The Utilities Supply and Works Contracts Regulations 1992

Exemption in respect of certain utilities operating in the energy sector

8.—(1) Where the Commission has decided that an activity specified in Parts M or N of Schedule 1 to these Regulations is not to be considered an activity defined in article 2(2)(b)(i) of Council Directive 90/531/EEC(1) and that entities undertaking that activity shall not be considered as operating under special or exclusive rights by virtue of article 2(3)(b) of that Directive, a utility need not comply with Parts II to V of these Regulations and regulations 23, 24, 25, 26 other than paragraph 2(a), and 28 below in seeking offers in relation to a contract to be awarded for the purpose of carrying out any activity referred to in that decision.

(2) A utility which relies on the exemption in paragraph (1) above shall observe the principles of non-discrimination and competitive procurement, and in particular shall—

(a) hold a competition unless it can objectively justify not doing so; and

(b) in making information about its procurement intentions available to suppliers and contractors, in specifying its requirements to them, in establishing and using a qualification system, in selecting suppliers or contractors to tender for or to negotiate the contract and in awarding the contract, make decisions objectively on the basis of relevant criteria.

(1)

OJ No. L297, 29.10.90, p.1.