The Gas and Electricity Regulated Providers (Redress Scheme) Order 2008

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order requires certain licensed suppliers of gas and electricity and licensed gas transporters and electricity distributors under the Gas Act 1986 and Electricity Act 1989 respectively (“regulated providers”) to join a qualifying redress scheme in respect of certain kinds of consumer complaint.

The requirement arises in respect of regulated providers who provide services to relevant consumers. Relevant consumers are domestic consumers and micro-enterprise consumers. Consumer complaints can only be made by a person in that person’s capacity as a relevant consumer in relation to the regulated provider.

Section 52 of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 provides for enforcement of the requirement to join a redress scheme.

An Impact Assessment of the effect that this Order will have on the costs to business and the voluntary sector is available from Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, 1 Victoria Street, London SW11 OET or on the BERR website (www.berr.gov.uk). It is also annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the Order on the OPSI website. A copy of the Impact Assessment has also been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.