Energy Act 2008

Energy Act 2008

2008 CHAPTER 32

Part 3: Decommissioning of Energy Installations

Chapter 1: Nuclear Sites: Decommissioning and Clean-Up

Commentary on Sections

Modification of approved programmes

Section 49: Procedure for revising approved programme

245. This section establishes the procedure for making a modification to an approved funded programme. Subsection (1) makes it clear that this section is subject to regulations made under section 50.

246. Subsection (2) requires a proposal to make a modification to be in writing. If the proposal is made by the Secretary of State, written notice must be given to the site operator. If the proposal is made by any other person, written notice must be given to the Secretary of State.

247. Subsections (3) and (4) allow the Secretary of State to charge the site operator a fee in relation to the consideration of the proposal, and, in particular, the costs of obtaining advice in relation to the proposal or in relation to information required in relation to the proposal in accordance with section 52(4). The manner in which this fee is to be calculated and the time for its payment are to be set out in regulations under section 54.

248. Subsection (5) states that the operator or any other person with obligations under a programme (or who would have obligations as a result of the proposed modification), must be given the opportunity to respond in writing to any proposal by the Secretary of State to make a modification.

249. Subsection (6) gives the Secretary of State the power to decide whether a modification should be made. The Secretary of State must give notice of the decision and reasons for it to every person who has obligations under the programme or will have obligations as a result of the modification. Under subsection (7), any decision as to whether to make a modification must be made with the aim of securing that prudent provision is made for the technical matters (including the financing of the designated technical matters).

250. Subsection (8) requires the Secretary of State, before deciding whether to make a modification, to consult with the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.