Part 3Energy Regulation
Chapter 2Interconnectors for electricity and gas
Electricity interconnectors
148Grant of electricity interconnector licences to existing operators
(1)
This section applies where a person is participating in the operation of an electricity interconnector at the time when the power of GEMA to grant electricity interconnector licences comes into force.
(2)
The Secretary of State shall have power to grant such a licence to that person under section 6 of the 1989 Act.
(3)
Sections 6A(5), 7 and 8A of the 1989 Act (notice of licence and licence conditions) shall have effect in relation to the grant of licences by the Secretary of State by virtue of this section as if—
(a)
references in those sections to GEMA included references to the Secretary of State; and
(b)
in section 8A, the words “the Secretary of State and” in subsection (4)(b) and subsection (5) were omitted.
(4)
Before granting a licence to a person by virtue of this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a)
that person;
(b)
GEMA; and
(c)
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5)
Subsection (4) may be satisfied by consultation that took place wholly or partly before the commencement of this section.
(6)
In this section—
“electricity interconnector licence” means an interconnector licence under section 6(1)(e) of the 1989 Act; and
“participating in the operation of an electricity interconnector” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the 1989 Act.