Utilities Act 2000

5 Annual and other reports of Authority

(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) Section 125(1) of the [1973 c. 41.] Fair Trading Act 1973 (annual and other reports) 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.