Utilities Act 2000

[^key-f1fbeaa36f45dd76b9451c6f4594c770]: Sch. 7 para. 31 repealed (1.10.2008) by Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17), s. 66(2), Sch. 8; S.I. 2008/2550, art. 2, Sch.

[^key-f25a77a1228b7dd6afc2aff36a3ef41b]: Words in s. 8(3A)(f) substituted (28.3.2013) by The Public Bodies (The Office of Fair Trading Transfer of Consumer Advice Scheme Function and Modification of Enforcement Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/783), arts. 1(2), 5(3)(b)

[^key-f2a52e6db91c50f09f85acbf518bc493]: S. 103A(3A) inserted (1.12.2017 for specified purposes, 1.10.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), ss. 60(6), 72(4)(d); S.I. 2017/1157, regs. 3(c), 5(b)

[^key-f3de56c31bcc33d6106aa87c64098d82]: S. 105(o) and word inserted (13.1.2022) by The Consumer Scotland Act 2020 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/34), art. 1(1), Sch. para. 5(6)(c) (with art. 5)

[^key-f4cc37f9611f134375a1783e290e5a33]: S. 33(1)(h)-(j) substituted for s. 33(1)(h) (1.6.2022) by Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022 (c. 15), s. 44(2)(d), Sch. para. 2(2)(b)

[^key-f5fa602c026b7b18cc8411b910692560]: S. 5(5A) inserted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), ss. 64(2)(b), 72(7)

[^key-f657ce643ab02a2a8bf356fd6f065a65]: S. 105 restricted (31.10.2003) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), s. 115; S.I. 2003/2681, art. 2(b)

[^key-f806f48d83ba2893a8b43a3d094fc9b1]: S. 105A(1A)(1B) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/530), regs. 1(1), 69(3) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1016, regs. 1(2), 3(26)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-fa2100a1206b5b5e75646788ca1ee8cc]: Words in s. 103B(2) inserted (1.12.2017 for specified purposes, 1.10.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), ss. 60(11)(b), 72(4)(d); S.I. 2017/1157, regs. 3(c), 5(b)

[^key-fa6afb18b7c14cd9510d2e31d369c85a]: S. 33(1)(k) and word inserted (25.10.2022) by Energy Prices Act 2022 (c. 44), s. 30(6), Sch. 7 para. 4(b) (with s. 29)

[^key-fae640e7ff10309c11919eed6a2a5f70]: Words in s. 105A(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/530), regs. 1(1), 69(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-fb3a168bf17d771466e1bf08cb962174]: Words in s. 103(3) substituted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), s. 121(5)(a), Sch. 1 para. 8(4)

[^key-fb9dc4843edd84b717f4b21a3a1e92d8]: S. 33(1)(d) and word inserted (26.1.2009) by Energy Act 2008 (c. 32) , s. 110(2) , Sch. 5 para. 13(b) ; S.I. 2009/45 , art. 2(e)(iv)

[^key-fbb64d96d97c6d61b8254c2da89a9f8e]: S. 8(3)(b) repealed (21.12.2007) by Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17), s. 66(2), Sch. 1 para. 29(3)(c), Sch. 8 (with s. 6(9)); S.I. 2007/3546, art. 3, Sch.

[^key-fcc024ffb34a98ac76a5fecf568028f8]: Words in s. 33(1)(f) omitted (18.2.2014) by virtue of Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), ss. 142(2), 156(2)

[^key-fd87da0c5d2d01567d7cbcd3dbbd4837]: Words in s. 33(1) substituted (25.5.2024) by The Energy Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/706), regs. 1(2), 5(4)(a)(i)(cc)

[^key-fde7d369bc1c47d8e9fd9d40191e9f3d]: Words in s. 105(4)(ga) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/530), regs. 1(1), 68(2)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-fe9faa006ae77198be98da659e5ec568]: Words in s. 4(1) repealed (1.10.2008) by Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17), s. 66(2), Sch. 7 para. 19(a)(i), Sch. 8; S.I. 2008/2550, art. 2, Sch.

[^key-ff0d943a81306fe11ce21f1f87ce98ba]: Words in s. 106(1) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Abolition of the National Consumer Council and Transfer of the Office of Fair Trading’s Functions in relation to Estate Agents etc) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/631), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 8(10)(b) (with Sch. 1 para. 28, Sch. 2 paras. 13-15)

[^key-ff6a7068eedb427a469811963189baec]: S. 69 omitted (8.6.2010) by virtue of Energy Act 2010 (c. 27), s. 38(3), Sch. para. 13

[^key-9de627e9874265561d23fd1bc6558dc7]: Word in s. 33(1)(k) omitted (18.12.2025) by virtue of Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (c. 34), ss. 15(8)(a), 118(1)(f) (with s. 116)

[^key-75f8168dbf6ea1e3cd9831408c1524c5]: S. 33(1)(m) and word inserted (18.12.2025) by Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (c. 34), ss. 15(8)(b), 118(1)(f) (with s. 116)

[^M_F_ff88f073-f20e-45a8-a330-e3daafbc39dc]: Words in s. 105(6)(z2)(ii) omitted (6.4.2025 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 for specified purposes) by virtue of The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/381), reg. 1(2)(4), Sch. para. 15 (see S.I. 2025/272, reg. 3)

[^key-879bcf8fba8e7fc7b2f5befd3ced0231]: S. 105(3)(aca)(acb) inserted (16.3.2026) by The Utilities Act 2000 (Amendment of Section 105) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/149), arts. 1(1), 2

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Additional terms of connection.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Information to be given to customers.

Guidance on social and environmental matters in relation to gas.

Exceptions from section 5 of 1986 Act.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Modification of standard conditions of gas licences.

Additional terms of connection.

Reports on modification references.

Licence enforcement.

Modification of conditions of particular licence.

Reports on modification references.

5A

• (1) This section applies where—

• (a) the Authority is proposing to do anything for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of any function exercisable by it under or by virtue of Part 1 of the 1986 Act or Part 1 of the 1989 Act , Part 1 of the 1989 Act or Part 8 of the Energy Act 2023; and

• (b) it appears to it that the proposal is important;

but this section does not apply if it appears to the Authority that the urgency of the matter makes it impracticable or inappropriate for the Authority to comply with the requirements of this section.

• (2) A proposal is important for the purposes of this section only if its implementation would be likely to do one or more of the following—

• (a) involve a major change in the activities carried on by the Authority;

• (b) have a significant impact on persons engaged in the shipping, transportation or supply of gas conveyed through pipes or in the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity or in the provision of smart meter communication services (in respect of electricity meters or gas meters);

• (c) have a significant impact on persons engaged in commercial activities connected with the shipping, transportation or supply of gas conveyed through pipes or with the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity;

• (ca) have a significant impact on the carrying out by the Independent System Operator and Planner (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Energy Act 2023) of any of its functions;

• (cb) have a significant impact on the carrying out by a code manager (within the meaning of Part 6 of the Energy Act 2023) of its functions—

• (i) in relation to a designated gas licence document, or

• (ii) in relation to a designated electricity licence document;

• (cc) have a significant impact on persons engaged in—

• (i) the operation or maintenance of, or the supply of heating, cooling or hot water by means of, relevant heat networks (as defined in section 216 of the Energy Act 2023), or

• (ii) commercial activities connected with an activity mentioned in sub-paragraph (i);

• (d) have a significant impact on the general public in Great Britain or in a part of Great Britain; or

• (e) have significant effects on the environment.

• (3) Before implementing its proposal, the Authority must either—

• (a) carry out and publish an assessment of the likely impact of implementing the proposal; or

• (b) publish a statement setting out its reasons for thinking that it is unnecessary for it to carry out an assessment.

• (4) An assessment carried out under this section must—

• (a) include an assessment of the likely effects on the environment of implementing the proposal; and

• (b) relate to such other matters as the Authority considers appropriate.

• (5) In determining the matters to which an assessment under this section should relate, the Authority must have regard to such general guidance relating to the carrying out of impact assessments as it considers appropriate.

• (6) An assessment carried out under this section may take such form as the Authority considers appropriate.

• (7) Where the Authority publishes an assessment under this section—

• (a) it must provide an opportunity of making representations to the Authority about its proposal to members of the public and other persons who, in the Authority’s opinion, are likely to be affected to a significant extent by the proposal’s implementation;

• (b) the published assessment must be accompanied by a statement setting out how representations may be made; and

• (c) the Authority must not implement its proposal unless the period for making representations about the proposal has expired and it has considered all the representations that were made in that period.

• (8) Where the Authority is required (apart from this section)—

• (a) to consult about a proposal to which this section applies, or

• (b) to give a person an opportunity of making representations about it,

the requirements of this section are in addition to, but may be performed contemporaneously with, the other requirements.

• (9) Every report under section 5(1) must set out—

• (a) a list of the assessments under this section carried out during the financial year to which the report relates; and

• (b) a summary of the decisions taken during that year in relation to proposals to which assessments carried out in that year or previous financial years relate.

• (10) The publication of anything under this section must be in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in the Authority’s opinion, are likely to be affected if its proposal is implemented.

• (11) References in sections 4AA, 4AB and 4A of the 1986 Act to functions of the Authority under Part 1 of that Act include references to any functions of the Authority under this section that are exercisable in relation to a proposal to do anything for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of any function of the Authority under Part 1 of the 1986 Act.

• (12) References in sections 3A, 3B and 3C of the 1989 Act to functions of the Authority under Part 1 of that Act include references to any functions of the Authority under this section that are exercisable in relation to a proposal to do anything for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of any function of the Authority under Part 1 of the 1989 Act.

Powers of electricity licence holders.

Licence enforcement.

Financial penalties.

Gas transporters.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Guidance on social and environmental matters in relation to gas.

Reports on modification references.

Licence enforcement.

Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers.

Exceptions from section 5 of 1986 Act.

Reports on modification references.

Modification following report.

General restrictions on disclosure of information.

Overall standards of performance.

Modification of standard conditions of licences.

Modification of standard conditions of licences.

Reports on modification references.

Modification following report.

Publication of advice and information about consumer matters.

Power to require security.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Powers of electricity licence holders.

Objectives and duties under 1986 Act.

Licence enforcement.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Gas transporters.

Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas.

Modification following report.

Modification of conditions of particular licence.

Power to require security.

The gas code.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

Power to require security.

Amendment of Schedule 7 to 1989 Act.

Overall standards of performance.

Special agreements with respect to connection.

Standards of performance: procedures.

Reports on modification references.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Overall standards of performance.

Modification of conditions of particular licence.

Reports on modification references.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications.

Power to require security.

Amendment of Schedule 7 to 1989 Act.

Financial penalties.

Licence enforcement.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

Gas transporters.

Links between directors’ remuneration and gas service standards.

Modification of conditions of particular licence.

Modification of conditions of particular licence.

Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications.

Standards of performance: procedures.

Modification following report.

Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications.

Licence enforcement.

Licence enforcement.

Information to be given to customers.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Overall carbon emissions reduction targets.

Modification of standard conditions of gas licences.

The gas code.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Modification following report.

Power to require security.

Special agreements with respect to connection.

Financial penalties.

Licence enforcement.

Power to require security.

Additional terms of connection.

Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas.

Standards of performance in individual cases.

Information to be given to customers.

Overall standards of performance.

Licence enforcement.

Links between directors’ remuneration and electricity service standards.

Modification of standard conditions of gas licences.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Standard conditions of gas licences.

Standards of performance: procedures.

Transfer of gas licences.

Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers.

Interpretation.

3A

• (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (2) The Authority must ensure that members of its staff do not—

• (a) seek or take any instructions that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, the Authority ’s independence in relation to its designated regulatory functions; or

• (b) carry out any other activity, or have any financial or other interest, that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, the impartiality of those members of staff.

• (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5ZA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duty of Authority to carry out impact assessment

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

105A

• (1) This section applies to any information provided to the Authority —

• (a) for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its designated regulatory functions; and

• (b) by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation in the exercise of its designated regulatory functions.

• (1A) This section also applies to any information provided to the Authority on or after IP completion day—

• (a) for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its designated regulatory functions; and

• (b) by an authority designated in accordance with Article 35 of the Electricity Directive or Article 39 of the Gas Directive.

• (1B) This section also applies to any information provided to the Authority before IP completion day—

• (a) for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its functions as an authority designated in accordance with Article 35 of the Electricity Directive or Article 39 of the Gas Directive; and

• (b) by—

• (i) the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, or

• (ii) an authority in another member State which is designated in accordance with Article 35 of the Electricity Directive or Article 39 of the Gas Directive,

in accordance with Article 38(1) of the Electricity Directive or Article 42(1) of the Gas Directive.

• (2) The Authority may disclose information to which this section applies only if—

• (a) the authority that provided the information to the Authority (“the originating authority”) has confirmed in writing that the originating authority would be permitted to disclose the information in the circumstances in question; and

• (b) the Authority would be permitted under section 105 to disclose the information if it was received under or by virtue of an enactment listed in subsection (1) of that section.

• (3) Subsection (1), (1A) or (1B) applies whether the information is provided directly or indirectly by the originating authority.

Interpretation.

Financial provisions.

2A

A person holding office as chairman or other member must not—

• (a) seek or take any instructions that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, the independence of the Authority in relation to its designated regulatory functions; or

• (b) carry out any other activity, or have any financial or other interest, that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, that person’s impartiality.

103A

• (1) For the purposes of the exercise of the functions of the Administrator under either or both of—

• (a) section 33BD of the 1986 Act (promotion of reductions in home-heating costs: gas transporters and suppliers) and any order made under that section, and

• (b) section 41B of the 1989 Act (promotion of reductions in home-heating costs: electricity distributors and suppliers) and any order made under that section,

the Secretary of State may by order specify an overall target for the promotion of measures for reducing the cost to individuals of heating their homes.

• (2) The power conferred by this section may be exercised so as to specify more than one overall target in relation to the same period or to periods that overlap to any extent.

• (3) Where an overall target applies in relation to both sections mentioned in subsection (1), the order specifying the target may make provision for the target to be apportioned between—

• (a) persons who are gas transporters or gas suppliers (for the purposes of section 33BD of the 1986 Act and any order made under that section); and

• (b) persons who are electricity distributors or electricity suppliers (for the purposes of section 41B of the 1989 Act and any order under that section),

by reference to such criteria as may be specified in the order.

• (3A) Where an overall target applies in relation to a section mentioned in subsection (1) the order specifying the target may make provision for the target to be apportioned between—

• (a) measures carried out in England and Wales, and

• (b) measures carried out in Scotland,

by reference to such criteria as may be specified in the order.

• (4) The Administrator shall exercise its functions under the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) in relation to which an overall target applies (and in particular its functions relating to the determination of home-heating cost reduction targets) in the manner it considers best calculated to result in the achievement of the overall target.

• (4A) Where a target is apportioned under subsection (3A) for the purposes of a section, an order under that section may include provision for a supplier to elect, subject to any conditions specified in the order,—

• (a) that, for the purposes of meeting the home-heating cost reduction target under an obligation imposed by the order in relation to England and Wales, a measure carried out in Scotland is to be treated instead as carried out in England and Wales;

• (b) that, for the purposes of meeting the home-heating cost reduction target under an obligation imposed by the order in relation to Scotland, a measure carried out in England and Wales is to be treated instead as carried out in Scotland.

• (4B) An order may not make provision under subsection (4A)(b) unless the Scottish Ministers have agreed to such provision being made.

• (5) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority, Citizens Advice, Consumer Scotland, gas transporters, gas suppliers, electricity distributors, electricity suppliers, and such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

• (6) An order under this section 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.

103B

• (1) Subject to subsection (1A), the Secretary of State may by notice require a person within subsection (3) to provide the Secretary of State with specified information, or information of a specified kind, for the purpose of enabling the Secretary of State—

• (a) to decide whether to make a carbon emissions reduction order or a home-heating cost reduction order and, if so, what provision to include in the order;

• (b) to review the operation and effect of a carbon emissions reduction order or a home-heating cost reduction order;

• (c) to establish and maintain a record (“a measures record”) of properties in respect of which carbon emissions reduction measures or home-heating cost reduction measures have been taken and of the type of measure taken in respect of each such property.

• (1A) The Scottish Ministers may exercise the power in subsection (1)(b) and (c) in order to require information to review the operation of any carbon emissions reduction order or home-heating cost reduction order made by the Scottish Ministers and to establish and maintain a measures record in relation to such orders.

• (2) For the purpose of enabling a person (“A”) to establish and maintain a measures record on behalf of the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers, the Secretary of State and the Scottish Ministers may by notice require any person within subsection (3) to provide A with specified information or information of a specified kind.

• (3) Those persons are—

• (a) gas transporters and gas suppliers;

• (b) electricity distributors and electricity suppliers;

• (c) the Authority; and

• (d) any body other than the Authority that is for the time being the Administrator in relation to a carbon emissions reduction order or a home-heating cost reduction order.

• (4) Information required to be provided by a notice under this section must be provided—

• (a) in such form as may be specified;

• (b) within such period as may be specified or at such intervals as may be specified.

• (5) No person shall be required by a notice under this section to provide any information which the person could not be compelled to give in evidence in civil proceedings in the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session.

• (6) Information obtained by virtue of this section may be disclosed by the Secretary of State—

• (a) to the Welsh Ministers for the purpose of enabling them to review the operation and effect in Wales of a carbon emissions reduction order or a home-heating cost reduction order;

• (b) to the Scottish Ministers for the purpose of enabling them to review the operation and effect in Scotland of a carbon emissions reduction order or a home-heating cost reduction order.

• (6A) Information obtained by virtue of subsection (1A) may be disclosed by the Scottish Ministers—

• (a) to the Secretary of State;

• (b) to the Welsh Ministers for the purpose of enabling them to review the operation and effect in Wales of a carbon emissions reduction order or home-heating cost reduction order.

• (7) In sections 28 to 30F and section 38 of the 1986 Act (enforcement of relevant requirements etc) a reference to a “relevant requirement” is to be treated as including a reference to a requirement imposed on a gas transporter or gas supplier under this section.

• (8) In sections 25 to 28 of the 1989 Act (enforcement of relevant requirements etc) a reference to a “relevant requirement” is to be treated as including a reference to a requirement imposed on an electricity distributor or electricity supplier under this section.

• (9) In this section—

• “a carbon emissions reduction order” means an order under—section 33BC of the 1986 Act;section 41A of the 1989 Act; orsection 103 of this Act;

• “a home-heating cost reduction order” means an order under—section 33BD of the 1986 Act;section 41B of the 1989 Act; orsection 103A of this Act;

• “a carbon emissions reduction measure” is a measure of a kind mentioned in subsection (2) of each of section 33BC of the 1986 Act and section 41A of the 1989 Act;

• “a home-heating cost reduction measure” is a measure of a kind mentioned in subsection (2)(b) of each of section 33BD of the 1986 Act and section 41B of the 1989 Act;

• “specified” means specified in a notice under this section.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Modification of standard conditions of licences.

Modification by order under other enactments.

Financial penalties.

Modification following report.

Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications.

Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

The gas code.

Transfer of gas licences.

Licence enforcement.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.

Interpretation.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Reports on modification references.

Modification following report.

Competition Commission’s power to veto modifications.

Modification following report.

Powers of electricity licence holders.

Links between directors’ remuneration and electricity service standards.

Exceptions from section 5 of 1986 Act.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Modification following Competition Commission report.

The gas code.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Financial provisions.

Forward work programmes.

4A

• (1) As soon as reasonably practicable after the designation of a statement as the strategy and policy statement, the Authority must publish a document setting out the required information in relation to the statement.

• (2) The Authority must include the required information in relation to a strategy and policy statement in the forward work programme for each financial year, subject to making such modifications to the information as the Authority considers appropriate from the version as last published under this subsection.

• (3) The required information in relation to a strategy and policy statement to be set out in a document or forward work programme is—

• (a) the strategy the Authority intends to adopt for the purpose of furthering the delivery of the policy outcomes contained in the statement (both in respect of the year in or for which the document or programme is issued and beyond);

• (b) the things the Authority proposes to do in implementing that strategy (including when the Authority proposes to do them);

• (c) the ways in which the Authority has had regard to the strategic priorities contained in the statement in setting out the information required under paragraphs (a) and (b).

• (4) The duty under subsection (1) does not apply if—

• (a) the Authority does not think it reasonably practicable to publish the document mentioned in that subsection before the time when the Authority is next required to publish a forward work programme, and

• (b) the Authority includes the required information in that forward work programme.

• (5) The duty under subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the first financial year beginning after the designation of the statement if—

• (a) the Authority does not think it reasonably practicable to include the required information in the forward work programme for that year, and

• (b) the Authority includes the required information in a document published under subsection (1).

• (6) The duty under subsection (2) does not apply in relation to a financial year if the Secretary of State gives notice to the Authority under this subsection that the statement's designation—

• (a) will be withdrawn before the beginning of the year, or

• (b) is expected to have been withdrawn before the beginning of the year.

• (7) Subsections (4) to (6) of section 4 (notice requirements) apply to a document published under subsection (1) as they apply to a forward work programme.

• (8) In this section—

• “designation”, in relation to a strategy and policy statement, means designation of the statement by the Secretary of State under Part 5 of the Energy Act 2013;

• “forward work programme” has the meaning given by section 4(1);

• “policy outcomes”, “strategic priorities” and “strategy and policy statement” have the same meaning as in Part 5 of the Energy Act 2013.

Report on activities as designated regulatory authority

Duty of Authority to carry out impact assessment

Objectives and duties under 1986 Act.

Standard conditions of electricity licences.

Standards of performance in individual cases.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Special agreements with respect to connection.

Licence enforcement.

Financial penalties.

Obligation in connection with electricity from renewable sources.

Gas transporters.

Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers.

Links between directors’ remuneration and gas service standards.

Overall carbon emissions reduction targets.

Modification following Competition Commission report.

Licence enforcement.

Links between directors’ remuneration and gas service standards.

Overall carbon emissions reduction targets.

General restrictions on disclosure of information.

Interpretation.

Interpretation.

Laying of accounts before Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly

Publication of advice and information about consumer matters.

Reports on modification references.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Standard conditions of gas licences.

Special agreements with respect to connection.

Standard conditions of gas licences.

Transfer of gas licences.

Obligation in connection with electricity from renewable sources.

Construction of pipe-lines by gas transporters.

Overall carbon emissions reduction targets.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Standard conditions of gas licences.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

Licence enforcement.

Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers.

Overall home-heating cost reduction targets

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Financial provisions.

Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.

5XA

• (1) The Comptroller and Auditor General must send to the Authority, in respect of each of its accounting years, a copy of the certified accounts and report of the Authority no later than 15th January of the financial year following that to which the accounts relate.

• (2) The Authority must send to the Scottish Ministers and the Welsh Ministers, in respect of each of its accounting years, a copy of the certified accounts and report of the Authority no later than 31st January of the financial year following that to which the accounts relate.

• (2A) The Authority must send to the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, in respect of each of its accounting years, a copy of the certified accounts and report of the Authority no later than 31 January of the financial year following that to which the accounts relate.

• (3) The Scottish Ministers must lay a copy of whatever is sent to them under subsection (2) before the Scottish Parliament.

• (3A) The Welsh Ministers must lay a copy of whatever is sent to them under subsection (2) before the National Assembly for Wales.

• (3B) The Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland must lay a copy of whatever is sent to it under subsection (2A) before the Northern Ireland Assembly.

• (4) In subsections (1) to (3) “certified accounts and report” means those accounts certified under sections 5 and 7 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000, and the report issued by the Comptroller and Auditor General under section 6(3)(a) of that Act.

Report on activities as designated regulatory authority

Guidance on social and environmental matters in relation to gas.

Gas transporters.

Standards of performance in individual cases.

Licence enforcement.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Exemptions from gas licensing.

Modification following Competition Commission report.

The gas code.

Licence enforcement.

Overall home-heating cost reduction targets

Financial provisions.

Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.

Exceptions from section 5 of 1986 Act.

Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Gas transporters’ duty to make a connection.

Standard conditions of gas licences.

Modification following Competition Commission report.

The gas code.

Licence enforcement.

Help for disadvantaged groups of gas customers.

Overall home-heating cost reduction targets

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.

Forward work programmes.

Laying of accounts before Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly

Report on activities as designated regulatory authority

The gas code.

Interpretation.

Financial provisions.

Report on activities as designated regulatory authority

Duty of Authority to carry out impact assessment

Power to require security.

Obligation in connection with electricity from renewable sources.

Overall home-heating cost reduction targets

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Financial provisions.

Reports on modification references.

Amendment of Schedule 7 to 1989 Act.

Overall standards of performance.

Links between directors’ remuneration and electricity service standards.

Duty to facilitate competition.

Overall carbon emissions reduction targets.

Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.

Reports on modification references.

Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply of gas.

Licence enforcement.

Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

Interpretation.

Financial provisions.