Energy Act 2023

Part 10 U.K. Supply to premises

52 (1) The regulations may make provision about— U.K.

(a) offers to connect premises to a relevant heat network, the terms of such offers and acceptance of such an offer;

(b) the conduct of holders of heat network authorisations towards heat network consumers or in relation to premises connected or proposed to be connected to a relevant heat network.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of this paragraph may make provision relating to the connection of premises to a relevant heat network whether a connection is for the purpose of—

(a) supplying heating, cooling or hot water to premises, or

(b) supplying thermal energy to a relevant heat network.

(3) The following paragraphs of this Part make further provision about regulations that may be made by virtue of this paragraph.

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 18 para. 52 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)

53 U.K. The regulations may—

(a) impose duties, in circumstances specified by the regulations, to make and maintain a connection between a relevant heat network and any premises;

(b) impose duties as to providing such equipment as may be needed to make the connection function;

(c) provide for the procedure to be followed when seeking to have a connection made between a relevant heat network and any premises;

(d) provide for persons seeking a connection to premises to pay an amount in respect of costs incurred in making the connection or in respect of the cost of equipment provided;

(e) provide for the giving of security for the payment of such an amount in respect of the cost of equipment provided;

(f) make provision about the terms upon which a connection is made (including provision for deeming a contract to have been made and for making schemes for determining the terms and conditions to be incorporated in such a contract).

Commencement Information

I2 Sch. 18 para. 53 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)

54 U.K. The regulations may—

(a) make provision as to the meters and other equipment that may be installed for the purposes of making and maintaining a connection between a relevant heat network and any premises;

(b) impose requirements as to the operation of such meters and other equipment.

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 18 para. 54 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)

55 U.K. The regulations may—

(a) prohibit the making of a charge where, for the purpose of meeting the needs of a disabled person, a meter or other equipment is moved or replaced;

(b) make provision as to the steps that may be taken if payments relating to the supply of heating, cooling or hot water are not made (including provision for removing a connection to a relevant heat network or otherwise preventing the further supply of heating, cooling or hot water);

(c) make provision as to the arrangements that may apply, and the steps that may be taken, if—

(i) premises are supplied with heating, cooling or hot water without agreement as to the terms on which the supply is made, or

(ii) a connection is made to a relevant heat network, or restored, without authority;

(d) make provision in connection with securing the rights of a holder of a heat network authorisation as owner of equipment provided by it.

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 18 para. 55 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)

56 U.K. The regulations may—

(a) confer powers to enter premises for the purposes of installing, inspecting, repairing, replacing, altering or removing meters or other equipment;

(b) confer powers to enter premises for the purposes of reading a register on a meter or other equipment;

(c) make provision for the issuing of warrants to enter premises for the purposes of exercising powers conferred by regulations made by virtue of this paragraph where conditions specified in the regulations are satisfied;

(d) make provision as to the persons who may exercise powers conferred by regulations under this paragraph.

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 18 para. 56 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)

57 U.K. The regulations may revoke or amend the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3120).

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 18 para. 57 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 334(2)(l)