Electricity Act 1989
- (3) Before making modifications under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the holder of any licence being modified and such other persons as he considers appropriate.
- (4) Any consultation undertaken by the Secretary of State before the commencement of this section shall be as effective, for the purposes of subsection (3), as if undertaken after that commencement.
- (5) Any modification of part of a standard condition of a licence under subsection (1)(a) shall not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.
- (6) Where the standard conditions of licences of any type are modified under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State shall make (as nearly as may be) the same modifications of the standard conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time.
- (7) The Secretary of State shall publish any modifications under this section in such manner as he considers appropriate.
- (8) The power of the Secretary of State under this section may not be exercised after the end of the period of two years beginning with the passing of the Utilities Act 2000.
Duties of electricity distributors
Duty to connect on request.
16
- (1) An electricity distributor is under a duty—
- (a) to make a connection between a distribution system of his and any premises, when required to do so by—
- (i) the owner or occupier of the premises; or
- (ii) an authorised supplier acting with the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises,
for the purpose of enabling electricity to be conveyed to or from the premises;
- (b) to make a connection between a distribution system of his and any distribution system of another authorised distributor, when required to do so by that authorised distributor for the purpose of enabling electricity to be conveyed to or from that other system.
- (2) Any duty under subsection (1) includes a duty to provide such electric lines or electrical plant as may be necessary to enable the connection to be used for the purpose for which it is required.
- (2A) In deciding how to comply with the duties under this section, and in particular in deciding how to prioritise persons requiring a connection, an electricity distributor must have regard to the designated strategic plans.
- (3) The duties under this section shall be performed subject to such terms as may be agreed under section 16A for so long as the connection is required.
- (4) In this section and sections 16A to 23 and Schedule 5B—
- (a) any reference to making a connection includes a reference to maintaining the connection (and continuing to provide the necessary electric lines or electrical plant);
- (b) any reference to requiring a connection includes a reference to requiring the connection to be maintained (and the continued provision of the necessary electric lines and electrical plant); and
- (c) any reference to the provision of any electric line or electrical plant is a reference to the provision of such a line or an item of electrical plant either by the installation of a new one or by the modification of an existing one.
- (5) The duties under this section are subject to the following provisions of this Part and any regulations made under those provisions.
- (6) In this section, “the designated strategic plans” means the plans or documents designated by regulations made under section 165A(2) of the Energy Act 2023 (functions of the Independent System Operator and Planner relating to network connections).
Procedure for requiring a connection.
16A
- (1) Where a person requires a connection to be made by an electricity distributor in pursuance of section 16(1), he shall give the distributor a notice requiring him to offer terms for making the connection.
- (2) That notice must specify—
- (a) the premises or distribution system to which a connection to the distributor’s system is required;
- (b) the date on or by which the connection is to be made; and
- (c) the maximum power at which electricity may be required to be conveyed through the connection.
- (3) The person requiring a connection shall also give the distributor such other information in relation to the required connection as the distributor may reasonably request.
- (4) A request under subsection (3) shall be made as soon as practicable after the notice under subsection (1) is given (if not made before that time).
- (4A) The Secretary of State may, after consulting the Authority, make provision by regulations for the purpose of entitling an electricity distributor to require a person requiring a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) to pay connection offer expenses to such extent as is reasonable in all the circumstances.
- (4B) In this section “connection offer expenses” means expenses which—
- (a) are of a kind specified by the regulations, and
- (b) have been reasonably incurred by the electricity distributor.
- (4C) Regulations under subsection (4A) may specify—
- (a) circumstances in which an electricity distributor may not require the payment of connection offer expenses by virtue of the regulations;
- (b) the manner in which expenses reasonably incurred by an electricity distributor are to be calculated for the purposes of subsection (4B)(b).
- (5) As soon as practicable after receiving the notice under subsection (1), any information requested under subsection (3) and any amount payable by virtue of subsection (4A) to the distributor by the person requiring the connection, the distributor shall give to that person a notice—
- (a) stating the extent (if any) to which his proposals are acceptable to the distributor and specifying any counter proposals made by him;
- (b) specifying any payment which that person will be required to make under section 19(1) ... or regulations under Schedule 5B;
- (c) specifying any security which that person will be required to give under section 20; and
- (d) stating any other terms which that person will be required to accept under section 21.
- (6) A notice under subsection (5) shall also contain a statement of the effect of section 23.
Exceptions from duty to connect.
17
- (1) Nothing in section 16(1) requires an electricity distributor to make a connection if and to the extent that—
- (a) he is prevented from doing so by circumstances not within his control;
- (b) circumstances exist by reason of which his doing so would or might involve his being in breach of regulations under section 29, and he has taken all such steps as it was reasonable to take both to prevent the circumstances from occurring and to prevent them from having that effect; ...
- (ba) it would not be in accordance with the designated strategic plans (within the meaning of section 16) for the distributor to do so; or
- (c) it is not reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be required to do so.
- (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) an electricity distributor is not required to make a connection if—
- (a) making the connection involves the distributor doing something which, without the consent of another person, would require the exercise of a power conferred by any provision of Schedule 3 or 4;
- (b) the distributor’s licence does not provide for that provision to have effect in relation to him; and
- (c) any necessary consent has not, at the time the request is made, been given.
- (3) Subsection (1)(c) does not permit an electricity distributor to disconnect any premises or distribution system to which a connection is being maintained by him unless the distributor gives—
- (a) where the connection is to premises, to the occupier or to the owner if the premises are not occupied;
- (b) where the connection is to another distribution system, to the person who is authorised by a licence or exemption to run that system,
not less than seven working days’ notice of his intention to disconnect the premises or distribution system.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Power to recover expenditure.
19
- (1) Where any electric line or electrical plant is provided by an electricity distributor in pursuance of section 16(1) above, the distributor may require any expenses reasonably incurred in providing it to be defrayed by the person requiring the connection to such extent as is reasonable in all the circumstances.
- (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (3A) Schedule 5B (reimbursement of persons who have met expenses) has effect.
- (4) Any reference in this section and Schedule 5B to any expenses reasonably incurred in providing an electric line or electrical plant includes a reference to the capitalised value of any expenses likely to be so incurred in continuing to provide it
Power to require security.
20
- (1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, an electricity distributor may require any person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) to give him reasonable security for the payment to him under section 19 in respect of the provision of any electric line or electrical plant.
- (1A) If a person fails to give any security required under subsection (1), or the security given has become invalid or insufficient, and he fails to provide alternative or additional security, the electricity distributor may if he thinks fit—
- (a) if the connection has not been made, refuse to provide the line or plant for so long as the failure continues; or
- (b) if the connection is being maintained, disconnect the premises or distribution system in question.
- (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (3) Where any money is deposited with an electricity distributor by way of security in pursuance of this section, the distributor shall pay interest, at such rate as may from time to time be fixed by the distributor with the approval of the Director, on every sum of 50p so deposited for every three months during which it remains in the hands of the distributor.
- (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional terms of connection.
21
An electricity distributor may require any person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) above to accept in respect of the making of the connection—
- (a) any restrictions which must be imposed for the purpose of enabling the distributor to comply with regulations under section 29;
- (b) any terms which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept; and
- (c) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b), any terms restricting any liability of the distributor for economic loss resulting from negligence which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept.
Special agreements with respect to connection.
22
- (1) Notwithstanding anything in sections 16 to 21, a person who requires a connection in pursuance of section 16(1) may enter into an agreement with the electricity distributor (referred to in this Part as a “special connection agreement”) for the making of the connection on such terms as may be agreed by the parties.
- (2) So long as a special connection agreement is effective, the rights and liabilities of the parties shall be those arising under the agreement and not those provided for by sections 16 to 21.
- (3) Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the giving of a notice under section 16A(1) requiring a connection to be made as from the time when a special connection agreement ceases to be effective.
Determination of disputes.
23
- (1) This section applies (in addition to any disputes to which it applies by virtue of any other provision of this Act) to any dispute arising under sections 16 to 21 between an electricity distributor and a person requiring a connection.
- (1ZA) This section also applies to any dispute arising under regulations under Schedule 5B between—
- (a) an electricity distributor, and
- (b) a person in respect of whom the electricity distributor exercises the reimbursement powers conferred by the regulations.
- (1A) A dispute to which this section applies—
- (a) may be referred to the Authority—
- (i) by either party, or
- (ii) with the consent of either party, by Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland or Consumer Scotland or those bodies or any two of them acting jointly; and
- (b) on such a reference, shall be determined by order made either by the Authority or, if the Authority thinks fit, by an arbitrator (or in Scotland an arbiter) appointed by the Authority.
- (1B) The practice and procedure to be followed in connection with any such determination shall be such as the Authority may consider appropriate. .
- (1C) No dispute arising under sections 16 to 21 which relates to the making of a connection between any premises and a distribution system may be referred to the Authority after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the time when the connection is made..
- (1D) No dispute arising under regulations under Schedule 5B may be referred to the Authority after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the time when the second connection (within the meaning of Schedule 5B) is made.
- (2) Where a dispute arising under sections 16 to 21 between an electricity distributor and a person requiring a connection falls to be determined under this section, the Authority may give directions as to the circumstances in which, and the terms on which, the distributor is to make or (as the case may be) to maintain a connection pending the determination of the dispute.
- (2A) Where a dispute arising under regulations under Schedule 5B falls to be determined under this section, the Authority may give directions as to the circumstances in which, and the terms on which, an electricity distributor is to make or (as the case may be) to maintain the second connection (within the meaning of Schedule 5B) pending the determination of the dispute.
- (3) Where any dispute arising under section 20(1) above falls to be determined under this section, the Director may give directions as to the security (if any) to be given pending the determination of the dispute.
- (4) Directions under subsection (2), (2A) or (3) above may apply either in cases of particular descriptions or in particular cases.
- (4A) A person making an order under this section shall include in the order his reasons for reaching his decision with respect to the dispute.
- (5) An order under this section—
- (a) may include such incidental, supplemental and consequential provision (including provision requiring either party to pay a sum in respect of the costs or expenses incurred by the person making the order) as that person considers appropriate; and
- (b) shall be final and—
- (i) in England and Wales, shall be enforceable, in so far as it includes such provision as to costs or expenses, as if it were a judgment of the county court;
- (ii) in Scotland, shall be enforceable as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff.
- (6) In including in an order under this section any such provision as to costs or expenses as is mentioned in subsection (5) above, the person making the order shall have regard to the conduct and means of the parties and any other relevant circumstances.
- (7) Section 16(4)(a) does not apply to the references in this section to making a connection.
The public electricity supply code.
24
The provisions of Schedule 6 to this Act (which relate to the distribution and supply of electricity) shall have effect.
Enforcement of obligations of regulated persons
Orders for securing compliance.
25
- (1) Subject to subsections (2), (4A) to (5A) and section 26 below, where the Authority is satisfied that a regulated person is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement, it shall by a final order make such provision as is requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.
- (2) Subject to subsections (4A) to (5A) below, where it appears to the Authority—
- (a) that a regulated person is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement; and
- (b) that it is requisite that a provisional order be made,
it shall (instead of taking steps towards the making of a final order) by a provisional order make such provision as appears to him requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.
- (3) In determining for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above whether it is requisite that a provisional order be made, the Authority shall have regard, in particular—
- (a) to the extent to which any person is likely to sustain loss or damage in consequence of anything which, in contravention of the relevant condition or requirement, is likely to be done, or omitted to be done, before a final order may be made; and
- (b) to the fact that the effect of the provisions of this section and section 27 below is to exclude the availability of any remedy (apart from under those provisions or for negligence) in respect of any contravention of a relevant condition or requirement.
- (8A) In paragraph (da) of the definition of “regulated person” in subsection (8), the reference to a responsible body for a central system is a reference to a person for the time being specified in a notice under section 184(1) of the Energy Act 2023 in relation to a designated central system (within the meaning of Part 6 of that Act).
- (4) Subject to subsections (4A) to (5A) and section 26 below, the Authority shall confirm a provisional order, with or without modifications, if—
- (a) it is satisfied that the regulated person to whom the order relates is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement; and
- (b) the provision made by the order (with any modifications) is requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.
- (4A) Before making a final order or making or confirming a provisional order, the Authority shall consider whether it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998.
- (4B) The Authority shall not make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order if it considers that it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998.
- (5) the Authority shall not make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order in relation to a regulated person if it is satisfied—
- (a) that the duties imposed on him by section 3A to 3C preclude the making or, as the case may be, the confirmation of the order;
- (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (5A) The Authority is not required to make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order if it is satisfied—
- (a) that the regulated person has agreed to take and is taking all such steps as it appears to the Authority for the time being to be appropriate for the regulated person to take for the purpose of securing or facilitating compliance with the condition or requirement in question; or
- (b) that the contraventions were or the apprehended contraventions are of a trivial nature.
- (6) Where the Authority decides that it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998 or is satisfied as mentioned in subsections (5) or (5A) above, it shall—
- (a) serve notice that it has so decided or is so satisfied on the regulated person; and
- (b) publish the notice in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.
- (7) A final or provisional order—
- (a) shall require the regulated person to whom it relates (according to the circumstances of the case) to do, or not to do, such things as are specified in the order or are of a description so specified;
- (b) shall take effect at such time, being the earliest practicable time, as is determined by or under the order; and
- (c) may be revoked at any time by the Authority.
- (8) In this Part—
- “final order” means an order under this section other than a provisional order;
- “provisional order” means an order under this section which, if not previously confirmed in accordance with subsection (4) above, will cease to have effect at the end of such period (not exceeding three months) as is determined by or under the order;
- “regulated person” means a person who is one or more of the following—a licence holder;a distribution exemption holder;a supply exemption holder;an electricity undertaking which is a relevant producer or supplier; a responsible body for a central system; ...
- “relevant condition”, in relation to a regulated person, means any condition of any licence held by that person;
- “relevant requirement”, in relation to a regulated person,
- means any duty or other requirement imposed on that person under a provision specified in Schedule 6A as a relevant provision in respect of that person ......
- (8A) In paragraph (da) of the definition of “regulated person” in subsection (8), the reference to a responsible body for a central system is a reference to a person for the time being specified in a notice under section 184(1) of the Energy Act 2023 in relation to a designated central system (within the meaning of Part 6 of that Act).
- (9) In paragraph (a) of the definition of “relevant requirement” in subsection (8), the reference to a provision specified in Schedule 6A is to be treated as including a provision of the predecessor of the Electricity Regulation that was specified in that Schedule immediately before the coming into force of the Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets) Regulations 2020.
Procedural requirements.
26
- (1) Before he makes a final order or confirms a provisional order, the Director shall give notice—
- (a) stating that he proposes to make or confirm the order and setting out its effect;
- (b) setting out—
- (i) the relevant condition or requirement for the purpose of securing compliance with which the order is to be made or confirmed;
- (ii) the acts or omissions which, in his opinion, constitute or would constitute contraventions of that condition or requirement; and
- (iii) the other facts which, in his opinion, justify the making or confirmation of the order; and
- (c) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed order or proposed confirmation may be made,
and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (2) A notice under subsection (1) above shall be given—
- (a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Director considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them; and
- (b) by serving a copy of the notice, and a copy of the proposed order or of the order proposed to be confirmed, on the regulated person to whom the order relates.
- (3) The Director shall not make a final order with modifications, or confirm a provisional order with modifications, except—
- (a) with the consent to the modifications of the regulated person to whom the order relates; or
- (b) after complying with the requirements of subsection (4) below.
- (4) The requirements mentioned in subsection (3) above are that the Director shall—
- (a) serve on the regulated person to whom the order relates such notice as appears to him requisite of his proposal to make or confirm the order with modifications;
- (b) in that notice specify the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of the service of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made; and
- (c) consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (5) As soon as practicable after making a final order or making or confirming a provisional order, the Director shall—
- (a) serve a copy of the order on the regulated person to whom the order relates; and
- (b) publish the order in such manner as he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it.
- (6) Before revoking a final order or a provisional order which has been confirmed, the Director shall give notice—
- (a) stating that he proposes to revoke the order and setting out its effect; and
- (b) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed revocation may be made,
and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (7) If, after giving a notice under subsection (6) above, the Director decides not to revoke the order to which the notice relates, he shall give notice of his decision.
- (8) A notice under subsection (6) or (7) above shall be given—
- (a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Director considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them; and
- (b) by serving a copy of the notice on the regulated person to whom the order relates.
Validity and effect of orders.
27
- (1) If the regulated person to whom a final or provisional order relates is aggrieved by the order and desires to question its validity on the ground—
- (a) that its making or confirmation was not within the powers of section 25 above; or
- (b) that any of the requirements of section 26 above have not been complied with in relation to it,
he may, within 42 days from the date of service on him of a copy of the order, make an application to the court under this section.
- (2) On any such application the court may, if satisfied that the making or confirmation of the order was not within those powers or that the interests of the regulated person have been substantially prejudiced by a failure to comply with those requirements, quash the order or any provision of the order.
- (3) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a final or provisional order shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.
- (4) The obligation to comply with a final or provisional order shall be a duty owed to any person who may be affected by a contravention of the order.
- (5) Where a duty is owed by virtue of subsection (4) above to any person, any breach of the duty which causes that person to sustain loss or damage shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.
- (6) In any proceedings brought against a regulated person in pursuance of subsection (5) above, it shall be a defence for him to prove that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the order.
- (7) Without prejudice to any right which any person may have by virtue of subsection (5) above to bring civil proceedings in respect of any contravention or apprehended contravention of a final or provisional order, compliance with any such order shall be enforceable by civil proceedings by the Director for an injunction or for interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
- (8) In this section and section 28 below “the court” means the High Court in relation to England and Wales and the Court of Session in relation to Scotland.
- (9) Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply in the case of a final or provisional order that relates to a relevant condition imposed by the exercise of the power in section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2010 (prevention of exploitation of electricity trading and transmission arrangements).
- (10) For provision about appeals relating to such orders, see section 20 of the Energy Act 2010.
Penalties.
27A
- (1) Where the Authority is satisfied that a regulated person—
- (a) has contravened or is contravening any relevant condition or requirement; or
- (b) has failed or is failing to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 39 or 39A,
the Authority may, subject to section 27C, impose on the regulated person a penalty of such amount as is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case.
- (2) Before imposing a penalty on a regulated person under subsection (1), the Authority shall consider whether it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998.
- (2A) The Authority shall not impose a penalty on a regulated person under subsection (1) if it considers that it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998.
- (3) Before imposing a penalty on a regulated person under subsection (1) the Authority shall give notice—
- (a) stating that it proposes to impose a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed to be imposed;
- (b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;
- (c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of a penalty and the amount of the penalty proposed; and
- (d) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed penalty may be made,
and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (4) Before varying any proposal stated in a notice under subsection (3)(a) the Authority shall give notice—
- (a) setting out the proposed variation and the reasons for it; and
- (b) specifying the period (not being less than 21 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed variation may be made,
and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (5) As soon as practicable after imposing a penalty, the Authority shall give notice—
- (a) stating that it has imposed a penalty on the regulated person and its amount;
- (b) setting out the relevant condition or requirement or the standard of performance in question;
- (c) specifying the acts or omissions which, in the opinion of the Authority, constitute the contravention or failure in question and the other facts which, in the opinion of the Authority, justify the imposition of the penalty and its amount; and
- (d) specifying a date, no earlier than the end of the period of 42 days from the date of service of the notice on the regulated person, by which the penalty is required to be paid.
- (6) The regulated person may, within 21 days of the date of service on him of a notice under subsection (5), make an application to the Authority for it to specify different dates by which different portions of the penalty are to be paid.
- (7) Any notice required to be given under this section shall be given—
- (a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them;
- (b) by serving a copy of the notice on the regulated person; ...
- (c) by serving a copy of the notice on Citizens Advice; and
- (d) by serving a copy of the notice on Consumer Scotland.
- (8A) This section is subject to section 27O (maximum amount of penalty or compensation that may be imposed).
- (10) Any sums received by the Authority by way of penalty under this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
- (11) The power of the Authority under subsection (1) is not exercisable in respect of any contravention or failure before the commencement of section 59 of the Utilities Act 2000.
Statement of policy with respect to penalties.
27B
- (1) The Authority shall prepare and publish a statement of policy with respect to the imposition of penalties and the determination of their amount.
- (2) In deciding whether to impose a penalty, and in determining the amount of any penalty, in respect of a contravention or failure the Authority shall have regard to its statement of policy most recently published at the time when the contravention or failure occurred.
- (3) The Authority may revise its statement of policy and where it does so shall publish the revised statement.
- (4) Publication under this section shall be in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in the statement of policy to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.
- (5) The Authority shall undertake such consultation as it considers appropriate when preparing or revising its statement of policy.
Time limits on the imposition of financial penalties.
27C
- (1) Where no final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure later than the end of the period of five years from the time of the contravention or failure, unless before the end of that period—
- (a) the notice under section 27A(3) relating to the penalty is served on the regulated person under section 27A(7), or
- (b) a notice relating to the contravention or failure is served on the regulated person under section 28(2).
- (2) Where a final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention or failure, the Authority may not impose a penalty in respect of the contravention or failure unless the notice relating to the penalty under section 27A(3) was served on the regulated person under section 27A(7)—
- (a) within three months from the confirmation of the provisional order or the making of the final order, or
- (b) where the provisional order is not confirmed, within six months from the making of the provisional order.
Interest and payment of instalments.
27D
- (1) If the whole or any part of a penalty is not paid by the date by which it is required to be paid, the unpaid balance from time to time shall carry interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the Judgments Act 1838.
- (2) If an application is made under subsection (6) of section 27A in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.
- (3) If the Authority grants an application under that subsection in relation to a penalty but any portion of the penalty is not paid by the date specified in relation to it by the Authority under that subsection, the Authority may where it considers it appropriate require so much of the penalty as has not already been paid to be paid immediately.
Appeals against penalties.
27E
- (1) If the regulated person on whom a penalty is imposed is aggrieved by—
- (a) the imposition of the penalty;
- (b) the amount of the penalty; or
- (c) the date by which the penalty is required to be paid, or the different dates by which different portions of the penalty are required to be paid,
the regulated person may make an application to the court under this section.
- (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made—
- (a) within 42 days from the date of service on the regulated person of a notice under section 27A(5), or
- (b) where the application relates to a decision of the Authority on an application by the regulated person under section 27A(6), within 42 days from the date the regulated person is notified of the decision.
- (3) On any such application, where the court considers it appropriate to do so in all the circumstances of the case and is satisfied of one or more of the grounds falling within subsection (4), the court—
- (a) may quash the penalty;
- (b) may substitute a penalty of such lesser amount as the court considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case; or
- (c) in the case of an application under subsection (1)(c), may substitute for the date or dates imposed by the Authority an alternative date or dates.
- (4) The grounds falling within this subsection are—
- (a) that the imposition of the penalty was not within the power of the Authority under section 27A;
- (b) that any of the requirements of subsections (3) to (5) or (7) of section 27A have not been complied with in relation to the imposition of the penalty and the interests of the regulated person have been substantially prejudiced by the non-compliance; or
- (c) that it was unreasonable of the Authority to require the penalty imposed, or any portion of it, to be paid by the date or dates by which it was required to be paid.
- (5) If an application is made under this section in relation to a penalty, the penalty is not required to be paid until the application has been determined.
- (6) Where the court substitutes a penalty of a lesser amount it may require the payment of interest on the substituted penalty at such rate, and from such date, as it considers just and equitable.
- (7) Where the court specifies as a date by which the penalty, or a portion of the penalty, is to be paid a date before the determination of the application under this section it may require the payment of interest on the penalty, or portion, from that date at such rate as it considers just and equitable.
- (8) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a penalty shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.
- (9) In this section “the court” means—
- (a) in relation to England and Wales, the High Court; and
- (b) in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.
- (10) This section does not apply in the case of a penalty that relates to a relevant condition imposed by the exercise of the power in section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2010 (prevention of exploitation of electricity trading and transmission arrangements).
- (11) For provision about appeals relating to such penalties, see section 21 of the Energy Act 2010.
Recovery of penalties.
27F
Where a penalty imposed under section 27A(1), or any portion of it, has not been paid by the date on which it is required to be paid and—
- (a) no application relating to the penalty has been made under section 27E during the period within which such an application can be made, or
- (b) an application has been made under that section and determined,
the Authority may recover from the regulated person, as a civil debt due to it, any of the penalty and any interest which has not been paid.
Consumer redress orders
27G
- (1) This section applies where the Authority is satisfied that—
- (a) a regulated person has contravened, or is contravening, any relevant condition or requirement, and
- (b) as a result of the contravention, one or more consumers have suffered loss or damage or been caused inconvenience.
- (2) The Authority may make an order (a “consumer redress order”) requiring the regulated person to do such things as appear to the Authority necessary for the purposes of—
- (a) remedying the consequences of the contravention, or
- (b) preventing a contravention of the same or a similar kind from being repeated.
- (3) A consumer redress order must specify the following—
- (a) the regulated person to whom the order applies;
- (b) the contravention in respect of which the order is made;
- (c) the affected consumers, or a description of such consumers;
- (d) the requirements imposed by the order;
- (e) the date by which the regulated person must comply with such requirements.
- (4) As soon as practicable after making a consumer redress order, the Authority must—
- (a) serve a copy of the order on the regulated person to whom the order applies, and
- (b) either—
- (i) serve a copy of the order on each affected consumer, or
- (ii) publish the order in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of affected consumers.
- (5) The date specified in a consumer redress order under subsection (3)(e) may not be earlier than the end of the period of 7 days from the date of the service of a copy of the order on the regulated person.
- (6) Different dates may be specified under subsection (3)(e) in relation to different requirements imposed by the order.
- (7) This section is subject to sections 27H to 27O.
- (8) In this section and in sections 27H to 27O—
- “affected consumers”, in relation to a consumer redress order (or proposed order), are those consumers that the Authority is satisfied have suffered loss or damage, or been caused inconvenience, as a result of the contravention in respect of which the order is (or would be) made;
- “consumers” means consumers in relation to electricity conveyed by distribution systems or transmission systems;
- “consumer redress order” means an order under subsection (2).
Remedial action under a consumer redress order
27H
- (1) The things mentioned in section 27G(2) that a regulated person may be required to do under a consumer redress order (“the required remedial action”) include, in particular—
- (a) paying an amount to each affected consumer by way of compensation for the loss or damage suffered, or for the inconvenience caused, as a result of the contravention;
- (b) preparing and distributing a written statement setting out the contravention and its consequences;
- (c) terminating or varying any contracts entered into between the regulated person and affected consumers.
- (2) Where the required remedial action includes the payment of compensation, the order must specify—
- (a) the amount of compensation to be paid, and
- (b) the affected consumers, or a description of such consumers, to whom it is to be paid.
- (3) Where the required remedial action includes the preparation and distribution of a statement, the order may specify the information to be contained in the statement and the form and manner in which it is to be distributed.
- (4) The manner so specified may in particular include—
- (a) sending a copy of the statement to each affected consumer;
- (b) publishing the statement in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the statement to the attention of those consumers.
- (5) Where the required remedial action includes the termination or variation of a contract with an affected consumer—
- (a) the order may specify the terms on which the contract is to be terminated or the way in which it is to be varied,
- (b) the requirement has effect only if, and to the extent that, the affected consumer consents to the termination of the contract on those terms or to its variation in that way, and
- (c) the order may specify the steps to be taken by the regulated person for the purpose of enabling the affected consumer to give such consent.
Other procedural requirements in relation to consumer redress orders
27I
- (1) Before making a consumer redress order the Authority must give notice stating that it proposes to make the order.
- (2) A notice under subsection (1) must specify—
- (a) the regulated person to whom the order will apply,
- (b) the contravention in respect of which the order is to be made,
- (c) the affected consumers, or a description of such consumers,
- (d) the requirements to be imposed by the order and the period within which such requirements are to be complied with, and
- (e) the time (not being less than 21 days from the relevant date) by which representations or objections with respect to the proposed order may be made,
and the Authority must consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (3) Before varying any proposal stated in a notice under subsection (1) the Authority must give notice specifying—
- (a) the proposed variation and the reasons for it, and
- (b) the time (not being less than 21 days from the relevant date) by which representations or objections with respect to the proposed variation may be made,
and the Authority must consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (4) Before revoking a consumer redress order the Authority must give notice—
- (a) stating that it proposes to revoke the order and the reasons for doing so, and
- (b) specifying the time (not being less than 21 days from the relevant date) within which representations or objections to the proposed revocation may be made,
and the Authority must consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
- (5) A notice required to be given under this section is to be given—
- (a) by serving a copy of the notice on the regulated person, and
- (b) either—
- (i) by serving a copy of the notice on each affected consumer, or
- (ii) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of affected consumers.
- (6) The “relevant date”, in relation to a notice under this section, is—
- (a) in a case where the notice is published in accordance with subsection (5)(b)(ii), the date on which it is published;
- (b) in any other case, the latest date on which a copy of the notice is served in accordance with subsection (5)(a) and (b)(i).
Statement of policy with respect to consumer redress orders
27J
- (1) The Authority must prepare and publish a statement of policy with respect to—
- (a) the making of consumer redress orders, and
- (b) the determination of the requirements to be imposed by such orders (including, in particular, the considerations the Authority will have regard to in determining such requirements).
- (2) The Authority must have regard to its current statement of policy—
- (a) in deciding whether to make a consumer redress order in respect of a contravention, and
- (b) in determining the requirements to be imposed by any such order.
- (3) The Authority may revise its statement of policy and, where it does so, must publish the revised statement.
- (4) Publication under this section is to be in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in the statement of policy to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.
- (5) The Authority must consult such persons as it considers appropriate when preparing or revising its statement of policy.
Time limits for making consumer redress orders
27K
- (1) Where no final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention, the Authority may not give a consumer redress order in respect of the contravention later than the end of the period of 5 years from the time of the contravention.
- (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if before the end of that period—
- (a) the notice under section 27I(1) relating to the order is served on the regulated person, or
- (b) a notice relating to the contravention is served on the regulated person under section 28(2).
- (3) Where a final or provisional order has been made in relation to a contravention, the Authority may give a consumer redress order in respect of the contravention only if the notice relating to the consumer redress order under section 27I(1) is served on the regulated person—
- (a) within 3 months from the confirmation of the provisional order or the making of the final order, or
- (b) where the provisional order is not confirmed, within 6 months from the making of the provisional order.
Enforcement of consumer redress orders
27L
- (1) Compliance with a consumer redress order is enforceable by civil proceedings by the Authority—
- (a) for an injunction or interdict,
- (b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988, or
- (c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.
- (2) Proceedings under subsection (1) are to be brought—
- (a) in England and Wales, in the High Court, or
- (b) in Scotland, in the Court of Session.
- (3) The obligation of a regulated person to comply with a consumer redress order is a duty owed to any person who may be affected by a contravention of the order.
- (4) Without limiting the Authority's right to bring civil proceedings under subsection (1), a duty owed to any person (“P”) by virtue of subsection (3) may be enforced by civil proceedings by P for any appropriate remedy or relief.
- (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the duty owed to P may in particular be enforced by P as if it were contained in a contract between P and the regulated person who owes the duty.
Appeals against consumer redress orders
27M
- (1) A regulated person in respect of whom a consumer redress order is made may make an application to the court under this section if the person is aggrieved by—
- (a) the making of the order, or
- (b) any requirement imposed by the order.
- (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within 42 days from the date of service on the regulated person of a copy of the order under section 27G(4)(a).
- (3) On an application under subsection (1) the court may—
- (a) quash the order or any provision of the order, or
- (b) vary any such provision in such manner as the court considers appropriate.
- (4) The court may exercise the powers under subsection (3) only if it considers it appropriate to do so in all the circumstances of the case and is satisfied of one or more of the following grounds—
- (a) that the making of the order was not within the power of the Authority under section 27G;
- (b) that any of the requirements under sections 27G(4) and 27I have not been complied with in relation to the making of the order and the interests of the regulated person have been substantially prejudiced by the non-compliance;
- (c) that it was unreasonable of the Authority to require something to be done under the order (whether at all or in accordance with the provisions of the order).
- (5) If an application is made under this section in relation to a consumer redress order, a requirement imposed by the order does not need to be carried out in accordance with the order until the application has been determined.
- (6) Where the court substitutes a lesser amount of compensation for an amount required by the Authority in a consumer redress order, it may require the payment of interest on the substituted amount at such rate, and from such date, as it considers just and equitable.
- (7) Where the court specifies as a date by which any compensation under a consumer redress order is to be paid a date before the determination of the application under this section, it may require the payment of interest on the amount from that date at such rate as it considers just and equitable.
- (8) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a consumer redress order is not to be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.
- (9) In this section “the court” means—
- (a) in relation to England and Wales, the High Court;
- (b) in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.
Consumer redress orders: miscellaneous
27N
- (1) If—
- (a) compensation is required to be paid under a consumer redress order, and
- (b) it is not paid by the date by which it is required to be paid in accordance with the order,
the unpaid balance from time to time carries interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the Judgments Act 1838.
- (2) The Authority may not make a consumer redress order where it is satisfied that the most appropriate way of proceeding is under the Competition Act 1998.
- (3) The Authority's power to make a consumer redress order as a result of a contravention of a relevant condition or requirement is not to be taken as limiting the Authority's power to impose a penalty under section 27A in relation to the same contravention (whether instead of, or in addition to, making a consumer redress order).
- (4) The power of the Authority to make a consumer redress order is not exercisable in respect of any contravention before the coming into force of Schedule 14 to the Energy Act 2013.
Maximum amount of penalty or compensation
27O
- (1) The maximum amount of penalty that may be imposed on a regulated person in respect of a contravention may not exceed 10 per cent of the person's turnover.
- (2) The maximum amount of compensation that a regulated person may be required to pay in respect of a contravention may not exceed 10 per cent of the person's turnover.
- (3) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to subsection (4) if, in respect of a contravention, both a penalty is imposed and compensation is required to be paid.
- (4) The maximum amount in total of the penalty and compensation combined in respect of the contravention may not exceed 10 per cent of the turnover of the regulated person.
- (5) The Secretary of State may by order provide for how a person's turnover is to be determined for the purposes of this section.
- (6) An order under subsection (5) may make different provision for penalties and compensation.
- (7) An order under subsection (5) shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
- (8) In this section—
- “compensation” means compensation that a regulated person is required to pay by a consumer redress order;
- “penalty” means a penalty imposed on a regulated person under section 27A.
Power to require information etc.
28
- (1) Where it appears to the Authority that a regulated person —
- (a) may be contravening, or may have contravened, any relevant condition or requirement; or
- (b) may be failing, or may have failed, to achieve any standard of performance prescribed under section 39 or 39A,
the Authority may, for any purpose connected with such of its functions under section 25 or 27A to 27O as are exercisable in relation to that matter, serve a notice under subsection (2) below on any person.
- (2) A notice under this subsection is a notice signed by the Director and—
- (a) requiring the person on whom it is served to produce, at a time and place specified in the notice, to the Director or to any person appointed by the Director for the purpose, any documents which are specified or described in the notice and are in that person’s custody or under his control; or
- (b) requiring that person, if he is carrying on a business, to furnish, at a time and place and in the form and manner specified in the notice, to the Director such information as may be specified or described in the notice.
- (2A) Where a licence has been or is to be revoked or suspended, or has expired or is about to expire by effluxion of time, and it appears to the Authority, having regard to the duties imposed by section 3A, 3B or 3C, to be requisite or expedient to do so for any purpose connected with the revocation, suspension or expiry, the Authority may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, by notice in writing—
- (a) require the licence holder to produce, at a time and place specified in the notice, to the Authority, or to any person so specified, any records which are specified or described in the notice and are in the licence holder’s custody or under his control; or
- (b) require the licence holder to furnish to the Authority, or to any person specified in the notice, such information as may be specified or described in the notice, and specify the time, the manner and the form in which any such information is to be furnished.
- (3) No person shall be required under this section to produce any documents or records which he could not be compelled to produce in civil proceedings in the court or, in complying with any requirement for the furnishing of information, to give any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in any such proceedings.
- (4) A person who without reasonable excuse fails to do anything required of him by notice under subsection (2) or (2A) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
- (5) A person who intentionally alters, suppresses or destroys any document or record which he has been required by any notice under subsection (2) or (2A) above to produce shall be liable—
- (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
- (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
- (6) If a person makes default in complying with a notice under subsection (2) or (2A) above, the court may, on the application of the Director, make such order as the court thinks fit for requiring the default to be made good; and any such order may provide that all the costs or expenses of and incidental to the application shall be borne by the person in default or by any officers of a company or other association who are responsible for its default.
Provisions with respect to supply generally
Regulations relating to supply and safety.
29
- (1) The Secretary of State may make such regulations as he thinks fit for the purpose of—
- (a) securing that supplies of electricity are regular and efficient;
- (b) protecting the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity, from the use of electricity interconnectors, from the use of electricity supplied or from the installation, maintenance or use of any electric line or electrical plant; and
- (c) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) above, eliminating or reducing the risks of personal injury, or damage to property or interference with its use, arising as mentioned in that paragraph.
- (1A) Regulations under this section may include provision for securing the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) in relation to the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain or any Renewable Energy Zone.
- (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may—
- (a) prohibit the distribution or transmission of electricity except by means of a system approved by the Secretary of State;
- (b) make provision requiring notice in the prescribed form to be given to the Secretary of State, in such cases as may be specified in the regulations, of accidents and of failures in the distribution or transmission of electricity or in the use of electricity interconnectors;
- (c) make provision as to the keeping, by persons authorised by a licence or exemption to distribute or participate in the transmission of electricity or to participate in the operation of an electricity interconnector, of maps, plans and sections and as to their production (on payment, if so required, of a reasonable fee) for inspection or copying;
- (d) make provision for relieving electricity distributors from any duty under section 16 or authorising them to disconnect any premises or distribution system in such cases as may be prescribed;
- (e) make provision requiring compliance with notices given by the Secretary of State specifying action to be taken in relation to any electric line or electrical plant, or any electrical appliance under the control of a consumer, for the purpose of—
- (i) preventing or ending a breach of regulations under this section; or
- (ii) eliminating or reducing a risk of personal injury or damage to property or interference with its use;
- (f) provide for particular requirements of the regulations to be deemed to be complied with in the case of any electric line or electrical plant complying with specified standards or requirements;
- (g) provide for the granting of exemptions from any requirement of the regulations for such periods as may be determined by or under the regulations.
- (3) Regulations under this section may provide that any person—
- (a) who contravenes any specified provision of the regulations; or
- (b) who does so in specified circumstances,
shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale; but nothing in this subsection shall affect any liability of any such person to pay compensation in respect of any damage or injury which may have been caused by the contravention.
- (4) No proceedings shall be instituted in England and Wales in respect of an offence under this section except by or on behalf of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Electrical inspectors.
30
- (1) The Secretary of State may appoint competent and impartial persons to be electrical inspectors under this Part.
- (2) The duties of an electrical inspector under this Part shall be as follows—
- (a) to inspect and test, periodically and in special cases, electric lines and electrical plant belonging to persons authorised by a licence or exemption to generate, distribute or participate in the transmission of electricity or to participate in the operation of electricity interconnectors;
- (b) to examine, periodically and in special cases, the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity by such persons;
- (c) to inspect and test, if and when required by any consumer, any such lines and plant on the consumer’s premises, for the purpose of determining whether any requirement imposed by or under this Part in respect of the lines or plant or the conveyance of electricity through them has been complied with; and
- (d) such other duties as may be imposed by regulations under this section or as the Secretary of State may determine.
- (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations—
- (a) prescribe the manner in which and the times at which any duties are to be performed by electrical inspectors;
- (b) require persons authorised by a licence or exemption to carry on licensable activities—
- (i) to furnish electrical inspectors with records or other information; and
- (ii) to allow such inspectors access to premises and the use of electrical plant and other facilities;
- (c) make provision for relieving electricity distributors from any duty under section 16 or authorising them to disconnect any premises or distribution system in such cases as may be prescribed; and
- (d) prescribe the amount of the fees which are to be payable to such inspectors.
- (3A) The regulations that may be made under this section include regulations—
- (a) imposing duties on electrical inspectors in relation to anything in the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain or a Renewable Energy Zone; or
- (b) making any other provision authorised by this section in relation to activities carried on there.
- (4) Any fees received by electrical inspectors shall be paid to the Secretary of State; and any sums received by him under this subsection shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
Use etc. of meters.
31
The provisions of Schedule 7 to this Act (which relate to the use, certification, testing and maintenance of electricity meters) shall have effect.
Protection of public interest
The renewables obligation
32
- (1) The relevant minister may make a renewables obligation order.
- (2) “The relevant minister” means—
- (a) in the case of Scotland, the Scottish Ministers,
- (b) in any other case, the Secretary of State.
- (3) In subsection (2) “Scotland” includes—
- (a) so much of the internal waters and territorial sea of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to Scotland, and
- (b) a Renewable Energy Zone, or any part of such a Zone, which is designated by order under section 84(5) of the Energy Act 2004 (areas in relation to which Scottish Ministers have functions).
- (4) A renewables obligation order is an order which imposes the renewables obligation on each electricity supplier falling within a specified description (a “designated electricity supplier”).
- (5) The descriptions of electricity supplier upon which a renewables obligation order may impose the renewables obligation are those supplying electricity to customers in the relevant part of Great Britain, excluding such categories of supplier (if any) as are specified.
- (6) The renewables obligation is that the designated electricity supplier must, by each specified day, have produced to the Authority the required number of renewables obligation certificates in respect of the amount of electricity supplied by it during a specified period to customers in the relevant part of Great Britain.
- (7) Subsection (6) is subject to sections 32A to 32M.
Further provision about the renewables obligation
32A
- (1) A renewables obligation order may make provision generally in relation to the renewables obligation.
- (2) A renewables obligation order may, in particular, specify—
- (a) how the number of renewables obligation certificates required to be produced by an electricity supplier in respect of the amount of electricity supplied by it to customers in the relevant part of Great Britain during a specified period is to be calculated;
- (b) different obligations for successive periods of time;
- (c) that renewables obligation certificates issued in respect of electricity generated—
- (i) using specified descriptions of renewable sources,
- (ii) by specified descriptions of generating stations,
- (iii) in specified ways, or
- (iv) in other specified cases or circumstances,
are to count towards discharging an electricity supplier's obligation only up to a specified number, or a specified proportion, of the certificates required to be produced to discharge the obligation;
- (d) that a specified number, or a specified proportion, of the renewables obligation certificates produced by an electricity supplier when discharging its renewables obligation must be certificates in respect of electricity generated—
- (i) using specified descriptions of renewable sources,
- (ii) by specified descriptions of generating station,
- (iii) in specified ways, or
- (iv) in other specified cases or circumstances;
- (e) how the amount of electricity supplied by an electricity supplier to customers in the relevant part of Great Britain during a specified period is to be calculated;
- (f) that specified information, or information of a specified nature, is to be given to the Authority;
- (g) the form in which such information is to be given and the time by which it is to be given.
- (3) A renewables obligation certificate may count once only towards the discharge of the renewables obligation.
- (4) Except as provided by a renewables obligation order, a renewables obligation certificate counts towards discharging the renewables obligation regardless of whether the order under which it is issued is made by the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers.
- (5) A renewables obligation order may specify that the only renewables obligation certificates which count towards discharging the renewables obligation are certificates which are issued—
- (a) in respect of electricity supplied to customers in the relevant part of Great Britain, or
- (b) in respect of electricity used in a permitted way (within the meaning of section 32B(9) and (10)) in that part of Great Britain.
- (6) A renewables obligation order may, in relation to any specified period (“the current period”)—
- (a) provide that renewables obligation certificates in respect of electricity supplied in a later period may, when available, be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for the current period;
- (b) provide that renewables obligation certificates in respect of electricity supplied in the current period may, in a later period, be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for that period;
- (c) specify how much later the later period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) may be;
- (d) specify a maximum proportion of the renewables obligation for any period which may be discharged as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b);
- (e) specify a maximum proportion, or maximum number of, the renewables obligation certificates issued in respect of electricity supplied in any period which may be counted towards discharging the renewables obligation for a different period.
- (7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a certificate which certifies that electricity has been used in a permitted way (within the meaning of section 32B(9) and (10)) in a particular period is to be treated as if it were a certificate which certifies that electricity has been supplied in that period.
Renewables obligation certificates
32B
- (1) A renewables obligation order may provide for the Authority to issue from time to time, in accordance with such criteria (if any) as are specified in the order, a certificate (“a renewables obligation certificate”) to—
- (a) the operator of a generating station,
- (b) an electricity supplier or a Northern Ireland supplier, or
- (c) if the order so provides, a person of any other description specified in the order.
- (2) A renewables obligation certificate is to certify—
- (a) the matters within subsection (3) or (4), or
- (b) if the order provides that a certificate may certify the matters within subsection (5), (6), (7) or (8), the matters within that subsection.
- (3) The matters within this subsection are—
- (a) that the generating station, or, in the case of a certificate issued otherwise than to the operator of a generating station, a generating station specified in the certificate, has generated from renewable sources the amount of electricity stated in the certificate, and
- (b) that it has been supplied by an electricity supplier to customers in Great Britain (or the part of Great Britain stated in the certificate).
- (4) The matters within this subsection are—
- (a) that the generating station, or, in the case of a certificate issued otherwise than to the operator of a generating station, a generating station specified in the certificate, has generated from renewable sources the amount of electricity stated in the certificate,
- (b) that the generating station in question is not a generating station mentioned in Article 54(1) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, and
- (c) that the electricity has been supplied by a Northern Ireland supplier to customers in Northern Ireland.
- (5) The matters within this subsection are—
- (a) that two or more generating stations have, between them, generated from renewable sources the amount of electricity stated in the certificate, and
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