specify—

(a) different obligations for successive periods of time;

(b) that only electricity generated using specified descriptions of renewable source is to count towards discharging the obligation (or that such electricity is to count only up to a specified amount);

(c) that only electricity generated by specified descriptions of generating station is to count towards discharging the obligation (or that such electricity is to count only up to a specified amount);

(d) that a specified minimum amount of electricity generated as mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c) is to be counted towards the discharge of the renewables obligation;

(e) how the amount of electricity supplied by an electricity supplier (whether generally or to particular customers or descriptions of customer) is to be determined;

(f) how the proportion referred to in section 32(6) or in the definition of “renewable sources” in section 32(8) is to be determined;

(g) the consequences for the discharge of the renewables obligation if a generating station of the type mentioned in section 32(6) uses more than a specified proportion of fossil fuel during a specified period (which may include the consequence that none of the electricity generated by that generating station during that period is to count towards discharging the obligation);

(h) that specified information, or information of a specified nature, is to be given to the Authority (in addition to the evidence referred to in section 32(3)), and the form in which it is to be given.

(2) An order may, in relation to any specified period (“the current period”)—

(a) provide that evidence of electricity supplied in a later period may, when available, be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for the current period;

(b) provide that evidence of electricity supplied in the current period may, in a later period, be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for that period;

(c) specify how much later the later period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) may be;

(d) specify a maximum proportion of the renewables obligation for any period which may be discharged as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b);

(e) specify a maximum proportion of electricity supplied in any period evidence of which may be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for a different period.

(3) An order may make—

(a) different provision for different cases or circumstances; and

(b) different provision in relation to different suppliers,

if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the differences are such that no electricity supplier would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other electricity suppliers.

(4) An order may provide for the Authority to require an electricity supplier to provide it with information, or with information of a particular kind, which is in its opinion relevant to the question whether the supplier is discharging, or has discharged, the renewables obligation.

(5) That information must be given to the Authority in whatever form it requires.

(6) No person shall be required by virtue of this section to provide any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in civil proceedings in the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session.

(7) An order may make further provision as to the functions of the Authority in relation to the obligation imposed by the order.”

Commencement Information

I63 S. 63 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 63 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 63 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

64 Green certificates. U.K.

After section 32A of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“32B Green certificates.

(1) An order under section 32 may provide for the Authority to issue from time to time, in accordance with such criteria (if any) as are specified in the order, a certificate to the operator of a generating station or to an electricity supplier.

(2) A certificate is to certify—

(a) that the generating station or, in the case of a certificate issued to an electricity supplier, a generating station specified in the certificate, has generated from renewable sources the amount of electricity stated in the certificate; and

(b) that it has been supplied to customers in Great Britain (or the part of Great Britain stated in the certificate).

(3) If an electricity supplier produces a certificate to the Authority, it is to count for the purposes of section 32(3) as sufficient evidence of the facts certified.”

Commencement Information

I64 S. 64 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 64 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 64 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

65 Alternative way of discharging renewables obligation: payments. U.K.

After section 32B of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“32C Payment as alternative to complying with order under section 32.

(1) An order under section 32 may provide that instead of producing evidence under section 32(3), an electricity supplier may discharge (in whole or in part) its renewables obligation (or its obligation in relation to a particular period) by making a payment to the Authority.

(2) The order may make provision—

(a) as to the sum which for the purposes of subsection (1) is to correspond to the supply of a given amount of electricity;

(b) for different such sums in relation to different periods;

(c) for different such sums in relation to electricity generated in different ways specified in the order (such as those referred to in section 32A(1)(b) and (c)); and

(d) for any such sum to be adjusted from time to time for inflation by a method specified in the order (which may refer to a specified scale or index or to other specified data of any description, including such a scale or index or such data in a form not current when the order was made, but in a subsequent form attributable to revision or any other cause and taking effect afterwards).

(3) The Authority must pay the amounts received to electricity suppliers in accordance with a system of allocation specified in the order.

(4) The system of allocation specified in the order may provide for payments to specified categories of electricity supplier only.”

Commencement Information

I65 S. 65 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 65 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 65 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

66 Abolition of fossil fuel levy. U.K.

Section 33 of the 1989 Act shall cease to have effect.

67 Supplementary. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument make such provision as he considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of—

(a) providing for section 32 of the 1989 Act to have effect, before its substitution by section 62 of this Act, with modifications specified in the order (but if this power is exercised the modifications must include the omission of subsections (3) and (4) of section 32);

(b) saving orders under section 32 of the 1989 Act made before the coming into force of section 62;

(c) preserving, modifying, replacing or otherwise dealing with arrangements (as mentioned in that section) made pursuant to such an order, including making provision for substituting different parties to the arrangements or for replacement arrangements to be between parties different from those party to the replaced arrangements;

(d) requiring the continued payment of any fossil fuel levy payable by virtue of section 33 of the 1989 Act and providing for payments out of that levy despite the repeal of that section.

(2) The power in subsection (1)(c) may be exercised both before the coming into force of section 62 and afterwards.

(3) An order under this section may, in particular, provide for section 32 (apart from subsections (3) and (4)) or 33 of the 1989 Act (as they had effect immediately before the coming into force of section 62 or 66) to continue to have effect with modifications specified in the order.

(4) An order under this section may, in particular—

(a) provide for what is to happen in relation to the fossil fuel levy and payments out of it if in any month—

(i) the cost referred to in section 33(5)(b) of the 1989 Act is greater than the cost referred to in section 33(5)(a) of the 1989 Act, or

(ii) the same is true in relation to any other corresponding measures referred to in section 33 of the 1989 Act as modified under subsection (3);

(b) provide in such a case for payments of amounts determined in accordance with the order (but not exceeding the difference between the sums referred to in paragraph (a)) to be made by, instead of to, the person to whom payments out of the fossil fuel levy would otherwise have been made.

(5) An order under this section may provide—

(a) that any specified requirement contained in it is to be treated as a relevant requirement for the purposes of Part I of the 1989 Act; and

(b) for one of those requirements to be that a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (6) is not to act or omit to act as set out there,

but while subsections (3) and (4) of section 32 of the 1989 Act remain in force an order may not provide for anything which would be an offence under section 32(3) to be treated as a relevant requirement.

(6) The persons, acts and omissions referred to in subsection (5)(b) are—

(a) an act or omission by a person subject to requirements contained in the order which prevents any arrangements made pursuant to the order from securing such results as are specified in the order; and

(b) an act or omission by a party to arrangements made pursuant to an order under section 32 of the 1989 Act made before the coming into force of section 62 of this Act (or such arrangements as modified or replaced by virtue of an order under this section) which prevents the arrangements from securing the result mentioned in subsection (2) of that section (or that subsection as modified by virtue of an order under this section), or such corresponding result as is specified in the order.

(7) An order under this section may make different provision for different areas.

(8) A statutory instrument containing an order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 67: transfer of functions (1.11.2001) by virtue of S.I. 2001/3504, arts. 1(1), 2, 4, Sch.

Miscellaneous U.K.

68 Modification of licences: electricity trading arrangements. U.K.

(1) After section 15 of the M23 Electricity Act 1989 (modification of licences by order under other enactments) there is inserted—

“15A Licence modifications relating to new electricity trading arrangements.

(1) The Secretary of State may, in accordance with this section, modify—

(a) the conditions of a particular licence; or

(b) the standard conditions of licences of any type mentioned in section 6(1),

where he considers it necessary or expedient to do so for the purpose of implementing, or facilitating the operation of, new arrangements relating to the trading of electricity.

(2) The power to modify licence conditions under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) includes power—

(a) to make modifications relating to the operation of transmission systems and distribution systems; and

(b) to make incidental or consequential, or transitional, modifications.

(3) Before making modifications under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the holder of any licence being modified and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(4) Any consultation undertaken by the Secretary of State before the commencement of this section shall be as effective, for the purposes of subsection (3), as if undertaken after that commencement.

(5) Any modification of part of a standard condition of a licence under subsection (1)(a) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(6) Where the standard conditions of licences of any type are modified under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State shall make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of the standard conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time.

(7) The Secretary of State shall publish any modifications under this section in such manner as he considers appropriate.

(8) The power of the Secretary of State under this section may not be exercised after the end of the period of two years beginning with the passing of the Utilities Act 2000.”

(2) This section shall come into force on the passing of this Act.

Marginal Citations

M23 1989 c. 29.

69 Help for disadvantaged groups of electricity customers. U.K.

After section 43 of the 1989 Act there is inserted—

“43A Adjustment of charges to help disadvantaged groups of customers.

(1) If the Secretary of State considers that members of any group (a “disadvantaged group”) of customers of authorised suppliers are treated less favourably than other customers of theirs as respects charges for electricity, he may make an order containing a scheme for the adjustment of charges for electricity with a view to eliminating or reducing the less favourable treatment.

(2) The scheme may include—

(a) provision for the adjustment of charges by authorised distributors or authorised transmitters (as well as by suppliers);

(b) in relation to charges payable to suppliers, provision for the adjustment of charges payable by customers who are not members of the disadvantaged group (as well as by persons who are).

(3) The scheme shall—

(a) describe the disadvantaged group;

(b) specify the persons whose charges are covered by the scheme; and

(c) set out the basis of the adjustment of the charges.

(4) If the scheme does not relate to the whole of Great Britain, it shall specify the area or areas to which it relates.

(5) The scheme may—

(a) require authorised suppliers, authorised distributors or authorised transmitters to supply information of any specified description, in any specified form, to any other such persons; and

(b) provide for the modification of the conditions of licences,

for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of the scheme.

(6) An order shall not be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

43B Orders: supplementary.

(1) Before making an order under section 43A, the Secretary of State shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make an order and setting out its effect;

(b) stating the reasons why he proposes to make the order; and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed order may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of it on the persons whose charges are covered by the proposed order; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing the proposed order to the attention of other persons likely to be affected by it.

(3) An order under section 43A shall continue in force for such period not exceeding three years as is specified in the order; but that does not prevent the making of another order to come into force at the end of that period.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order require authorised suppliers, authorised distributors or authorised transmitters to supply information of any specified description, in any specified form, to any other such persons for the purpose of enabling the making of an order under section 43A.

(5) The Authority—

(a) shall monitor the effect of orders under section 43A and report its findings to the Secretary of State whenever he directs it to do so; and

(b) may require authorised suppliers, authorised distributors or authorised transmitters to supply to the Authority, in any specified form, such information as it requires for carrying out that duty.

(6) In section 43A references to customers do not include customers of a description excluded by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(7) In this section and section 43A “authorised transmitter” means a person authorised by a licence or exemption to transmit electricity.”

Commencement Information

I66 S. 69 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 69 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 69 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

70 Energy efficiency requirements for electricity distributors and suppliers. U.K.

For section 41 of the 1989 Act (promotion of efficient use of electricity) there is substituted—

“41A Promotion of the efficient use by consumers of electricity.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order impose—

(a) on each electricity distributor (or each electricity distributor of a specified description); and

(b) on each electricity supplier (or each electricity supplier of a specified description),

an obligation to achieve, within a specified period and in accordance with the order, the energy efficiency target to be determined by the Authority under the order for that distributor or supplier (and that obligation is referred to in this section as an “energy efficiency obligation”).

(2) In this section “energy efficiency target” means a target for the promotion of improvements in energy efficiency, that is to say, efficiency in the use by consumers of electricity, gas conveyed through pipes or any other source of energy which is specified in the order.

(3) An order under this section may specify criteria by reference to which the Authority is to determine energy efficiency targets for the electricity distributors or electricity suppliers on whom obligations are imposed by the order.

(4) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out their respective functions under this section in the manner he or it considers is best calculated to ensure that no electricity distributor is unduly disadvantaged in competing with other electricity distributors and no electricity supplier is unduly disadvantaged in competing with other electricity suppliers.

(5) The order may make provision generally in relation to the energy efficiency obligations which it imposes, including in particular provision—

(a) as to the treatment of persons who become electricity distributors or electricity suppliers after the beginning of the period to which the order relates;

(b) as to the action which qualifies for the purpose of meeting the whole or any part of an energy efficiency target;

(c) as to the method by which improvements in energy efficiency attributable to any qualifying action are to be assessed;

(d) requiring distributors and suppliers to give to the Authority specified information, or information of a specified nature, about their proposals for complying with their energy efficiency obligations;

(e) requiring the Authority to determine—

(i) whether any proposed action qualifies for the purpose of achieving the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target; and

(ii) if so, what improvement in energy efficiency is to be attributed for that purpose to the proposed action or to any result of that action specified in the determination; and

(f) requiring distributors or suppliers to produce to the Authority evidence of a specified kind demonstrating that they have complied with their energy efficiency obligations.

(6) The order may make provision authorising the Authority to require a distributor or supplier to provide it with specified information, or information of a specified nature, relating to—

(a) his proposals for complying with his energy efficiency obligation; or

(b) the question whether he has complied with that obligation.

(7) The order may make provision as to circumstances in which—

(a) a person’s energy efficiency target may be altered during the period to which the order relates;

(b) the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target may be treated as having been achieved by action taken otherwise than by or on behalf of that person;

(c) any action taken before the period to which the order relates may be treated as qualifying action taken during that period;

(d) the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target may be transferred to another electricity distributor or electricity supplier or to a gas transporter or gas supplier (within the meaning of Part I of the M24 Gas Act 1986); or

(e) a person may carry forward the whole or any part of his energy efficiency target for the period to which the order relates to a subsequent period.

(8) The order may—

(a) provide for exceptions from any requirement of the order;

(b) provide that any specified requirement contained in it is to be treated as a relevant requirement for the purposes of this Part;

(c) make supplementary, incidental and transitional provision; and

(d) subject to subsection (4), make different provision for different cases (including different provision in relation to different distributors or suppliers).

(9) The order may include provision for treating the promotion of the supply to premises of—

(a) electricity generated by a generating station which is operated for the purposes of producing heat, or a cooling effect, in association with electricity;

(b) heat produced in association with electricity or steam produced from (or air or water heated by) such heat;

(c) any gas or liquid subjected to a cooling effect produced in association with electricity,

as promotion of energy efficiency.

(10) No person shall be required by virtue of this section to provide any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in civil proceedings in the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session.

(11) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority, the Council, electricity distributors and electricity suppliers and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(12) An order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I67 S. 70 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 70 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 70 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M24 1986 c. 44.

71 General duties of transmission licence holders in Scotland. U.K.

Section 9(3) and (4) of the 1989 Act (special duty in Scotland for transmission licence holders who also hold licences to supply or generate electricity) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I68 S. 71 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 71 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 71 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

72 Uniform prices etc. in certain areas of Scotland. U.K.

After section 7A of the 1989 Act (which is inserted by section 41 above) there is inserted—

“7B Uniform prices etc. in certain areas of Scotland.

(1) The Secretary of State may, by an order made under this section, require the holder of—

(a) a transmission licence; or

(b) a distribution licence,

to apply in respect of the use of the transmission or, as the case may be, distribution system, or any part of the system, in a specified area charges which do not distinguish (whether directly or indirectly) between users in different parts of the area.

(2) The Secretary of State may, by such an order, require the holder of a supply licence—

(a) to charge prices; or

(b) to offer conditions of contract,

in respect of a comparable supply of electricity in a specified area which do not distinguish (whether directly or indirectly) between consumers in different parts of the area.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not specify in such an order any particular or maximum charge or price or any particular condition of contract.

(4) Such an order may make different provision for different cases or descriptions of case.

(5) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a specified area is an area of Scotland specified in such an order; and

(b) supplies of electricity are comparable if they are—

(i) at the same or similar voltages; and

(ii) are in accordance with the same or similar demand characteristics.”

Commencement Information

I69 S. 72 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 72 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 72 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

73 Maximum prices for reselling electricity. U.K.

(1) For section 44 of the 1989 Act (maximum charges for reselling electricity) there is substituted—

“44 Maximum prices for reselling electricity.

(1) The Authority may from time to time direct that the maximum prices at which electricity supplied by authorised suppliers may be resold—

(a) shall be such as may be specified in the direction; or

(b) shall be calculated by such method and by reference to such matters as may be so specified;

and shall publish directions under this section in such manner as in its opinion will secure adequate publicity for them.

(2) A direction under this section may—

(a) require any person who resells electricity supplied by an authorised supplier to furnish the purchaser with such information as may be specified or described in the direction; and

(b) provide that, in the event of his failing to do so, the maximum price applicable to the resale shall be such as may be specified in the direction, or shall be reduced by such amount or such percentage as may be so specified.

(3) Different directions may be given under this section as respects different classes of cases, which may be defined by reference to areas or any other relevant circumstances.

(4) If any person resells electricity supplied by an authorised supplier at a price exceeding the maximum price determined by or under a direction under this section and applicable to the resale—

(a) the amount of the excess; and

(b) if the direction so provides, interest on that amount at a rate specified or described in the direction,

shall be recoverable by the person to whom the electricity was resold.”

(2) Any maximum price fixed under section 44 of the 1989 Act which is in force immediately before the date on which this section comes into force shall be treated on and after that date as if it had been specified in a direction under section 44 as substituted by this section.

Commencement Information

I70 S. 73 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 73 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 73 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Part V U.K. Amendment of the Gas Act 1986

Gas licensing U.K.

74 Gas licence conditions. E+W+S

(1) Section 7B of the 1986 Act (general provisions about licences) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (2) there is inserted—

“(2A) Where the Authority proposes to refuse the application, it shall give to the applicant a notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to refuse the application;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to refuse the application; and

(c) specifying the time within which representations with respect to the proposed refusal may be made,

and shall consider any representations which are duly made and not withdrawn.”

(3) In subsection (4)—

(a) in paragraph (a) for “section 4 or 4A above” there is substituted “ sections 4AA, 4AB and 4A ”; and

(b) paragraph (b) (which is superseded by provision made in section 4AA) is omitted.

(4) After subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(4A) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of subsection (4), conditions included in a licence under section 7 by virtue of that paragraph—

(a) may require the licence holder to enter into agreements with other persons for the use of any pipe-line system of his (wherever situated and whether or not used for the purpose of carrying on the activities authorised by the licence) for such purposes as may be specified in the conditions;

(b) may include provision for determining the terms on which such agreements are to be entered into.”

(5) In subsection (5)(a)(iii) for “specified or described” there is substituted “ referred to ”.

(6) In subsection (6) the words “specified or described in the licence” shall cease to have effect.

(7) After subsection (10) there is inserted—

“(11) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed in regulations made by the Authority.”

Commencement Information

I71 S. 74 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 74 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 74(1) in force for the purpose of s. 74(3) and s. 74(3) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 74(1)(3)(6)(7) in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 74(1)(4)-(7) in force for all remaining purposes and s. 74(2) in force for all purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Prospective

75 Exceptions from section 5 of 1986 Act. U.K.

Section 5(2) of and Schedule 2A to the 1986 Act shall cease to have effect.

76 Gas transporters. U.K.

(1) The authorised areas of persons holding gas transportation licences under section 7 of the 1986 Act (licensing of public gas transporters) shall cease to be exclusive and, accordingly, section 7 is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), for “public gas transporter” (the expression defined in that subsection) there is substituted “ gas transporter ”.

(3) In paragraph (a) of subsection (2), for the words from “so much of” to the “and” preceding paragraph (b), there is substituted “ any area specified in the licence as it has effect for the time being; ”.

(4) After subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(4A) The Authority may, with the consent of the licence holder, direct that any licence under this section shall have effect as if any area or pipe-line system specified in the direction were not specified in the licence; and references in this Part to, or to the grant of, a restriction under this section, or a restriction of such a licence, shall be construed as references to, or to the giving of, such a direction.”

(5) In subsections (5) and (6) the words “or extension”, in each place where they appear and, in subsection (5), the words “or, in the case of an extension, such shorter time as may be prescribed” shall cease to have effect.

(6) Subsections (7) and (8) shall cease to have effect.

(7) References in any enactment in force immediately before the commencement of this section to a public gas transporter or to the holder of a licence under section 7 of the 1986 Act shall have effect after that commencement as if they were references to a gas transporter.

Commencement Information

I72 S. 76 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 76 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 76 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

77 Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas. U.K.

(1) After section 10 of the 1986 Act (duty of gas transporters to make a connection in certain circumstances) there is inserted—

“10A Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply.

(1) Any pipe-line of a gas transporter—

(a) for the construction of which the execution of works has begun before the commencement of section 76 of the Utilities Act 2000 (abolition of geographical exclusivity of authorised areas of gas transporters); and

(b) which is situated in an area which, immediately before the commencement of that section, is the authorised area of a public gas transporter (the “other transporter”),

shall not be used for the purpose of giving a supply of gas to any premises in that area at a rate less than 2,196,000 kilowatt hours per year unless the other transporter consents in writing to such use.

(2) If the other transporter refuses or fails to give consent under subsection (1) consent may instead be given in writing by the Authority where it considers it appropriate to do so.

(3) Consent given under this section may not be withdrawn.

(4) In this section “pipe-line” has the same meaning as in the M25 Pipe-lines Act 1962.”.

(2) In section 28(8) of the 1986 Act (definition of “relevant requirement”) after “or (14)” there is inserted “ 10A(1), ”.

Commencement Information

I73 S. 77 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 77 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 77 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M25 1962 c. 58.

78 Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters. U.K.

(1) Section 22A of the 1986 Act (prohibition on execution of works for the construction of pipe-lines) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a) for the words “A public gas transporter shall not at any time execute in an authorised area of another public gas transporter” there is substituted “ A gas transporter shall not at any time execute within 23 metres from a pipe-line of another gas transporter (the “other transporter”) ”;

(b) in paragraph (b), the words “in that area” (in both places where they appear) shall cease to have effect;

(c) after paragraph (c) there is inserted “; and

(d) (subject to subsection (1C)) where the existing pipe-line is a relevant main of the other transporter, that transporter has consented in writing to the construction of the proposed pipe-line, either unconditionally or subject to conditions.”.

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the proposed pipe-line is required to enable a gas transporter to comply with any duty imposed by section 10(2).

(1B) Conditions imposed under subsection (1)(d) may relate to matters arising after the construction of the proposed pipe-line, including the use to be made of the pipe-line.

(1C) If the other transporter—

(a) refuses or fails to give consent under subsection (1)(d); or

(b) gives such consent subject to conditions,

consent may instead be given in writing by the Authority where it considers it appropriate to do so.

(1D) Consent under subsection (1C) may only be given unconditionally or, in a case falling within subsection (1C)(b), subject to the same conditions as were imposed by the other transporter.

(1E) A condition imposed on a gas transporter under this section shall be enforceable by civil proceedings by the other transporter for an injunction or for interdict or for any other appropriate relief.”

(4) In subsection (3), after the definition of “pipe-line” there is inserted “;

“relevant main” has the meaning given by section 10(12).”

Commencement Information

I74 S. 78 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 78 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 78 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

79 Duty to facilitate competition. U.K.

(1) Section 9 of the 1986 Act (general powers and duties of gas transporters) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)(b)—

(a) after “him” there is inserted “—

(i)”; and

(b) after “premises” there is inserted “; or

(ii) to connect to that system a pipe-line system operated by an authorised transporter.”

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) It shall also be the duty of a gas transporter to facilitate competition in the supply of gas.”

(4) In subsection (2)(a), after “premises” there is inserted “ , or a pipe-line system operated by an authorised transporter, ”.

Commencement Information

I75 S. 79 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 79 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 79 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

80 Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection. U.K.

(1) Section 10 of the 1986 Act (duty of gas transporters to make a connection in certain circumstances) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (3) there is inserted—

“(3A) A gas transporter may require any person who requires a connection under subsection (2)(b) to accept any terms—

(a) indemnifying the transporter in respect of any liability connected with the laying of the pipe;

(b) which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept.”

(3) After subsection (5) there is inserted—

“(5A) Where in pursuance of subsection (2)(b) a gas transporter connects any premises to a relevant main by a pipe supplied and laid by the owner or occupier of the premises, the cost of making the connection shall, if and to the extent that the transporter so requires and the conditions of his licence so allow, be defrayed by the person supplying and laying the pipe.”

(4) In subsection (6)(b) after “rights” there is inserted “ or liabilities ”.

(5) In the words following subsection (6)(b), for “or rights” there is substituted “ , rights or liabilities ”.

(6) In subsection (12) for “his authorised area” there is substituted “ an authorised area of his ”.

Commencement Information

I76 S. 80 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 80 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 80 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

81 Standard conditions of gas licences. U.K.

(1) The standard conditions for the purposes of gas licences of any type (that is to say, licences under section 7, section 7A(1) or section 7A(2) of the 1986 Act) may contain provision—

(a) for any standard condition included in a licence of that type not to have effect until brought into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be specified in or determined under the standard conditions;

(b) for the effect of any standard condition included in such a licence to be suspended in such manner, and in such circumstances, as may be so specified or determined; or

(c) for any standard condition included in such a licence which is for the time being suspended to be brought back into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be so specified or determined.

(2) Such conditions as may be determined by the Secretary of State before the commencement of subsection (3), and published by him in such manner as he considers appropriate, in relation to gas licences of any type shall, subject to such modifications of the conditions made under Part I of the 1986 Act after the determination under this subsection, be standard conditions for the purposes of licences of that type (in place of the standard conditions which would otherwise be incorporated in licences of that type granted immediately before that commencement).

(3) In section 8(1) of the 1986 Act (standard conditions of licences to be incorporated in gas licences)—

(a) the words “and sections 23(2), 26(1A) and 27(2) below” shall be omitted; and

(b) for “section 8(2) of the Gas Act 1995” there is substituted “ section 81(2) of the Utilities Act 2000 ”.

Commencement Information

I77 S. 81 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 81 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 81(1)(2) in force at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 81(3) in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

82 Modification of standard conditions of gas licences. U.K.

(1) In section 8(7) of the 1986 Act (standard conditions of licences to be incorporated in gas licences)—

(a) after “such that” there is inserted—

“(a) the licence holder would not be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of a licence under that subsection; and

(b)” ;

and

(b) after “the holder of the licence” there is inserted “being modified”.

(2) In section 23 of the 1986 Act (modification of conditions by agreement), for subsection (6) there is substituted—

“(6) The Authority shall not make any modifications under subsection (1)(a) unless the licence holder has consented to the modifications and, in the case of standard conditions of a licence under subsection (1) or (2) of section 7A, the Authority is of the opinion that the modifications—

(a) are requisite to meet the circumstances of the particular case; and

(b) are such that—

(i) the licence holder would not be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of licences under that subsection; and

(ii) no other holder of such a licence would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other holders of such licences (including the holder of the licence being modified).

(6A) The modification under subsection (1)(a) of part of a standard condition of a licence shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.”

(3) For subsections (7) to (9) of that section there is substituted—

“(7) The Authority may not under subsection (1)(b) make any modifications of the standard conditions of any licences unless—

(a) no notice of objection to those modifications is given to the Authority within the time specified in the notice under subsection (3) by any relevant licence holder;

(b) if one or more relevant licence holders give notice of objection to the Authority within that time—

(i) the proportion (expressed as a percentage) of the relevant licence holders who have given notice of objection is less than such percentage as may be prescribed; and

(ii) the percentage given by subsection (8) is less than such percentage as may be prescribed; or

(c) subsection (10) applies to the case.

(8) The percentage given by this subsection is the proportion (expressed as a percentage) of the relevant licence holders who have given notice of objection, weighted according to their market share in such manner as may be prescribed.”

(4) For subsection (12) of that section there is substituted—

“(12) In this section—

• “prescribed” means prescribed by order made by the Secretary of State;

• “relevant licence holder”, in relation to proposed modifications under subsection (1)(b) of standard conditions of licences of any type, means the holder of a licence of that type which-

  (a)

  is to be modified under the proposals by the inclusion of any new standard condition; or

  (b)

  includes any standard conditions to which the proposals relate, other than standard conditions which are not in effect (by virtue of anything done under section 81(1) of the Utilities Act 2000) at the time specified in the notice under subsection (3).

(13) A statutory instrument containing an order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I78 S. 82 partly in force; s. 82 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 82(4) in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 82(1)-(3) in force for all purposes and s. 82(4) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

83 Modification following Competition Commission report. U.K.

(1) In section 24(5) of the 1986 Act (modification references to the Competition Commission), after “this section” there is inserted “ or in carrying out functions under section 26A ”, after “the investigation” there is inserted “ or the carrying out of those functions ” and after “such investigation” there is inserted “ or such functions ”.

(2) In section 26 of that Act (modification of licence conditions following report of Competition Commission) after subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(4A) After considering any representations or objections made in response to proposals set out in a notice under subsection (3), the Authority shall give notice to the Competition Commission—

(a) setting out the modifications it proposes to make to remedy or prevent the adverse effects specified in the report; and

(b) stating the reasons for making the modifications.

(4B) The Authority shall include with the notice under subsection (4A) a copy of any representations or objections received in relation to the notice under subsection (3).

(4C) If the period of four weeks from the date on which the notice under subsection (4A) is given elapses without a direction under section 26A(1)(a) having been given to it, the Authority shall—

(a) make the modifications set out in the notice; or

(b) if a direction under section 26A(1)(b) has been given, make the modifications which are not specified in the direction.”

(3) After subsection (5) of that section there is inserted—

“(6) The modification under subsection (1) of part of a standard condition of a particular licence in consequence of a reference under section 24(1) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.”

(4) After section 26 of that Act there is inserted—

“26A Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications following report.

(1) The Competition Commission (in this section referred to as “the Commission”) may, within the period of four weeks after the date on which it is given a notice under section 26(4A), direct the Authority—

(a) not to make the modifications set out in that notice; or

(b) not to make such of the modifications as may be specified in the direction;

and the Authority shall comply with any such direction.

(2) The Secretary of State may, within the period of four weeks after the date on which the Commission is given a notice under section 26(4A) and on the application of the Commission, direct that the period for giving a direction under subsection (1) (and, accordingly, the period mentioned in section 26(4C)) shall be extended by 14 days.

(3) The power to give a direction under subsection (1) may only be exercised in respect of such of the modifications set out in the notice under section 26(4A)(a) as appear to the Commission not to be the modifications which are requisite for the purpose of remedying or preventing all or any of the adverse effects specified in the report as effects which could be remedied or prevented by modifications.

(4) If the Commission gives a direction under subsection (1), the Commission—

(a) shall give notice setting out the modifications proposed by the Authority, the terms of the direction and the reasons for giving it; and

(b) shall itself make such modifications of the relevant conditions as appear to it to be requisite for the purpose of remedying or preventing—

(i) if the direction was given under subsection (1)(a), the adverse effects specified in the report as effects which could be remedied or prevented by modifications;

(ii) if the direction was given under subsection (1)(b), such of those adverse effects as are not remedied or prevented by the modifications made by the Authority under section 26(4C)(b).

(5) In exercising its function under subsection (4)(b) the Commission shall have regard to the matters to which the Authority is required to have regard when determining the conditions of a licence.

(6) Before making modifications under subsection (4)(b) the Commission shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make the modifications and setting them out;

(b) stating the reason why it proposes to make them;

(c) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(7) A notice under subsection (4)(a) or (6) shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications; and

(b) by serving a copy on the Authority and the holder of the licence in question or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders.

(8) After making modifications under this section the Commission shall publish a notice stating that the modifications have been made and setting them out, with the reasons for making them.

(9) Where, in consequence of a reference under section 24(1A), the Commission modifies under subsection (4)(b) the standard conditions of licences of any type (that is to say, licences under section 7 or section 7A(1) or 7A(2)) the Authority may make such incidental and consequential modifications as it considers necessary or expedient of any conditions of licences of that type granted before that time.

(10) Where the Commission modifies the standard conditions of licences of any type as mentioned in subsection (9) the Authority—

(a) shall make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of those conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time; and

(b) shall publish the modifications made for those purposes in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(11) The modification under this section of part of a standard condition of a particular licence in consequence of a reference under section 24(1) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(12) The provisions mentioned in subsection (13) are to apply in relation to the exercise by the Commission of its functions under this section as if—

(a) in section 82(1) and (2) of the M26 Fair Trading Act 1973 references to a report of the Commission under that Act were references to a notice under subsection (4)(a), (6) or (8) of this section;

(b) in section 85 of that Act references to an investigation on a reference made to the Commission were references to an investigation by the Commission for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under this section.

(13) The provisions are—

(a) section 82(1) and (2) of the M27 Fair Trading Act 1973 (general provisions as to reports under that Act);

(b) section 85 of that Act (attendance of witnesses and production of documents);

(c) section 24 of the M28 Competition Act 1980 (modification of provisions about the Competition Commission’s general functions); and

(d) Part II of Schedule 7 to the M29 Competition Act 1998 (the Competition Commission’s general functions).

(14) This section does not apply to the modification of a licence following a report of the Commission made before the commencement of section 83(4) of the Utilities Act 2000.”

(5) In section 27 of that Act (modification of licences by order under enactments other than the 1986 Act), after subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) The modification under subsection (1)(a) of part of a standard condition of a particular licence in consequence of a reference under section 24(1) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.”

Commencement Information

I79 S. 83 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 83 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 83 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M26 1973 c. 41.

M27 1973 c. 41.

M28 1980 c. 21.

M29 1998 c.41.

84 The gas code. U.K.

(1) Schedule 2B to the 1986 Act is amended as follows.

(2) After paragraph 6 (meters for disabled persons) there is inserted—

“6A Use of pre-payment meters

“6A A pre-payment meter installed by an authorised supplier on any premises shall not be used to recover any sum other than a sum owing to an authorised supplier in respect of the supply of gas to those premises or the provision of the meter.”

(3) In paragraph 7 (recovery of gas charges etc.)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for the words from “the consumer’s” to “him” there is substituted “ any premises of his (in this paragraph referred to as “the premises”) ”;

(b) sub-paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (3) for paragraphs (a) and (b) there is substituted—

“(a) install a pre-payment meter on the premises in place of the existing meter; or

(b) cut off the supply to the premises by disconnecting the service pipe at the meter or by such other means as he thinks fit;

and the supplier may recover any expenses incurred in so doing from the consumer. ”

(4) In paragraph 23(2), for paragraph (c) there is substituted—

“(c) exercising a power conferred by paragraph 3(5) or 7(3)(a) (and testing gas fittings, and making any adjustments required for their safe operation, after the exercise of the power).”

Commencement Information

I80 S. 84 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 84 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 84 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

85 Transfer of gas licences. U.K.

For section 8AA of the 1986 Act (assignment of gas licences) there is substituted—

“8AA Transfer of licences.

(1) A licence—

(a) shall be capable of being transferred by the licence holder, with the consent of the Authority, in accordance with this section and subject to any term of the licence relating to its transfer;

(b) may include conditions which must be complied with before the licence can be transferred.

(2) A transfer may relate to the whole or any part of the licence.

(3) The reference in subsection (2) to part of a licence is a reference to a part of the activities authorised by the licence (whether described by reference to activities being carried on by the licence holder or to activities which he is authorised to carry on).

(4) Such consent may be given subject to compliance with such modification or other conditions as the Authority considers necessary or expedient.

(5) In the case of a partial transfer, conditions imposed under subsection (4) may make as respects so much of the licence as is proposed to be retained by the transferor provision different from that made as respects so much of the licence as is proposed to be transferred.

(6) In deciding whether to give its consent to a proposed transfer, the Authority shall apply the same criteria as it would apply if the Authority were deciding whether—

(a) in the case of a general transfer, to grant a corresponding licence to the transferee; or

(b) in the case of a partial transfer—

(i) to grant to the transferee a licence corresponding to so much of the licence as is proposed to be transferred; and

(ii) to grant to the transferor a licence corresponding to so much of the licence as is proposed to be retained.

(7) The Authority shall—

(a) give the Health and Safety Executive not less than 28 days’ notice of any proposal to consent to any proposed transfer; and

(b) give that Executive and the Secretary of State not less than 28 days’ notice of any proposal to impose a modification condition.

(8) If, before the expiry of the time specified in a notice given to the Secretary of State under subsection (7)(b), the Secretary of State directs the Authority not to impose the condition, the Authority shall comply with the direction.

(9) Before giving consent to the transfer of a licence, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to grant consent to the transfer;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to give consent; and

(c) specifying the time from the date of publication of the notice (not being less than two months) within which representations or objections with respect to the transfer may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections that are duly made and not withdrawn.

(10) A notice under subsection (9) shall be given by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the transfer.

(11) A purported transfer of a licence shall be void—

(a) if the licence is not capable of transfer or the Authority has not given its consent;

(b) if the purported transfer is in breach of a condition of the licence; or

(c) if there has, before the purported transfer, been a contravention of a condition subject to compliance with which the Authority’s consent is given.

(12) In this section—

• “transfer” includes any form of transfer or assignment or, in Scotland, assignation;

• “modification condition” means a condition requiring or otherwise providing for the making of modifications to the conditions of a licence.”

Commencement Information

I81 S. 85 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 85 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 85 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

86 Exemptions from gas licensing. U.K.

(1) In subsection (1) of section 6A of the 1986 Act (exemptions from prohibition) the words “, after consultation with the Director,” shall be omitted.

(2) After subsection (1) of that section there is inserted—

“(1A) Before making an order under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make such an order and setting out the terms of the proposed order;

(b) stating the reasons why he proposes to make the order in the terms proposed; 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,

and shall consider any representations which are duly made in respect of the proposals and not withdrawn.

(1B) The notice required by subsection (1A) shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of it on the Authority and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected by the proposed order.”

(3) For subsections (2) and (3) of that section there is substituted—

“(2) Notice of an exemption granted to a person shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of the exemption on him; and

(b) by publishing the exemption in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of other persons who may be affected by it.

(2A) Notice of an exemption granted to persons of a class shall be given by publishing the exemption in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons of that class; and

(b) other persons who may be affected by it.

(3) An exemption may be granted—

(a) indefinitely; or

(b) for a period specified in, or determined by or under, the exemption.”

(4) For subsection (5) of that section there is substituted—

“(5) The Secretary of State may by order revoke an order by which an exemption was granted to a person or vary an order by which more than one exemption was so granted so as to terminate any of the exemptions—

(a) at the person’s request;

(b) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(c) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order revoke an order by which an exemption was granted to persons of a class or vary an order by which more than one exemption was so granted so as to terminate any of the exemptions—

(a) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(b) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect.

(7) The Secretary of State may by direction withdraw an exemption granted to persons of a class from any person of that class—

(a) at the person’s request;

(b) in accordance with any provision of the order by which the exemption was granted; or

(c) if it appears to the Secretary of State inappropriate that the exemption should continue to have effect in the case of the person.

(8) Before—

(a) making an order under subsection (5)(b) or (c) or (6); or

(b) giving a direction under subsection (7)(b) or (c),

the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority and give notice of his proposal to do so (with reasons) and of a period within which representations may be made to him.

(9) The notice under subsection (8) shall be given—

(a) where the Secretary of State is proposing to make an order under subsection (5)(b) or (c), by serving a copy of it on the person to whom the exemption was granted;

(b) where he is proposing to make an order under subsection (6), by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons of the class of persons to whom the exemption was granted; and

(c) where he is proposing to give a direction under subsection (7)(b) or (c), by serving a copy of it on the person from whom he proposes to withdraw the exemption.”

Commencement Information

I82 S. 86 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 86 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 86 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

87 Reasons for decisions under 1986 Act. U.K.

For section 38A of the 1986 Act (duty to consider representations and give reasons) there is substituted—

“38A Reasons for decisions.

(1) This section applies to the following decisions of the Authority or the Secretary of State, namely—

(a) the revocation of a licence;

(b) the modification of the conditions of a licence;

(c) the giving of any directions or consent in pursuance of a condition included in a licence by virtue of section 7B(5)(a)(i) or (ii);

(d) the determination of a question referred in pursuance of a condition included in a licence by virtue of section 7B(5)(a)(iii);

(e) the determination of a dispute referred under section 27A(1);

(f) the making of a final order, the making or confirmation of a provisional order or the revocation of a final order or of a provisional order which has been confirmed.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after making such a decision the Authority or the Secretary of State shall publish a notice stating the reasons for the decision in such manner as it or he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be interested.

(3) The Authority shall send a copy of a notice published in respect of a decision mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (f) of subsection (1) to the licence holder to whose licence, or to whom, the decision relates.

(4) In preparing a notice under subsection (2) the Authority or the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where it or he considers that publication of that matter would or might seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(5) This section does not apply to a decision resulting in any provision which the Secretary of State has under section 36(3) directed the Authority not to enter in the register required to be kept under that section.

(6) In this section “final order” and “provisional order” have the same meanings as in section 28.”

Commencement Information

I83 S. 87 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 87 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 87 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

88 Altering activities requiring gas licence. U.K.

After section 41B of the 1986 Act (which is inserted by section 98 below) there is inserted—

“ Alteration of activities requiring licence U.K.

41C Power to alter activities requiring licence.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide—

(a) that specified activities are to become licensable activities; or

(b) that specified activities are to cease to be licensable activities.

(2) For the purposes of this Part activities are licensable activities if undertaking them without the authority of a licence or exemption constitutes an offence under section 5(1).

(3) An order under this section may make consequential, transitional, incidental or supplementary provision including—

(a) amendments (or repeals) in any provision of this Act or any other enactment; and

(b) provision modifying any standard conditions of licences or (in the case of an order under subsection (1)(a)) provision determining the conditions which are to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of activities which are to become licensable activities.

(4) An order under this section may only provide for activities to become licensable activities if they are activities connected with—

(a) the conveyance of gas through pipes to premises or to pipe-line systems operated by gas transporters;

(b) the supply to premises of gas conveyed through pipes; or

(c) arranging with gas transporters for gas to be introduced into, conveyed by means of or taken out of pipe-line systems operated by the gas transporters.

(5) An order under this section providing for activities to become licensable activities may only be made on the application of the Authority made in accordance with section 41D.

(6) An order under this section providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities may be made either—

(a) on the application of the Authority made in accordance with section 41G; or

(b) following consultation by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 41H.

(7) An order under this section may provide that it is to remain in force only for a period specified in the order.

(8) An order shall not be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

41D Application by Authority for order including new activities.

(1) If the Authority proposes to make an application for an order providing for activities to become licensable activities, it shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make an application for an order providing for the activities to become licensable activities;

(b) setting out the conditions which it would expect such an order to determine to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities and any other conditions which it would expect to be included in such licences; and

(c) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given by serving a copy on the Council and by publishing it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons appearing to it to be carrying on, or be intending to carry on, the activities; and

(b) any other persons appearing to it to be likely to be affected by an order providing for the activities to become licensable activities.

(3) If an objection has been duly made (and not withdrawn) by a person who is carrying on or intends to carry on the activities, the Authority shall make a reference to the Competition Commission under section 41E before making the application.

(4) In any other case where the Authority considers it appropriate to make a reference to the Commission under section 41E before making the application, the Authority may make such a reference.

(5) If a reference is made to the Commission, the application shall not be made unless the Commission has reported on the reference that the fact that the activities to which the application relates are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(6) The application shall set out—

(a) the activities which the Authority considers should become licensable activities; and

(b) the conditions which the Authority would expect to be determined to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities in question and any other conditions which the Authority would expect to be included in such licences.

41E References to Competition Commission.

(1) A reference to the Competition Commission under this section shall require the Commission to investigate and report on whether the fact that the activities specified in the reference are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(2) The Authority may, at any time, by notice given to the Commission vary the reference by adding to the activities specified in the reference or by excluding from the reference some of the activities so specified; and on receipt of such notice the Commission shall give effect to the variation.

(3) The Authority shall specify in the reference, or a variation of the reference, for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out the investigation on the reference—

(a) the conditions which the Authority would expect to be determined to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities specified in the reference and any other conditions which the Authority would expect to be included in such licences; and

(b) any effects adverse to the public interest which, in its opinion, the fact that the activities so specified are not licensable activities has or may be expected to have.

(4) As soon as practicable after making the reference, or a variation of the reference, the Authority shall serve a copy of it on the Council and publish particulars of it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) persons appearing to the Authority to be carrying on, or be intending to carry on, the activities specified in it; and

(b) any other persons appearing to the Authority to be likely to be affected by it.

(5) The Authority shall, for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out the investigation on the reference, give to the Commission—

(a) any information which is in its possession and which relates to matters falling within the scope of the investigation, and which is either requested by the Commission for that purpose or is information which in its opinion it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the Commission without any such request; and

(b) any other assistance which the Commission may require, and which it is within its power to give, in relation to any such matters,

and the Commission shall take account of the information for the purpose of carrying out the investigation.

(6) In determining for the purposes of this section whether the fact that particular activities are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest, the Commission shall have regard to—

(a) the matters referred to in section 4AA;

(b) any social or environmental policies set out or referred to in guidance issued under section 4AB; and

(c) any advice given by the Health and Safety Commission under section 4A (advice about health and safety in relation to gas).

(7) The provisions mentioned in subsection (8) are to apply in relation to references under this section as if—

(a) the functions of the Commission in relation to those references were functions under the M30 Fair Trading Act 1973;

(b) the expression “merger reference” included a reference under this section;

(c) in section 70 of the M31 Fair Trading Act 1973—

(i) references to the Secretary of State were references to the Authority; and

(ii) the reference to three months were a reference to six months.

(8) The provisions are—

(a) sections 70 (time limit for report on merger), 85 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents) and 93B (false or misleading information) of the M32 Fair Trading Act 1973;

(b) Part II of Schedule 7 to the M33 Competition Act 1998 (performance of the Commission’s general functions); and

(c) section 24 of the M34 Competition Act 1980 (modification of provisions about performance of such functions).

41F Reports on references.

(1) In making a report on a reference under section 41E, the Competition Commission shall include in the report definite conclusions on whether the fact that the activities specified in the reference (or the reference as varied) are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest.

(2) The Commission shall also include in the report such an account of its reasons for those conclusions as in its opinion is expedient for facilitating proper understanding of the questions raised by the reference and of its conclusions.

(3) Where the Commission concludes that the fact that particular activities are not licensable activities operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest, it shall specify in the report—

(a) the effects adverse to the public interest which that fact has or may be expected to have; and

(b) any modifications to the conditions specified in the reference in accordance with section 41E(3)(a) which they consider appropriate.

(4) Section 82 of the M35 Fair Trading Act 1973 (general provisions as to reports) shall apply in relation to reports of the Commission on references under section 41E as it applies to reports of the Commission under that Act.

(5) A report of the Commission on a reference under section 41E shall be made to the Authority.

(6) On receiving the report, the Authority shall send a copy of it to the Secretary of State.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), the Authority shall, not less than 14 days after the copy is received by the Secretary of State, send another copy to the Council and publish that other copy in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing the report to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it.

(8) If it appears to the Secretary of State that the publication of any matter in the report would be against the public interest or the commercial interests of any person, he may, before the end of the period of 14 days mentioned in subsection (7), direct the Authority to exclude that matter from the copy of the report to be sent to the Council and published under that subsection.

41G Application by Authority for order excluding activities.

(1) Before making an application for an order providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to make an application for an order providing for the activities to cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy on the Secretary of State, the Health and Safety Executive and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by such an order.

(3) An application under this section shall set out—

(a) the activities which the Authority considers should cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) the Authority’s reasons for proposing that the order be made.

41H Consultation by Secretary of State about order excluding activities.

(1) If the Secretary of State proposes to make an order providing for activities to cease to be licensable activities (otherwise than on an application by the Authority under section 41G), he shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make an order providing for the activities to cease to be licensable activities; and

(b) specifying a reasonable period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections may be made with respect to the proposal,

and shall consider any representations or objections duly made (and not withdrawn).

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy on the Authority, the Health and Safety Executive and the Council; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by such an order.”

Commencement Information

I84 S. 88 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 88 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 88 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M30 1973 c. 41.

M31 1973 c. 41.

M32 1973 c. 41.

M33 1998 c. 41.

M34 1980 c. 21.

M35 1973 c. 41.

Gas performance standards U.K.

89 Repeal of section 10(2) to (5) of Gas Act 1995. U.K.

Subsections (2) to (5) of section 10 of the M36 Gas Act 1995 shall cease to have effect and, accordingly, sections 33A to 33E of the 1986 Act are not liable to expire in accordance with those subsections.

Commencement Information

I85 S. 89 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 89 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 89 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M36 1995 c. 45.

90 Standards of performance in individual cases. U.K.

(1) In section 33A of the 1986 Act—

(a) in subsection (3)(a), after “section” there is inserted “or their rights under section 33AA”; and

(b) subsections (6) to (9) shall cease to have effect.

(2) After section 33A of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“33AA Standards of performance in individual cases: gas transporters.

(1) The Authority may make regulations prescribing such standards of performance in connection with the activities of gas transporters, so far as affecting customers or potential customers of gas suppliers, as in the Authority’s opinion ought to be achieved in individual cases.

(2) Regulations under this section may only be made with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(3) If a gas transporter fails to meet a prescribed standard, he shall make to any customer or potential customer of a gas supplier who is affected by the failure and is of a prescribed description such compensation as may be determined by or under the regulations.

(4) The regulations may—

(a) prescribe circumstances in which gas transporters are to inform customers or potential customers of gas suppliers of their rights under this section;

(b) prescribe such standards of performance in relation to any duty arising under paragraph (a) as, in the Authority’s opinion, ought to be achieved in all cases;

(c) make provision as to the manner in which compensation under this section is to be made;

(d) prescribe circumstances in which gas transporters are to be exempted from any requirements of the regulations or this section; and

(e) if the Authority is of the opinion that the differences are such that no gas transporter would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other gas transporters, make different provision with respect to different gas transporters.

(5) Provision made under subsection (4)(c) may—

(a) require or permit compensation to be made on behalf of gas transporters by gas suppliers to customers or potential customers;

(b) require gas suppliers to provide services to gas transporters in connection with the making of compensation under this section.

(6) The making of compensation under this section in respect of any failure to meet a prescribed standard shall not prejudice any other remedy which may be available in respect of the act or omission which constituted that failure.

33AB Standards of performance in individual cases: disputes.

(1) Any dispute arising under section 33A or 33AA or regulations made under either of those sections—

(a) may be referred to the Authority by either party or, with the agreement of either party, by the Council; and

(b) on such a reference, shall be determined by order made by the Authority or, if it thinks fit, by such person (other than the Council) as may be prescribed.

(2) A person making an order under subsection (1) shall include in the order his reasons for reaching his decision with respect to the dispute.

(3) The practice and procedure to be followed in connection with any such determination shall be such as may be prescribed.

(4) An order under subsection (1) shall be final and shall be enforceable—

(a) in England and Wales, as if it were a judgment of a county court; and

(b) in Scotland, as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff.

(5) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Authority with the consent of the Secretary of State.”

Commencement Information

I86 S. 90 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 90 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 90(2) in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 90(1) in force for all purposes and s. 90(2) in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

91 Overall standards of performance. U.K.

After section 33B of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“33BA Overall standards of performance: gas transporters.

(1) The Authority may from time to time—

(a) determine such standards of overall performance in connection with the activities of gas transporters as, in its 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) Different standards may be determined for different gas transporters if the Authority is of the opinion that the differences are such that no gas transporter would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other gas transporters.

(3) It shall be the duty of every gas transporter to conduct his business in such a way as can reasonably be expected to lead to his achieving the standards set under this section.”

Commencement Information

I87 S. 91 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 91 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 91 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 91 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

92 Standards of performance: procedures. U.K.

After section 33BA of the 1986 Act (which is inserted by section 91 above) there is inserted—

“33BAA Procedures for prescribing or determining standards of performance.

(1) Before prescribing standards of performance in regulations under section 33A or 33AA, or determining standards of performance under section 33B or 33BA, 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 subsections (2) and (3) and consider any representations which are duly made in respect of those proposals; and

(c) consult the Council and other persons or bodies mentioned in subsection (4).

(2) The notice required by subsection (1)(b) is a notice—

(a) stating that the Authority proposes to prescribe or determine standards of performance and setting out the standards of performance proposed;

(b) stating the reasons why it proposes to prescribe or 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 subsection (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 subsection (1)(c) are—

(a) gas suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under section 33A or 33B) or gas transporters and gas suppliers (in the case of standards of performance under section 33AA or 33BA); and

(b) persons or bodies appearing to the Authority to be representative of persons likely to be affected by the regulations or determination.

(5) The Authority shall make arrangements for securing that notices under subsection (1)(b), regulations under section 33A or 33AA and determinations under section 33B or 33BA are made available to the public by whatever means it considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I88 S. 92 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 92 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 92 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 92 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

93 Information with respect to levels of performance. U.K.

(1) Section 33C of the 1986 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), paragraph (c) (and the word “and” preceding it) shall cease to have effect.

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A) The Authority shall from time to time collect information with respect to—

(a) the compensation made by gas transporters under section 33AA;

(b) the levels of overall performance achieved by gas transporters.”

(4) In subsection (2)(b) the words “or 33BB above” shall cease to have effect.

(5) After subsection (2) there is inserted—

“(2A) At such times as the Authority may direct, each gas transporter shall give the following information to the Authority—

(a) as respects each standard prescribed by regulations under section 33AA, the number of cases in which compensation was made and the aggregate amount or value of that compensation; and

(b) as respects each standard determined under section 33BA, such information with respect to the level of performance achieved by the transporter as the Authority may direct.”

(6) Subsection (3) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I89 S. 93 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 93 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 93 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

94 Information to be given to customers. U.K.

For section 33D of the 1986 Act there is substituted—

“33D Information to be given to customers about overall performance.

(1) The Authority may make regulations requiring such information as may be specified or described in the regulations about—

(a) the standards of overall performance determined under section 33B or 33BA; and

(b) the levels of performance achieved as respects those standards,

to be given by gas suppliers or gas transporters to customers or potential customers of gas suppliers.

(2) Regulations under this section may include provision—

(a) as to the form and manner in which and the frequency with which information is to be given; and

(b) requiring information about the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) and relating to gas transporters to be given by gas transporters to gas suppliers and by gas suppliers to their customers or potential customers.”

Commencement Information

I90 S. 94 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 94 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 94 in force for specified purposes at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10); s. 94 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Enforcement of obligations U.K.

95 Financial penalties. E+W+S

(1) After section 30 of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“30A Penalties.

(1) Where the Authority is satisfied that a licence holder—

(a) has contravened or is contravening any relevant condition or requirement; or

(b) has failed or is failing to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 33A or 33AA,

the Authority may, subject to section 30C, impose on the licence holder a penalty of such amount as is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case.

(2) The Authority shall not impose a penalty on a licence holder under subsection (1) where it is satisfied that the most appropriate way of proceeding is under the M37 Competition Act 1998.

(3) Before imposing a penalty on a licence holder under subsection (1) the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it proposes to impose a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed to be imposed;

(b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;

(c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed; and

(d) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed penalty may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(4) Before varying any proposal stated in a notice under subsection (3)(a) the Authority shall give notice—

(a) setting out the proposed variation and the reasons for it; and

(b) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed variation may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5) As soon as practicable after imposing a penalty, the Authority shall give notice—

(a) stating that it has imposed a penalty on the licence holder and its amount;

(b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;

(c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of the penalty and its amount; and

(d) specifying a date, no earlier than the end of the period of 42 days from the date of service of the notice on the licence holder, by which the penalty is required to be paid.

(6) The licence holder may, within 21 days of the date of service on him of a notice under subsection (5), make an application to the Authority for it to specify different dates by which different portions of the penalty are to be paid.

(7) Any notice required to be given under this section shall be given—

(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them;

(b) by serving a copy of the notice on the licence holder; and

(c) by serving a copy of the notice on the Council.

(8) No penalty imposed by the Authority under this section may exceed 10 per cent. of the turnover of the licence holder (determined in accordance with provisions specified in an order made by the Secretary of State).

(9) An order under subsection (8) shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(10) Any sums received by the Authority by way of penalty under this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

(11) The power of the Authority under subsection (1) is not exercisable in respect of any contravention or failure before the commencement of section 95 of the Utilities Act 2000.

30B Statement of policy with respect to penalties.

(1) The Authority shall prepare and publish a statement of policy with respect to the imposition of penalties and the determination of their amount.

(2) In deciding whether to impose a penalty, and in determining the amount of any penalty, in respect of a contravention or failure the Authority shall have regard to its statement of policy most recently published at the time when the contravention or failure occurred.

(3) The Authority may revise its statement of policy and where it does so shall publish the revised statement.

(4) Publication under this section shall be in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in the statement of policy to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.

(5) The Authority shall undertake such consultation as it considers appropriate when preparing or revising its statement of policy.

30C Time limits on the imposition of penalties.

(1) Where no final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure later than the end of the period of 12 months from the time of the contravention or failure, unless before the end of that period—

(a) the notice under section 30A(3) relating to the penalty is served on the licence holder under section 30A(7), or

(b) a notice relating to the contravention or failure is served on the licence holder under section 38(1).

(2) Where a final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure unless the notice relating to the penalty under section 30A(3) was served on the licence holder under section 30A(7)—

(a) within three months from the confirmation of the provisional order or the making of the final order, or

(b) where the provisional order is not confirmed, within six months from the making of the provisional order.

30D Interest and payment of instalments.

(1) If the whole or any part of a penalty is not paid by the date by which it is required to be paid, the unpaid balance from time to time shall carry interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the M38 Judgments Act 1838.

(2) If an application is made under subsection (6) of section 30A in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.

(3) If the Authority grants an application under that subsection in relation to a penalty but any portion of the penalty is not paid by the date specified in relation to it by the Authority under that subsection, the Authority may where it considers it appropriate require so much of the penalty as has not already been paid to be paid immediately.

30E Appeals.

(1) If the licence holder on whom a penalty is imposed is aggrieved by—

(a) the imposition of the penalty;

(b) the amount of the penalty; or

(c) the date by which the penalty is required to be paid, or the different dates by which different portions of the penalty are required to be paid,

the licence holder may make an application to the court under this section.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be made—

(a) within 42 days from the date of service on the licence holder of a notice under section 30A(5), or

(b) where the application relates to a decision of the Authority on an application by the licence holder under section 30A(6), within 42 days from the date the licence holder is notified of the decision.

(3) On any such application, where the court considers it appropriate to do so in all the circumstances of the case and is satisfied of one or more of the grounds falling within subsection (4), the court—

(a) may quash the penalty;

(b) may substitute a penalty of such lesser amount as the court considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case; or

(c) in the case of an application under subsection (1)(c), may substitute for the date or dates imposed by the Authority an alternative date or dates.

(4) The grounds falling within this subsection are—

(a) that the imposition of the penalty was not within the power of the Authority under section 30A;

(b) that any of the requirements of subsections (3) to (5) or (7) of section 30A have not been complied with in relation to the imposition of the penalty and the interests of the licence holder have been substantially prejudiced by the non-compliance; or

(c) that it was unreasonable of the Authority to require the penalty imposed, or any portion of it, to be paid by the date or dates by which it was required to be paid.

(5) If an application is made under this section in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.

(6) Where the court substitutes a penalty of a lesser amount it may require the payment of interest on the substituted penalty at such rate, and from such date, as it considers just and equitable.

(7) Where the court specifies as a date by which the penalty, or a portion of the penalty, is to be paid a date before the determination of the application under this section it may require the payment of interest on the penalty, or portion, from that date at such rate as it considers just and equitable.

(8) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a penalty shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.

(9) In this section “the court” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, the High Court; and

(b) in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.

30F Recovery of penalties.

Where a penalty imposed under section 30A(1), or any portion of it, has not been paid by the date on which it is required to be paid and—

(a) no application relating to the penalty has been made under section 30E during the period within which such an application can be made, or

(b) an application has been made under that section and determined,

the Authority may recover from the licence holder, as a civil debt due to it, any of the penalty and any interest which has not been paid.”

(2) In section 28 of the 1986 Act (orders for securing compliance with certain provisions)—

(a) subsection (7A) (power to impose financial penalty in a final order under section 28) and subsection (9) (payment of sums received by way of financial penalty under section 28 to be paid into the Consolidated Fund) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (8) (interpretation) for “and 30” there is substituted “ to 30F ”.

(3) Section 30(2)(b) of the 1986 Act (power of court to quash or substitute a monetary penalty on an application under section 30) shall cease to have effect.

(4) In section 36 of the 1986 Act (keeping of a register)—

(a) in subsection (1), for “and final and provisional orders” there is substituted “ , final and provisional orders and penalties imposed under section 30A(1) ”;

(b) in subsection (2), after paragraph (e) there is inserted “; and

(f) every notice under section 30A(5).”

(5) In section 38(1) of the 1986 Act (power to require information, etc.)—

(a) for “Director” in each place where it appears, there is substituted “ Authority ”;

(b) after “requirement” there is inserted “ or may be failing, or may have failed, to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 33A or 33AA, ”;

(c) for the words from “his functions” to “signed by him” there is substituted “ its functions under section 28 or 30A to 30F in relation to that matter, by notice in writing ”;

(d) for “him” there is substituted “ it ”.

Commencement Information

I91 S. 95 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 95 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 95(1) in force at 20.12.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 95(1) in force for all remaining purposes and s. 95(2)-(5) in force for all purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M37 1998 c. 41.

M38 1838 c. 110.

96 Licence enforcement. U.K.

(1) The 1986 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) of section 28 (orders for securing compliance with certain provisions), for “and (5)” there is substituted “ , (5) and (5A) ”.

(3) In subsections (2), (4) and (6) of that section, for “subsection (5)” there is substituted “ subsections (5) and (5A) ”.

(4) In subsection (5) of that section paragraphs (aa) and (b) shall cease to have effect.

(5) After subsection (5) of that section there is inserted—

“(5A) The Authority is not required to make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order if it is satisfied—

(a) that the licence holder has agreed to take and is taking all such steps as it appears to the Authority for the time being to be appropriate for the licence holder to take for the purpose of securing or facilitating compliance with the condition or requirement in question; or

(b) that the contraventions were or the apprehended contraventions are of a trivial nature.”

(6) In section 29 (procedural requirements for making or confirming orders under section 28), in subsections (1)(c) and (4)(b), for “28” there is substituted “ 21 ”.

(7) Subsections (2) to (6) do not have effect in relation to—

(a) a provisional order which has been made before the commencement of the subsection making the amendment; or

(b) a final order in respect of which notice has been given under section 29(1) of the 1986 Act before the commencement of the subsection making the amendment.

Commencement Information

I92 S. 96 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 96 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 96 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Remuneration and service standards U.K.

97 Links between directors’ remuneration and gas service standards. U.K.

After section 33E of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“ Service standards and remuneration U.K.

33F Remuneration and service standards.

(1) This section applies to any company which is authorised by a licence to carry on activities subject to price regulation.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year of the company it must make a statement to the Authority—

(a) disclosing whether or not remuneration has been paid or become due during that financial year to the directors of the company as a result of arrangements falling within subsection (3); and

(b) where such remuneration has been paid or become due, describing the arrangements and the remuneration.

(3) Arrangements fall within this subsection if they are arrangements for linking the remuneration of the directors of the company to levels of performance as respects service standards in connection with activities subject to price regulation.

(4) A description under subsection (2)(b) must include in particular—

(a) a statement of when the arrangements were made;

(b) a description of the service standards in question;

(c) an explanation of the means by which the levels of performance as respects those service standards are assessed; and

(d) an explanation of how the remuneration was calculated.

(5) The statement required by subsection (2) must also state—

(a) whether or not there are in force in respect of the financial year during which the statement is made arrangements falling within subsection (3); or

(b) if not, whether the company intends that such arrangements will be in force at some time during that financial year,

and if there are, or it is intended that there will be, such arrangements in force the statement must describe those arrangements.

(6) A description under subsection (5) must—

(a) include in particular the matters listed in subsection (4)(a), (b) and (c); and

(b) where the arrangements described are different from any arrangements described under subsection (2)(b), state the likely effect of those differences on the remuneration of each director of the company.

(7) The statement required by subsection (2) must be made to the Authority in such manner as may be required by the Authority.

(8) The statement required by subsection (2)—

(a) must be published by the company making the statement in such manner as it reasonably considers will secure adequate publicity for it; and

(b) may be published by the Authority in such manner as it may consider appropriate.

(9) The duty of a company under this section applies in respect of any person who has at any time been a director of the company.

(10) In this section—

• “activities subject to price regulation”, in relation to any company, are activities for which—

  (a)

  a maximum price which may be charged by the company, or a method for calculating such a maximum price; or

  (b)

  a maximum revenue which may be received by the company, or a method for calculating such a maximum revenue,

  is determined by or under the licence granted under this Part;

• “company” means a company within the meaning of the M39 Companies Act 1985 which is limited by shares;

• “remuneration” in relation to a director of a company—

  (a)

  means any form of payment, consideration or other benefit (including pension benefit), paid or due to or in respect of the director; and

  (b)

  includes remuneration in respect of any of his services while a director of the company;

• “service standards” in relation to any company, means standards relating to the quality of service received by customers or potential customers of the company, including any such standards which are—

  (a)

  set by or under any conditions included in a licence granted under this Part;

  (b)

  prescribed by the Authority in regulations made under section 33A and 33AA;

  (c)

  determined by the Authority under section 33B or 33BA; or

  (d)

  set or agreed to by the company.”

Commencement Information

I93 S. 97 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M39 1985 c. 6.

Miscellaneous U.K.

98 Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers. U.K.

After section 41 of the 1986 Act there is inserted—

“ Adjustment of charges U.K.

41A Adjustment of charges to help disadvantaged groups of customers.

(1) If the Secretary of State considers that members of any group (a “disadvantaged group”) of customers of authorised suppliers are treated less favourably than other customers of theirs as respects charges for gas, he may make an order containing a scheme for the adjustment of charges for gas with a view to eliminating or reducing the less favourable treatment.

(2) The scheme may include—

(a) provision for the adjustment of charges by authorised shippers or authorised transporters (as well as by suppliers); and

(b) in relation to charges payable to suppliers, provision for the adjustment of charges payable by customers who are not members of the disadvantaged group (as well as by persons who are).

(3) The scheme shall—

(a) describe the disadvantaged group;

(b) specify the persons whose charges are covered by the scheme; and

(c) set out the basis of the adjustment of the charges.

(4) If the scheme does not relate to the whole of Great Britain, it shall specify the area or areas to which it relates.

(5) The scheme may—

(a) require authorised suppliers, authorised shippers or authorised transporters to supply information of any specified description, in any specified form, to any other such persons; and

(b) provide for the modification of conditions of licences,

for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of the scheme.

(6) An order shall not be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

41B Orders: supplementary.

(1) Before making an order under section 41A, the Secretary of State shall give notice—

(a) stating that he proposes to make an order and setting out its effect;

(b) stating the reasons why he proposes to make the order; and

(c) specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed order may be made,

and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) The notice shall be given—

(a) by serving a copy of it on the persons whose charges are covered by the proposed order; and

(b) by publishing it in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for bringing the proposed order to the attention of other persons likely to be affected by it.

(3) An order under section 41A shall continue in force for such period not exceeding three years as is specified in the order; but that does not prevent the making of another order to come into force at the end of that period.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order require authorised suppliers, authorised shippers or authorised transporters to supply information of any specified description, in any specified form, to any other such persons for the purpose of enabling the making of an order under section 41A.

(5) The Authority—

(a) shall monitor the effect of orders under section 41A and report its findings to the Secretary of State whenever he directs it to do so; and

(b) may require authorised suppliers, authorised shippers or authorised transporters to supply to the Authority, in any specified form, such information as it requires for carrying out that duty.

(6) In section 41A references to customers do not include customers of a description excluded by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(7) In this section and section 41A “authorised shipper” means a person authorised by a licence or exemption to arrange with any gas transporter for gas to be introduced into, conveyed by means of, or taken out of a pipe-line system operated by that transporter.”

Commencement Information

I94 S. 98 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 98 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 98 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

99 Energy efficiency requirements for gas transporters and suppliers. U.K.

For section 33BB of the 1986 Act (promotion of efficient use of gas) there is substituted—

“33BC Promotion of the efficient use by consumers of gas.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order impose—

(a) on each gas transporter (or each gas transporter of a specified description); and

(b) on each gas supplier (or each gas supplier of a specified description),

an obligation to achieve, within a specified period and in accordance with the order, the energy efficiency target to be determined by the Authority under the order for that transporter or supplier (and that obligation is referred to in this section as an “energy efficiency obligation”).

(2) In this section “energy efficiency target” means a target for the promotion of improvements in energy efficiency, that is to say, efficiency in the use by consumers of gas conveyed through pipes, electricity or any other source of energy which is specified in the order.

(3) An order under this section may specify criteria by reference to which the Authority is to determine energy efficiency targets for the gas transporters and gas suppliers on whom obligations are imposed by the order.

(4) The Secretary of State and the Authority shall carry out their respective functions under this section in the manner he or it considers is best calculated to ensure that no gas transporter is unduly disadvantaged in competing with other gas transporters and no gas supplier is unduly disadvantaged in competing with other gas suppliers.

(5) The order may make provision generally in relation to the energy efficiency obligations which it imposes, including in particular provision—

(a) as to the treatment of persons who become gas transporters or gas suppliers after the beginning of the period to which the order relates;

(b) as to the action which qualifies for the purpose of meeting the whole or any part of an energy efficiency target;

(c) as to the method by which improvements in energy efficiency attributable to any qualifying action are to be assessed;

(d) requiring transporters and suppliers to give to the Authority specified information, or information of a specified nature, about their proposals for complying with their energy efficiency obligations;

(e) requiring the Authority to determine—

(i) whether any proposed action qualifies for the purpose of achieving the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target; and

(ii) if so, what improvement in energy efficiency is to be attributed for that purpose to the proposed action or to any result of that action specified in the determination; and

(f) requiring transporters or suppliers to produce to the Authority evidence of a specified kind demonstrating that they have complied with their energy efficiency obligations.

(6) The order may make provision authorising the Authority to require a transporter or supplier to provide it with specified information, or information of a specified nature, relating to—

(a) his proposals for complying with his energy efficiency obligation; or

(b) the question whether he has complied with that obligation.

(7) The order may make provision as to circumstances in which—

(a) a person’s energy efficiency target may be altered during the period to which the order relates;

(b) the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target may be treated as having been achieved by action taken otherwise than by or on behalf of that person;

(c) any action taken before the period to which the order relates may be treated as qualifying action taken during that period;

(d) the whole or any part of a person’s energy efficiency target may be transferred to another gas transporter or gas supplier or to an electricity distributor or electricity supplier (within the meaning of Part I of the M40 Electricity Act 1989); or

(e) a person may carry forward the whole or any part of his energy efficiency target for the period to which the order relates to a subsequent period.

(8) The order may—

(a) provide for exceptions from any requirement of the order;

(b) provide that any specified requirement contained in it is to be treated as a relevant requirement for the purposes of this Part;

(c) make supplementary, incidental and transitional provision; and

(d) subject to subsection (4), make different provision for different cases (including different provision in relation to different transporters or suppliers).

(9) The order may include provision for treating the promotion of the supply to premises of—

(a) electricity generated by a generating station which is operated for the purposes of producing heat, or a cooling effect, in association with electricity;

(b) heat produced in association with electricity or steam produced from (or air or water heated by) such heat; or

(c) any gas or liquid subjected to a cooling effect produced in association with electricity,

as promotion of improvements in energy efficiency.

(10) No person shall be required by virtue of this section to provide any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in civil proceedings in the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session.

(11) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority, the Council, gas transporters and gas suppliers and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(12) An order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I95 S. 99 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 99 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 99 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Marginal Citations

M40 1989 c. 29.

100 Exercise of powers to make regulations. E+W+S

For section 47(7) of the 1986 Act (power to make regulations to be exercisable by statutory instrument) there is substituted—

“(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.”

Commencement Information

I96 S. 100 wholly in force at 20.12.2000, see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-15)

101 Standards of gas quality. U.K.

After section 15A of the 1986 Act (billing disputes) there is inserted—

“16 Standards of gas quality.

(1) The Authority may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, prescribe—

(a) standards of pressure and purity to be complied with by gas transporters in conveying gas to premises or to pipe-line systems operated by other gas transporters; and

(b) other standards with respect to the properties, condition and composition of gas so conveyed.

(2) Before making any regulations under this section the Authority shall consult such persons and organisations as it considers appropriate and such gas transporters as appear to it to be affected by the regulations.

(3) The Authority shall appoint competent and impartial persons for the purpose of—

(a) carrying out tests of gas, apparatus or equipment in accordance with regulations under this section; and

(b) assisting the Authority in exercising functions under this section and regulations made under it.

(4) Regulations under this section may make provision—

(a) for requiring tests of gas conveyed by gas transporters to be carried out by persons appointed under subsection (3) or by gas transporters for the purpose of ascertaining whether the gas conforms with the standards prescribed by the regulations;

(b) for requiring such tests to be carried out on the basis of samples taken by persons appointed under subsection (3) or by gas transporters; and

(c) for requiring samples of gas taken under paragraph (b) to be provided by gas transporters for the purpose of carrying out such tests.

(5) Regulations under this section may make provision—

(a) for requiring such premises, apparatus and equipment as the Authority may direct to be provided and maintained by gas transporters for the purpose of carrying out tests required under subsection (4)(a);

(b) for requiring tests of apparatus and equipment so provided to be carried out by persons appointed under subsection (3); and

(c) for requiring gas transporters to carry out tests of apparatus and equipment so provided and maintained by them.

(6) Regulations under this section may make provision—

(a) as to the places or premises and the times at which, and the manner in which—

(i) tests under this section are to be carried out;

(ii) samples of gas are to be taken and provided under this section; and

(iii) results of tests under this section are to be notified or made available;

(b) for the Authority to require by direction any matter which may be required by regulations by virtue of paragraph (a);

(c) for persons representing the gas transporter concerned to be present during the carrying out of any tests carried out by persons appointed under subsection (3);

(d) for the results of tests under this section to be made available to other licence holders and to the public;

(e) for requiring gas transporters to notify the results of such tests carried out by them to the Authority or to any person appointed under subsection (3);

(f) for conferring powers of entry on property owned or occupied by gas transporters for the purpose of carrying out tests under this section and otherwise for the purposes of the regulations.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), the Authority may by notice in writing require a gas transporter to give to the Authority, or to any person appointed by it for the purpose, within such time and at such place as may be specified in the notice, such information as the Authority may reasonably require for the purpose of making regulations under this section or of giving directions under such regulations.

(8) A gas transporter shall not be required under subsection (7) to give any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in civil proceedings before the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session.

(9) Every person who is a gas transporter during any period shall pay to the Authority such proportion as the Authority may determine of such part of its expenses for that period as the Authority may determine to be attributable to its functions in connection with the testing of gas for the purposes of this section.

(10) It shall be the duty of every gas transporter to conduct his business in such a way as can reasonably be expected to secure compliance with the standards set under subsection (1).”

Commencement Information

I97 S. 101 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 101 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 101 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

102 Maximum prices for reselling gas. U.K.

In section 37 of the 1986 Act (maximum prices for reselling gas)—

(a) in subsection (1), for “shall” (in the first place it appears) and “gas suppliers” there is substituted respectively “ may ” and “ authorised suppliers ”; and

(b) in subsections (2) and (4) for “a gas supplier” there is substituted “ an authorised supplier ”.

Commencement Information

I98 S. 102 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 102 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 102 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

Part VI U.K. Miscellaneous and Supplementary

Miscellaneous U.K.

103 Overall energy efficiency targets. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of the exercise by the Authority of its functions under either or both of—

(a) section 33BC of the 1986 Act (energy efficiency requirements for gas transporters and suppliers) and any order made under that section, and

(b) section 41A of the 1989 Act (energy efficiency requirements for electricity distributors and suppliers) and any order made under that section,

the Secretary of State may by order specify an overall target for the promotion of improvements in energy efficiency.

(2) Where an overall target applies in relation to both sections mentioned in subsection (1), the order specifying the target may make provision for the Authority to apportion the target between—

(a) persons who are gas transporters or gas suppliers (for the purposes of section 33BC of the 1986 Act and any order under that section); and

(b) persons who are electricity distributors or electricity suppliers (for the purposes of section 41A of the 1989 Act and any order under that section),

by reference to such criteria as may be specified in the order.

(3) The Authority shall exercise its functions under the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) in relation to which an overall target applies (and in particular its functions relating to the determination of energy efficiency targets) in the manner it considers best calculated to result in the achievement of the overall target.

(4) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority, the Council, gas transporters, gas suppliers, electricity distributors, electricity suppliers, and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(5) An order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I99 S. 103 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 103 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 103 in force at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

104 Specialist members of the Competition Commission. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State shall appoint not less than six members of the Competition Commission (“the Commission”) for the purpose of the exercise by the Commission of any function under or by virtue of—

(a) section 24, 26A or 41E of the 1986 Act; or

(b) section 12, 14A or 56C of the 1989 Act.

(2) In selecting a group to perform any function of the Commission under or by virtue of any provision mentioned in subsection (1), the chairman of the Commission shall select one or more of the members appointed under subsection (1) to be members of the group.

(3) In paragraph 2(1)(d) of Schedule 7 to the M41 Competition Act 1998 (membership of Commission to include specialist members appointed under gas and electricity legislation), for sub-paragraph (ii) there is substituted—

“(ii) section 104 of the Utilities Act 2000; .”

(4) Section 12(9) and (9A) of the 1989 Act (which are superseded by this section) shall cease to have effect.

(5) The persons who are, immediately before the commencement of this section, members of the Competition Commission by virtue of appointments made under section 12(9) of the 1989 Act shall continue as members of the Commission and their appointments shall be treated as having been made under this section.

(6) Nothing in this section affects any group which has been selected, before the commencement of this section, to perform functions of the Commission in relation to any reference under or by virtue of section 24 of the M42 1986 Act or section 12 of the 1989 Act.

Commencement Information

I100 S. 104 wholly in force at 16.5.2001; s. 104 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 104 in force at 16.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10)

Marginal Citations

M41 1998 c. 41.

M42 1986 . 44.

105 General restrictions on disclosure of information. E+W+S

(1) Information which—

(a) has been obtained under or by virtue of the provisions of this Act, Part I of the 1986 Act or Part I of the 1989 Act; and

(b) relates to the affairs of any individual or to any particular business,

shall not be disclosed during the lifetime of the individual or so long as the business continues to be carried on, except as provided below.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a disclosure made with the consent of the individual or the person for the time being carrying on the business.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a disclosure if—

(a) it is made for the purpose of facilitating the performance of any functions of the Secretary of State, the Authority, the Council or the Competition Commission under the 1986 Act, the 1989 Act or this Act;

(b) it is required by a notice under section 38(1A) of the 1986 Act or section 28(2A) of the 1989 Act;

(c) it is made by a licence holder and is required to be made by a condition of his licence; or

(d) it is made by one licence holder to another and is required by that other licence holder for purposes connected with the carrying on of relevant activities.

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to any disclosure of information made—

(a) for the purpose of facilitating the performance by a person or body mentioned in subsection (5) of any function under an Act or instrument specified in subsection (6);

(b) for the purpose of facilitating the performance by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Health and Safety Commission or the Health and Safety Executive of any of his or its functions;

(c) for the purpose of facilitating the exercise by the Secretary of State of any power conferred F3 . . . by the enactments relating to companies F3 . . . or insolvency;

(d) for the purpose of facilitating the performance of the functions of an inspector appointed under the enactments relating to companies;

[F4 (da) for the purpose of facilitating the performance by the Secretary of State, the Treasury or the Financial Services Authority of any functions under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

(db) for the purpose of facilitating the discharge of any function by a person appointed under—

(i) section 97 of the financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (investigations into a breach of listing rules etc. ),

(ii) section 167 of that Act (general investigations), or

(iii) section 168 of that Act (investigations in particular cases);]

(e) for the purpose of facilitating the performance by an official receiver of his functions under the enactments relating to insolvency or by a recognised professional body for the purposes of section 391 of the M43 Insolvency Act 1986 of its functions as such a body;

(f) in connection with the investigation of any criminal offence or for the purposes of any criminal proceedings;

(g) for the purposes of any civil proceedings brought under or by virtue of the 1986 Act, the 1989 Act, this Act or any Act or instrument specified in subsection (6); or

(h) in pursuance of a Community obligation.

(5) The persons and bodies specified for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) are—

(a) a Minister of the Crown;

(b) the Competition Commission;

[F5 (c) the Office of Fair Trading;]

(d) the Director General of Telecommunications;

(e) the Director General of Water Services;

(f) the Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland;

(g) the Director General of Gas for Northern Ireland;

(h) the Rail Regulator;

(i) the Civil Aviation Authority;

(j) the Insolvency Practitioners Tribunal;

(k) the Coal Authority; and

(l) a local weights and measures authority in Great Britain.

(6) The Acts and instruments specified for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) and (g) are—

(a) the M44 Trade Descriptions Act 1968;

(b) the M45 Fair Trading Act 1973;

(c) the M46 Consumer Credit Act 1974;

(d) the M47 Estate Agents Act 1979;

(e) the M48 Competition Act 1980;

(f) the M49 National Audit Act 1983;

(g) the M50 Telecommunications Act 1984;

(h) the M51 Airports Act 1986;

(i) the M52 Insolvency Act 1986;

(j) the M53 Consumer Protection Act 1987;

(k) the M54 Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988;

(l) the M55 Water Act 1989, the M56 Water Industry Act 1991 or any of the other consolidation Acts (within the meaning of section 206 of the Water Industry Act 1991);

(m) the M57 Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992;

(n) the M58 Railways Act 1993;

(o) the M59 Coal Industry Act 1994;

(p) the M60 Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;

(q) the M61 Competition Act 1998.

[F6 (r) Part I of the Transport Act 2000.]

[F7 (s) the Enterprise Act 2002]

(7) The Secretary of State may by order modify subsection (3), (4), (5) or (6).

(8) Nothing in subsection (1) is to be construed either as limiting the matters which may be—

(a) published under section 33DA or 35 of the 1986 Act or section 42AA or 48 of the 1989 Act;

(b) made public by the Authority as part of a notice under section 26; or

(c) included in, or made public as part of, a report of the Authority, the Council or the Competition Commission under any provision of this Act, Part I of the 1986 Act or Part I of the 1989 Act;

or as applying to information which has been so published or has been made public as part of such a notice or such a report.

(9) A person who discloses any information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence and liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.

(10) In this section—

• “licence holder” means the holder of a gas licence or an electricity licence; and

• “relevant activities”, in relation to a licence holder, means activities he is authorised by his licence to carry on (including, in the case of a gas transporter, the activities mentioned in section 7(1)(b) and (c) of the 1986 Act).

(11) Information obtained by the Authority in the exercise of functions which are exercisable concurrently with [F8 the Office of Fair Trading] under Part I of the M62 Competition Act 1998 is subject to [F9 Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (Information)] and not to subsections (1) to (10) of this section.

(12) The power to make an order under subsection (7) is exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 105(4)(c) omitted (3.7.2002) by virtue of S.I. 2002/1555, art. 27(a)

F4 S. 105(4)(da)(db) inserted (3.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/1555, art. 27(b)

F5 S. 105(5)(c) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 43(3)(a); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)

F6 S. 105(6)(r) inserted (21.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/4050, art. 2, Sch. Pt. IV para. 25

F7 S. 105(6)(s) inserted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 43(3)(b); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)

F8 Words in s. 105(11) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 43(3)(c)(i); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)

F9 Words in s. 105(11) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 43(3)(c)(ii); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 105(4): disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 17, 127(2)(a), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 52

Commencement Information

I101 S. 105(1)-(7)(8)(a)(c)(9)-(12) in force at 7.11.2000 by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-12); s. 105(8)(b) in force at 20.12.2000 by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15)

Marginal Citations

M43 1986 c. 45.

M44 1968 c. 29.

M45 1973 c. 41.

M46 1974 c. 39.

M47 1979 c. 38.

M48 1980 c. 21.

M49 1983 c. 44.

M50 1984 c. 12.

M51 1986 c. 31.

M52 1986 c. 45.

M53 1987 c. 43.

M54 S.I. 1988/915.

M55 1989 c. 15.

M56 1991 c. 56.

M57 S.I. 1992/231 (N.I.1).

M58 1993 c. 43.

M59 1994 c. 21.

M60 S.I. 1996/275 (N.I.2).

M61 1998 c. 41.

M62 1998 c. 41.

Supplementary U.K.

106 Interpretation. E+W+S

(1) In this Act—

• “Authority” means the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority;

• “Council” means the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council;

• “electricity licence” means a licence under section 6 of the 1989 Act;

• “gas licence” means a licence under section 7 or 7A of the 1986 Act;

• “the 1986 Act” means the M63 Gas Act 1986;

• “the 1989 Act” means the M64 Electricity Act 1989.

(2) Expressions used in this Act, as regards matters relating to gas, which are defined in section 48 or 66 of the 1986 Act or used in Part I of that Act have, unless the context otherwise requires, the same meaning as in that Part of that Act.

(3) Expressions used in this Act, as regards matters relating to electricity, which are defined in section 64 or 111 of the 1989 Act or used in Part I of that Act have, unless the context otherwise requires, the same meaning as in that Part of that Act.

(4) Section 46 of the 1986 Act (service of notices, etc.) shall apply to any document authorised or required by virtue of any provision of this Act to be served on or given to any person as if it were authorised or required to be served or given by virtue of that Act.

Marginal Citations

M63 1986 c. 44.

M64 1989 c. 29 .

107 Financial provisions. E+W+S

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—

(a) any expenditure incurred by the Authority by virtue of this Act;

(b) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act;

(c) any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act.

108 Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals. U.K.

Schedule 6 (minor and consequential amendments), Schedule 7 (transitional provisions and savings) and Schedule 8 (repeals) have effect.

Commencement Information

I102 S. 108 wholly in force at 1.10.2001; s. 108 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(2); s. 108 in force at 20.12.2000 for certain purposes by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch.(subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-15); s. 108 in force for all remaining purposes at 1.10.2001 by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

109 Power to make transitional provision etc. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such transitional and consequential provisions and such savings as he considers necessary or expedient in preparation for, or in connection with, or in consequence of—

(a) the coming into force of any provision of this Act; or

(b) the operation of any enactment repealed or amended by a provision of this Act during any period when the repeal or amendment is not wholly in force.

(2) Such regulations may make modifications of any enactment contained in any Act or subordinate legislation (including an enactment contained in this Act or in any Act passed or subordinate legislation made in the same Session as this Act).

(3) The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

110 Short title, commencement and extent. E+W+S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Utilities Act 2000.

(2) This Act (apart from this section and section 68) shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument appoint; and different days may be appointed for different purposes.

(3) An order under subsection (2) may contain transitional provisions and savings relating to the provisions being brought into force by the order.

(4) Any amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent as the enactment being amended or repealed.

(5) Subject to subsection (4), this Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 110 power partly exercised: 29.9.2000 and 21.11.2000 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2000/2412, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

P2 S. 110(2) power partly exercised: 1.11.2000 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2000/2917, art. 2

S. 110(2) power partly exercised: 7.11.2000 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch.

S. 110(2) power partly exercised: 20.12.2000 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2000/3343, art. 2, Sch. (as amended (14.5.2001) by S.I. 2001/1780, art. 2)

S. 110(2) power partly exercised: 16.5.2001 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2001/1781, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-10)

S. 110(2) power partly exercised: 1.10.2001 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3-20)