Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Energy Act 2023

Type Public General Act

Publication 2023-10-26

Last updated 2026-04-06

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

Conditions of the sort referred to in paragraph 14 (4)(f) may, in particular, require the holder of a heat network authorisation, when directed to do so by the Regulator in circumstances of a description specified in the conditions, to carry on a regulated activity in relation to a relevant heat network in the place of another person (see paragraph 44).

Modification of heat network authorisations

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(1) The regulations may provide for the modification by the Regulator of—

(a) the conditions of a particular heat network authorisation;

(b) conditions that are included in two or more heat network authorisations.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to make a modification;

(b) provide for the communication of any modification;

(d) provide for the Regulator to comply with a direction of the Secretary of State or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department not to make a particular modification.

(3) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), a reference to the modification of a condition includes a reference to the revocation of a condition.

(4) The regulations may provide for the conditions of a heat network authorisation—

(a) to have effect or cease to have effect at such times and in such circumstances as may be determined by or under the conditions;

(b) to be modified in such manner as may be specified in the conditions at such times and in such circumstances as may be so determined.

Review and revocation of heat network authorisations

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The regulations may provide for the conditions of, or the activities carried out by virtue of, a heat network authorisation to be reviewed by the Regulator at any time while it is in force.

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(1) The regulations may provide—

(a) for the revocation of a heat network authorisation by the Regulator;

(b) for a heat network authorisation to cease to have effect in circumstances specified in or determined under the authorisation.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(a) may, in particular, provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to revoke the authorisation.

Initial period

21

(1) The regulations may make provision with respect to persons carrying on a regulated activity in relation to a relevant heat network during a period that—

(a) begins with the day on which any regulations made by virtue of paragraph 12 come into force, and

(b) ends with a day specified in the regulations.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) provide for the period to be prolonged, or to be prolonged as it relates to a description of heat network authorisations, by the Regulator;

(b) require the consent of the Secretary of State or the Department (as the case may be) to such an alteration.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may—

(a) provide for a person carrying on a regulated activity in relation to a relevant heat network to be treated as holding a heat network authorisation in relation to that activity and that relevant heat network during the period described in sub-paragraph (1) (or, if applicable, during that period as prolonged by virtue of sub-paragraph (2));

(b) make provision as to the conditions of the heat network authorisation treated as conferred on such a person (including provision similar to the provision described in paragraph 14 (2));

(c) require a person carrying on a regulated activity in relation to a relevant heat network to apply to the Regulator for a heat network authorisation to be conferred on the person by a time specified in or determined under the regulations.

(4) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (3)(c) may provide for different times for different descriptions of case.

Part 4 — Code governance

Designated documents

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(1) In this Part, “designated document” means a document that—

(a) is maintained in accordance with the conditions of a code manager licence, and

(b) is designated for the purposes of this Part by or in accordance with the regulations.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) designate or provide for the designation of different documents for different purposes;

(b) provide for the time from which a designation has effect;

(d) revoke or provide for the revocation of a designated document;

(e) provide for a designated document otherwise ceasing to be a designated document.

(3) The regulations may provide for a document that is designated to make provision by reference to material (including standards, specifications or requirements) contained in other documents that are published from time to time.

(4) The regulations may, in particular, make provision about the cases in which the designated document may be modified by the Regulator.

Prohibition on performing the function of a code manager

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(1) The regulations may, in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, prohibit a person from performing the function of code manager in relation to a designated document, except as permitted by virtue of a code manager licence (see paragraph 25).

(2) A reference in this Part to a person performing the function of code manager in relation to a designated document is a reference to a person making arrangements, with persons to whom sub-paragraph (3) applies, under which the person is responsible for the governance of the designated document.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies to the person who holds a heat network authorisation where a condition of the authorisation requires the person to comply with the designated document in question.

Licensed code managers

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(1) The regulations may, in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, make provision about selecting a person to be a code manager in relation to a designated document.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, make provision about the procedure for selecting a person, including provision for determining which procedure to apply in a particular case.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) may include provision for the payment of a fee by a person seeking to be selected to be a code manager.

(4) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) may provide for the Regulator to make provision by regulations about those matters.

(5) Regulations made by the Regulator by virtue of sub-paragraph (4) are to be made by statutory instrument.

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(1) The regulations may, in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, provide for the Regulator, where a person is selected to be the code manager in relation to a designated document, to issue a licence (a “code manager licence”) to the person which authorises the person to perform the function of code manager in relation to the designated document.

(2) The regulations may make provision as to the period for which a licence may be in force.

(3) In this Part, references to the licensed code manager, in relation to a designated document, are references to the person who is authorised by a code manager licence to perform the function of code manager in relation to the designated document.

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(1) The regulations may make provision about the contents of a code manager licence.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the Regulator to determine and publish conditions to be included in each code manager licence or in each code manager licence of a particular description;

(b) provide for the Secretary of State to determine and publish conditions to be included in each code manager licence or in each code manager licence of a particular description;

(d) make provision about the inclusion in a code manager licence of conditions that are special to that licence;

(e) make provision about including conditions that meet objectives or other criteria specified in the regulations.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, provide for the following sorts of conditions to be included in a code manager licence—

(a) conditions about the nature of the governance arrangements that the licensed code manager may enter into with persons who hold a heat network authorisation (see paragraph 14 (3)(b));

(b) conditions about the content of those governance arrangements, which may include provision about the licensed code manager—

(i) modifying the designated document,

(ii) monitoring or enforcing compliance with the provisions of the designated document, or

(iii) developing guidance relating to the designated document;

(d) conditions about providing information to the Regulator;

(e) conditions about complying with directions of the Regulator as to matters specified or of a description specified in the code manager licence;

(f) conditions about the payment of fees to the Regulator, including conditions about the payment of fees—

(i) when a code manager licence is first issued;

(ii) while a code manager licence continues to be in force in relation to a person.

(4) The regulations may, in particular, provide for conditions to be included in a code manager licence that—

(a) in relation to England and Wales or Scotland, impose on the person who holds the licence a requirement of a kind that may be imposed under section 7(3) of the Electricity Act 1989 on the holder of a licence under section 6(1) of that Act;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, impose on the person who holds the licence a requirement of a kind that may be imposed under Article 11(3) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1)) on the holder of a licence under Article 10(1) of that Order.

27

The regulations may provide for the Regulator to make payments to licensed code managers in respect of their costs.

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(1) The regulations may provide for the modification by the Regulator of—

(a) the conditions of a particular code manager licence;

(b) conditions that are included in two or more code manager licences.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to make a modification;

(b) provide for the communication of any modification;

(d) provide for the Regulator to comply with a direction of the Secretary of State not to make a particular modification.

(3) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), a reference to the modification of a condition includes a reference to the revocation of a condition.

(4) The regulations may provide for the conditions of a code manager licence—

(a) to have effect or cease to have effect at such times and in such circumstances as may be determined by or under the conditions;

(b) to be modified in such manner as may be specified in the conditions at such times and in such circumstances as may be so determined.

Review and revocation of code manager licences

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The regulations may provide for a code manager licence, or the activities carried out by virtue of a code manager licence, to be reviewed by the Regulator at any time while it is in force.

30

(1) The regulations may provide—

(a) for the revocation of a code manager licence by the Regulator;

(b) for a code manager licence to cease to have effect in circumstances specified in or determined under the licence.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(a) may provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to revoke the licence.

Part 5 — Installation and maintenance licences

Installation and maintenance licences

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(1) The regulations may provide for the issuing of licences (“installation and maintenance licences”) which authorise the holder of a licence to exercise the rights specified in the licence for purposes relating to the installation or maintenance of relevant heat networks—

(a) in England and Wales, or

(b) in Northern Ireland.

(2) The regulations may require the Regulator to be satisfied before issuing an installation and maintenance licence to a person that the person is an appropriate person to hold such a licence.

(3) The regulations may require the Regulator, in deciding whether a person is an appropriate person to hold an installation and maintenance licence, to consider such matters as may be specified.

(4) The matters specified may, in particular, relate to the abilities or financial resources of the person applying for a licence or the nature of the business carried on by the person.

(5) The regulations may specify other conditions that are to be satisfied before a licence may be issued.

(6) The regulations may make provision about the procedure for applying for a licence, including provision about—

(a) the form and content of an application,

(b) the manner in which the application and any accompanying documents are to be submitted to the Regulator, and

(7) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (6) may provide for the Regulator to make provision by regulations about the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (6) (including provision about the information that must be provided to the Regulator by a person applying for a licence), so far as relating to England and Wales.

(8) Regulations made by the Regulator by virtue of sub-paragraph (7) are to be made by statutory instrument.

(9) The regulations may make provision as to the period for which a licence may be in force.

(10) The regulations may make provision about the transfer of a licence.

Rights that may be conferred

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(1) The regulations must set out the rights relating to land that are capable of being conferred on a person by an installation and maintenance licence.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) setting out a right may include provision about the restrictions, exceptions or conditions subject to which the right may be exercised.

(3) The rights set out by regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may include—

(a) a right to apply to the Secretary of State or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department for authority to make a compulsory acquisition of an easement or other right over land by the creation of a new right for the purpose of installing or maintaining works and apparatus relating to a heat network;

(b) a right—

(i) to install and keep works and apparatus relating to a heat network in, under or over a street,

(ii) to inspect, maintain, adjust, alter, repair, upgrade, operate or remove such works and apparatus, and

(iii) to carry out such other works as are required for or incidental to those works,

subject to such requirements as to notification, manner of working and compensation as may be specified in the regulations;

(i) to install and keep works and apparatus relating to a heat network in, under or over transport land,

(ii) to inspect, maintain, alter, repair, replace and remove such works and apparatus,

(iii) to carry out any works on the transport land for or in connection with the exercise of a right described in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii), and

(iv) to enter the transport land to inspect, maintain, adjust, alter, repair, upgrade, operate or remove the works or apparatus,

subject to such requirements as to notification, compensation, arbitration and alteration of the works and apparatus as may be specified in the regulations;

(d) a right to undertake works of a specified description without being required to obtain planning permission.

(4) In this paragraph—

“street” means a street in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and—in relation to England and Wales, has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991;in relation to Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/3210 (N.I. 19));

“transport land” means land which is used wholly or mainly—as a railway, tramway or waterway, orin connection with a railway, tramway or waterway on the land.

Further provision about installation and maintenance licences

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(1) The regulations may make provision about the contents of installation and maintenance licences.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the Regulator to determine and publish conditions to be included in each installation and maintenance licence or in each installation and maintenance licence of a particular description;

(b) provide for the Secretary of State or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department to determine and publish conditions to be included in each installation and maintenance licence or in each installation and maintenance licence of a particular description;

(d) make provision about the inclusion in an installation and maintenance licence of conditions that are special to that licence;

(e) make provision about including conditions that meet objectives or other criteria specified in the regulations.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, provide for the following sorts of conditions to be included in a licence—

(a) conditions about providing information to the Regulator;

(b) conditions about the payment of fees to the Regulator, including conditions about the payment of fees—

(i) when a licence is first issued;

(ii) while a licence continues to be in force in relation to a person.

(4) The regulations may, in particular, provide for conditions to be included in an installation and maintenance licence that—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, impose on the person who holds the licence a requirement of a kind that may be imposed under section 7(3) of the Electricity Act 1989 on the holder of a licence under section 6(1) of that Act;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, impose on the person who holds the licence a requirement of a kind that may be imposed under Article 11(3) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1)) on the holder of a licence under Article 10(1) of that Order.

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(1) The regulations may provide for the modification by the Regulator of—

(a) the conditions of a particular installation and maintenance licence;

(b) conditions that are included in two or more installation and maintenance licences.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to make a modification;

(b) provide for the communication of any modification;

(d) provide for the Regulator to comply with a direction of the Secretary of State or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department not to make a particular modification.

(3) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), a reference to the modification of a condition includes a reference to the revocation of a condition.

(4) The regulations may provide for the conditions of an installation and maintenance licence—

(a) to have effect or cease to have effect at such times and in such circumstances as may be determined by or under the conditions;

(b) to be modified in such manner as may be specified in the conditions at such times and in such circumstances as may be so determined.

Review and revocation of installation and maintenance licences

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The regulations may provide for the conditions of, or the activities carried out by virtue of, an installation and maintenance licence to be reviewed by the Regulator at any time while it is in force.

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(1) The regulations may provide—

(a) for the revocation of an installation and maintenance licence by the Regulator;

(b) for an installation and maintenance licence to cease to have effect in circumstances specified in or determined under the licence.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(a) may, in particular, provide for the procedure to be followed by the Regulator when it proposes to revoke the licence.

Part 6 — Enforcement of conditions and requirements

Methods of enforcement

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(1) The regulations may make provision about the enforcement of relevant conditions or relevant requirements.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, provide for the Regulator—

(a) in a case where the Regulator is satisfied that a relevant person is contravening or is likely to contravene a relevant condition or requirement, to make a final order requiring the person to take such steps as the Regulator considers appropriate for the purpose of securing the person’s compliance with the relevant condition or requirement;

(b) in a case where it appears to the Regulator that a relevant person is contravening or is likely to contravene a relevant condition or requirement, to make a provisional order requiring the person to take such steps as the Regulator considers appropriate for the purpose of securing compliance with the relevant condition or requirement;

(d) in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, in a case where the contravention of a relevant condition or requirement by a relevant person has caused or is causing one or more consumers to suffer loss or damage or to be caused inconvenience, to make an order (a “consumer redress order”) requiring the person to do such things as appear to the Regulator necessary for the purposes of—

(i) remedying the consequences of the contravention, or

(ii) preventing the person contravening the relevant condition or requirement again in the same or a similar way.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, provide for—

(a) the making of an order,

(b) the imposition of a penalty, or

to be excluded if the Regulator considers that it would be more appropriate to proceed under the Competition Act 1998 (see paragraph 41).

(4) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, make provision about the use of more than one method of enforcement.

(5) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, make provision about enforcement in a case where a person who holds two or more heat network authorisations has contravened or is likely to contravene a relevant condition or requirement in those, or some of those, heat network authorisations.

(6) In this paragraph—

“relevant condition” means a condition of—a heat network authorisation,a code manager licence, oran installation and maintenance licence;

“relevant person” means—a person who holds a heat network authorisation,a licensed code manager, ora person who holds an installation and maintenance licence;

“relevant requirement”, in relation to a relevant person, means a requirement imposed on the person by or under the regulations or by regulations made by the Regulator by virtue of any provision of this Schedule.

Final and provisional orders

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(1) Regulations made by virtue of paragraph 37 (2) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the confirmation of a provisional order;

(b) make provision about procedure;

(c) provide for the grounds on which an order may be challenged in legal proceedings, the time within which it may be challenged and the remedies that may be given;

(d) specify how an order may be enforced (including by providing for non-compliance with an order to be a breach of duty);

(e) make provision enabling the Regulator to accept an enforcement undertaking from a relevant person and about the consequences of accepting such an undertaking.

(2) An “enforcement undertaking” is an undertaking to take, within the period specified in the undertaking, such action as may be so specified to secure compliance with a relevant condition or requirement.

(3) Except as provided by the regulations, the validity of an order made by virtue of paragraph 37 (2)(a) or (b) is not to be questioned in any legal proceedings.

Penalties

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(1) Regulations made by virtue of paragraph 37 (2)(c) may, in particular—

(a) make provision about the maximum amount that may be imposed by way of penalty;

(b) make provision about procedure;

(d) specify how a penalty (and any interest) may be recovered;

(e) make provision about payment of a penalty (and any interest) in instalments;

(f) require sums received by way of penalty (and interest) to be paid into—

(i) the Consolidated Fund, or

(ii) in relation to Northern Ireland, the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland;

(g) make provision enabling the Regulator to accept an enforcement undertaking from a relevant person and about the consequences of accepting such an undertaking.

(2) The regulations may provide for—

(a) publication by the Regulator of a statement of policy with respect to the imposition of penalties and the determination of their amount;

(b) revision of the statement of policy.

(3) Where regulations make provision by virtue of paragraph 37 (2)(c) for the imposition of a penalty on a relevant person, the regulations—

(a) must also include provision enabling the relevant person to challenge the penalty in legal proceedings;

(b) may, in particular, specify the grounds on which and the time within which a penalty may be challenged and the remedies that may be given.

(4) Except as provided by the regulations, the validity of a penalty imposed by virtue of paragraph 37 is not to be questioned in any legal proceedings.

Consumer redress orders

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(1) Regulations made by virtue of paragraph 37 (2)(d) may, in particular—

(a) make provision about the requirements that may be imposed by a consumer redress order, including, in particular, requirements as to—

(i) paying compensation to affected heat network consumers;

(ii) preparing and distributing a written statement about the contravention;

(iii) terminating or varying contracts entered into with affected heat network consumers;

(b) make provision about the maximum amount of compensation that a relevant person may be required to pay;

(d) make provision about challenges to a consumer redress order in legal proceedings (including, in particular, specifying the grounds on which and the time within which an order may be challenged and the remedies that may be given);

(e) make provision about the payment of interest;

(f) make provision about payment of compensation (and any interest) in instalments;

(g) specify how a consumer redress order may be enforced;

(h) make provision enabling the Regulator to accept an enforcement undertaking from a relevant person and about the consequences of accepting such an undertaking.

(2) The regulations may provide for—

(a) publication by the Regulator of a statement of policy with respect to the making of consumer redress orders and the determination of the requirements imposed by them;

(b) revision of the statement of policy.

(3) Except as provided by the regulations, the validity of a consumer redress order is not to be questioned in any legal proceedings.

Functions under Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 and Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002

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(1) The regulations may make provision for the purpose of enabling the Regulator to exercise such functions of the Competition and Markets Authority under Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998, or such descriptions of those functions, as are specified in the regulations.

(2) The regulations may make provision for the purpose of enabling the Regulator to exercise such functions of the Competition and Markets Authority under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002, or such descriptions of those functions, as are specified in the regulations.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) or (2) may, in particular, make provision—

(a) about the concurrent exercise of functions by the Regulator and the Competition and Markets Authority;

(b) for the joint exercise of functions by the Regulator and the Competition and Markets Authority in a particular case;

(c) as to the procedure for determining which of the Regulator and the Competition and Markets Authority is to exercise functions in a particular case;

(d) as to the circumstances in which the exercise of a function by the Regulator or the Competition and Markets Authority precludes the exercise of the function by the other;

(e) about assistance that may be given by the Regulator to the Competition and Markets Authority.

Part 7 — Investigation

Investigation of charges

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(1) The regulations may make provision about how the Regulator is to determine whether charges payable by heat network consumers for, or in relation to, heating, cooling or hot water supplied by means of a relevant heat network contravene a condition of a heat network authorisation by reason of being disproportionate (see paragraph 14 (5)(b)).

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision enabling the Regulator to specify from time to time the methods that are to be used by the Regulator to determine whether charges are disproportionate.

Powers to require information etc

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(1) The regulations may make provision conferring powers on the Regulator or imposing requirements on any person, for the purposes of or in connection with enabling the Regulator—

(a) to monitor and secure compliance with relevant conditions or requirements;

(b) to make an order in respect of the contravention of a relevant condition or requirement;

(d) to make a determination under provision made by virtue of paragraph 42 (1).

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, enable the Regulator—

(a) to require information to be supplied;

(b) to require copies of documents to be provided;

(d) to inspect and take copies of documents or records;

(e) to conduct tests or to require tests to be conducted;

(f) to require a person to produce any equipment, document or record and to make available information stored electronically;

(g) to seize and detain equipment, documents and records.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) confer powers to enter premises for the purposes of exercising powers conferred by the regulations;

(b) make provision about the circumstances in which a warrant is required to exercise a power conferred by virtue of paragraph (a);

(4) The regulations may provide for the Regulator to authorise others to exercise powers conferred on it by regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1).

(5) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, impose requirements relating to—

(a) the keeping of records by relevant persons;

(b) the provision of information by relevant persons and others;

Part 8 — Step-in arrangements

44

The regulations may make provision for, or in connection with, securing that the holder of a heat network authorisation (“the new entity”) is able effectively to carry on a regulated activity in relation to a relevant heat network in the place of another person (“the old entity”) when directed to do so by the Regulator under a power conferred by a condition in its heat network authorisation (see paragraph 17).

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(1) The regulations may provide for the Regulator to make one or more schemes making such provision as to property, rights and liabilities as is necessary or expedient for the purpose of enabling the new entity to carry on the regulated activity in relation to the relevant heat network in an effective manner.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, authorise a scheme to provide for—

(a) the transfer of property, rights or liabilities;

(b) the creation of interests in, or rights in relation to, property;

(d) the modification of interests, rights or liabilities of third parties;

(e) the enforcement of a right or liability for whose transfer or creation the scheme provides;

(f) the entering into of agreements and the execution of instruments for the purposes of, or in connection with, the transfer of property or the transfer or creation of rights or liabilities;

(g) the time at which a transfer, creation or modification is to take place;

(h) the assessment and payment of compensation.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may provide for the scheme—

(a) to contain incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision;

(b) to make different provision for different purposes.

(4) The regulations may provide for the modification of a scheme.

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(1) The regulations may—

(a) provide for the old entity to give the Regulator such information and assistance as the Regulator may require for the purposes of, or in connection with, the making or implementation of a scheme;

(b) provide for the Regulator, for the purposes of, or in connection with, the making or implementation of a scheme, to direct the old entity to take, or to refrain from taking, such steps as are specified in the direction.

(2) The regulations may provide for the Regulator—

(a) to make payments to the new entity in respect of costs incurred in connection with carrying on the regulated activity in relation to the heat network;

(b) to indemnify the new entity in respect of liabilities arising from, or in connection with, carrying on the regulated activity in relation to the heat network.

Part 9 — Special administration regime

47

The regulations may make provision for, or in connection with, a special administration regime for companies that are holders of heat network authorisations.

48

(1) The regulations may make provision for a court to make an order (a “heat network administration order”) in relation to a company that is the holder of a heat network authorisation directing that the affairs, business and property of the company are to be managed by a person appointed by the court (referred to in this Part as the heat network administrator of the company).

(2) The regulations may make provision about the court that has jurisdiction in a particular case.

(3) The regulations may limit the effect of a heat network administration order applying to a non-GB company or a non-NI company to—

(a) its affairs and business so far as carried on in Great Britain or Northern Ireland (as the case may be), and

(b) its property in Great Britain or Northern Ireland (as the case may be).

49

(1) The regulations may make provision about the objectives of a heat network administration order and the means by which the objectives may be secured.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, require the heat network administrator to exercise functions so as to achieve the objectives set out in sub-paragraph (3) so far as possible.

(3) The objectives referred to in sub-paragraph (2) are—

(a) to secure that the supply of heating, cooling or hot water is continued at the lowest cost which it is reasonably practicable to incur,

(b) to secure that the company’s relevant heat network is and continues to be maintained and developed as an efficient and economical system, and

(c) to secure that it becomes unnecessary, by using such means as are allowed by the regulations, for the heat network administration order to remain in force.

(4) The regulations may make provision about the means that may be used, including—

(a) the rescue as a going concern of the company subject to the heat network administration order;

(b) a transfer as a going concern of so much of the undertaking of the company subject to the heat network administration order as is associated with the company’s relevant heat network.

(5) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (4) may also provide for the heat network administrator to make arrangements for securing that heat network consumers who are supplied with heating, cooling or hot water by the company’s relevant heat network have an alternative supply of heating, cooling or hot water (as the case may be).

(6) The regulations may make provision about—

(a) the means by which a transfer falling within sub-paragraph (4)(b) may be effected;

(b) the circumstances in which the objectives set out in sub-paragraph (3) may or may not be achieved by means of such a transfer.

(7) In this paragraph, “the company’s relevant heat network”, in relation to a company that is the holder of a heat network authorisation, means the relevant heat network to which the authorisation relates.

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(1) The regulations may make provision for applying, with such modifications as appear to the appropriate authority to be appropriate, the provisions mentioned in sub-paragraph (2).

(2) The provisions referred to in sub-paragraph (1) are—

(a) sections 156 to 167 of, and Schedules 20 and 21 to, the Energy Act 2004 (special administration regime for energy licensees);

(b) sections 171 and 196 of the Energy Act 2004 (interpretation), so far as relating to the provisions mentioned in paragraph (a);

(c) sections 19 to 33 of, and the Schedule to, the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 6 (N.I.)) (special administration regime for protected energy companies);

(d) section 35 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (interpretation), so far as relating to the provisions mentioned in paragraph (c).

(3) In this paragraph, “the appropriate authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, the Secretary of State;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department.

51

In this Part—

“company” means—a company registered under the Companies Act 2006, oran unregistered company;

“heat network administration order” has the meaning given by paragraph 48;

“heat network administrator” has the meaning given by paragraph 48;

“non-GB company” means a company incorporated outside Great Britain;

“non-NI company” means a company incorporated outside Northern Ireland;

“unregistered company” means a company that is not registered under the Companies Act 2006.

Part 10 — Supply to premises

52

(1) The regulations may make provision about—

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

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

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

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

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

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

53

The regulations may—

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

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

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

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

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

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

54

The regulations may—

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

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

55

The regulations may—

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

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

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

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

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

56

The regulations may—

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

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

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

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

57

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

Part 11 — Consumer protection

Standards of performance

58

(1) The regulations may prescribe such standards of performance in connection with the regulated activities of holders of heat network authorisations, so far as affecting—

(a) heat network consumers supplied by the relevant heat networks to which their authorisations relate, or

(b) potential heat network consumers who would be supplied by those relevant heat networks,

as in the Regulator’s opinion ought to be achieved as regards those persons.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) specify the circumstances in which the holders of heat network authorisations are to inform persons of rights conferred on them under regulations made by virtue of this paragraph;

(b) provide for exemptions from standards of performance;

(c) require the holders of heat network authorisations to provide information about their compliance with standards of performance.

(3) The regulations may provide—

(a) for compensation to be made to persons affected by a failure to meet a standard of performance;

(b) for the determination of the amount of compensation.

(4) The regulations may provide for the making of compensation under regulations made by virtue of this paragraph in respect of a failure to meet a standard of performance not to prejudice any other remedy which may be available in respect of the act or omission which constituted the failure.

(5) Regulations made in relation to England and Wales and Scotland by virtue of sub-paragraphs (1) to (3), may provide for the Regulator to make provision by regulations about the matters referred to in those sub-paragraphs.

(6) The regulations may require that regulations made by the Regulator by virtue of sub-paragraph (5) are made with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(7) Regulations made by the Regulator by virtue of sub-paragraph (5) are to be made by statutory instrument.

59

(1) The regulations may provide for the Regulator, from time to time—

(a) to determine such standards of overall performance in connection with regulated activities as, in the Regulator’s opinion, ought to be achieved by holders of heat network authorisations;

(b) to publish those standards.

(2) The regulations may provide for the Regulator to determine different standards for different descriptions of holders of heat network authorisations.

(3) The regulations may require holders of heat network authorisations to conduct their regulated activities in such a way as can reasonably be expected to lead to compliance with standards set under regulations made by virtue of this paragraph.

60

(1) The regulations may make provision about the steps to be taken in connection with prescribing or determining standards of performance under paragraph 58 or 59.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision about—

(a) conducting research;

(b) publishing information about proposals to prescribe or determine standards;

(d) consulting such persons or descriptions of person as are specified in the regulations.

Consumer advocacy bodies

61

(1) The regulations may provide for Part 1 of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (consumer advocacy bodies) to apply in relation to heat network consumers as it applies in relation to gas or electricity consumers, with such modifications as appear to the appropriate authority to be appropriate.

(2) The regulations may provide for sections 24 and 25 of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (provision of information to consumer advocacy bodies) to apply in relation to relevant persons as they apply to regulated providers within the meaning of section 25 of that Act, with such modifications as appear to the appropriate authority to be appropriate.

(3) The regulations may also make provision extending to Northern Ireland or applying in relation to the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland that corresponds to such provision in Part 1 of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 as does not extend to Northern Ireland or does not apply in relation to the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (as the case may be).

(4) In this paragraph, “the appropriate authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales and Scotland, the Secretary of State;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department.

Complaints handling and redress schemes

62

The regulations may provide for Part 2 of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (complaints handling and redress schemes)—

(a) to apply in relation to heat network consumers in England, Wales or Scotland as it applies in relation to gas or electricity consumers, with such modifications as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate;

(b) to apply in relation to relevant persons in England, Wales or Scotland as it applies in relation to regulated providers within the meaning of that Part, with such modifications as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate.

Consumer complaints and dispute resolution arrangements: Northern Ireland

63

(1) The regulations may, in relation to Northern Ireland, provide for consumer complaints legislation to apply in relation to a heat network consumer or potential heat network consumer as it applies in relation to a customer or potential customer of, or user of electricity or gas supplied by, an authorised supplier, with such modifications as appear to the Department to be appropriate.

(2) In this paragraph, “consumer complaints legislation” means Article 22 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/419 (N.I. 6)) and such other provisions of that Order as relate to it.

64

The regulations may, in relation to Northern Ireland, make provision about the resolution of disputes involving a heat network consumer or potential heat network consumer (including by providing for a scheme under which complaints may be made to, and investigated and determined by, an independent person or may be referred to arbitration).

Documents for Citizens Advice, Consumer Scotland and the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

65

The regulations may make provision requiring the Regulator, where the Regulator publishes a document of a description specified in the regulations, to send a copy of the document to—

(a) Citizens Advice and Consumer Scotland, or

(b) the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (as the case may be).

Part 12 — Financial arrangements

66

(1) The regulations may provide for the Regulator to include in the conditions of heat network authorisations provision requiring the payment of sums relating to the costs incurred by the Secretary of State or the Department in giving financial assistance under regulations made by virtue of paragraph 50 that apply—

(a) any provision of sections 165 to 167 of the Energy Act 2004 (grants, loans, indemnities and guarantees given by the Secretary of State), or

(b) any provision of sections 28 to 30 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (grants, loans, indemnities and guarantees given by the Department).

(2) The regulations may—

(a) provide for the Secretary of State or the Department to give directions to the Regulator for the purpose of securing that sums relating to those costs are included in the sums payable by virtue of conditions in heat network authorisations;

(b) provide for the Regulator to comply with any such direction.

67

(1) The regulations may provide for the Regulator to include in—

(a) the conditions of a heat network authorisation, or

(b) the conditions of an installation and maintenance licence,

provision requiring the payment of sums relating to the costs incurred by a person or body in providing, or arranging for the provision of, consumer advocacy and advice in relation to heat network consumers.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) provide for the Secretary of State or the Department to give directions to the Regulator for the purpose of securing that sums relating to those costs are included in the sums payable by virtue of conditions in heat network authorisations or installation and maintenance licences;

(b) provide for the Regulator to comply with any such direction.

68

The regulations may make provision for the Regulator to pay into the Consolidated Fund or the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland sums received in consequence of—

(a) provision made by or under the regulations, or

(b) a condition of a heat network authorisation, code manager licence or installation and maintenance licence.

Part 13 — Miscellaneous and general

Consultation and cooperation

69

The regulations may—

(a) make provision about consultation and cooperation with such persons or descriptions of person as are specified in the regulations;

(b) make provision as to the purposes of such cooperation.

70

The regulations may require the Regulator to assist a public authority that carries out, in relation to Wales or Scotland, functions as regards limiting targeted greenhouse gases in relation to heat networks (including by providing information).

Objectives of the Secretary of State and the Department

71

(1) The regulations may make provision about the objectives of the Secretary of State and the Department in carrying out functions under the regulations.

(2) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular, provide that the principal objective of the Secretary of State or the Department is to protect the interests of existing and future heat network consumers.

(3) The regulations may specify particular interests of existing and future heat network consumers that are to be protected.

Offences

72

(1) The regulations may provide for the creation of offences.

(2) The regulations may deal with matters relating to such offences, including the provision of defences and evidentiary matters.

73

(1) The regulations may provide for an offence created by virtue of regulations made under paragraph 72 to be triable—

(a) only summarily, or

(b) either summarily or on indictment.

(2) The regulations must provide for such an offence to be punishable on indictment with a fine.

(3) The regulations must provide for such an offence to be punishable on summary conviction in England and Wales with a fine.

(4) The regulations must provide for such an offence to be punishable on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland with a fine not exceeding an amount specified in the regulations.

Crown application

74

(1) The regulations may make provision about application to the Crown.

(2) The regulations may also, to the extent that they bind the Crown, restrict or modify the application of the regulations.

(3) Regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) may, in particular, provide that a power exercisable in relation to land in which there is a Crown or Duchy interest is subject to a requirement to obtain consent from a person specified in the regulations.

(4) In this paragraph, “Crown or Duchy interest” means—

(a) an interest belonging to His Majesty in right of the Crown or the Duchy of Lancaster, or to the Duchy of Cornwall;

(b) an interest which belongs to a government department or which is held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of a government department;

(c) an interest which belongs to an office-holder in the Scottish Administration or which is held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of the Scottish Administration by such an office-holder.

(5) This includes, in particular—

(a) an interest which belongs to His Majesty in right of His Majesty’s Government in Northern Ireland, and

(b) an interest which belongs to a Northern Ireland department or which is held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of a Northern Ireland department.

(6) A reference in this paragraph to an office-holder in the Scottish Administration is to be construed in accordance with section 126(7) of the Scotland Act 1998.

Schedule 19

1

The Electricity Act 1989 is amended as follows.

2

After section 56FB insert—

(56FBA) (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this Part so as— (a) to provide for one or more activities within subsection (2) to be added to the activities which are licensable activities, or (b) where regulations have previously been made under paragraph (a) in relation to an activity— (i) to amend the definition of the activity, or (ii) to provide for the activity to cease to be a licensable activity. (2) The activities within this subsection are activities connected with— (a) the carrying on or facilitating of load control; (b) the provision of services or facilities related to load control; but not the activities mentioned in subsection (3). (3) The activities within this subsection are— (a) the provision of relevant electronic communications networks; (b) the making, selling, importing or distributing of energy smart appliances; (c) things done by end-users of energy smart appliances (in their capacity as such). (4) Regulations under subsection (1)(a) may define activities which are to become licensable activities in any manner the Secretary of State considers appropriate, including— (a) by reference to the purpose for which an activity is carried out; and (b) by reference to the position of an activity in a sequence of activities necessary to secure a particular outcome. (5) Regulations under this section may make consequential, transitional, incidental or supplementary provision, including— (a) amendments (or repeals) of any provision of this Act or any other enactment, including any enactment comprised in, or an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament; (b) in the case of regulations under subsection (1)(a), provision determining the conditions which are to be standard conditions for the purposes of licences authorising the undertaking of the activities; (c) provision modifying any standard conditions of licences. (6) Transitional provision under subsection (5) may in particular include provision about persons already undertaking activities that are to become licensable activities by virtue of subsection (1)(a), such as provision— (a) about the application to such persons of section 4(1); (b) about the granting of licences to such persons. (7) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also make provision— (a) for licences to authorise the holder to carry out the licensable activities in any area, or only in an area specified in the licence; (b) enabling the terms of the licence to be modified so as to extend or restrict the area in which the licence holder may carry on the licensable activities; (c) specifying that a licence, and any modification of a licence, must be in writing; (d) for a licence, if not previously revoked, to continue in force for such period as may be specified in or determined by or under the licence; (e) conferring functions on the Secretary of State or the Authority. (8) In this section, “energy smart appliance”, “load control” and “relevant electronic communications network” have the same meaning as in Part 8 of the Energy Act 2023. (56FBB) (1) Before making regulations under section 56FBA, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) the Authority, and (b) such other persons as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate. (2) Subsection (1) may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the passing of this Act. (3) The power to make such regulations may not be exercised after the end of a period of seven years beginning with the day on which the first such regulations come into force (for any purpose). (4) Regulations under section 56FBA may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

3

At the end of section 56FC(2) (competitive tenders: definition of “new licensable activities”), insert “or regulations under section 56FBA (1)(a)”.

4

In section 106(2)(a) (regulations and orders), after “State” insert “(other than regulations under section 56FBA)”.

Schedule 20

Procedure

1

(1) The Secretary of State must publish a procedure for entering into enforcement undertakings.

(2) The Secretary of State may revise the procedure (and must publish any revised procedure).

(3) The Secretary of State must consult any persons the Secretary of State considers appropriate before publishing or revising the procedure.

Variation of terms

2

The terms of an enforcement undertaking (including, in particular, the action specified under it and the period so specified within which the action must be taken) may be varied if both parties agree in writing.

Compliance certificates

3

(1) Where the Secretary of State is satisfied that an enforcement undertaking has been complied with, the Secretary of State must issue a certificate to that effect (referred to in this Schedule as a “compliance certificate”).

(2) A person may at any time apply to the Secretary of State for a compliance certificate.

(3) The Secretary of State may specify in what form an application under sub-paragraph (2) must be made and what information (if any) must accompany it.

(4) Where an application is made under sub-paragraph (2), the Secretary of State must give the applicant notice in writing of the Secretary of State’s decision on the application within 14 days beginning with the day after the day on which the application is received.

Inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information

4

Where the Secretary of State is satisfied that a person who has given an enforcement undertaking has provided inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information in relation to the undertaking, the Secretary of State may treat the person as having failed to comply with the undertaking (and, if the Secretary of State decides so to treat the person, must by notice revoke any compliance certificate given to the person in respect of the enforcement undertaking).

Appeal against decision under paragraph 3 or 4

5

(1) An appeal lies to the First-tier Tribunal against a decision of the Secretary of State to refuse an application for a compliance certificate or, in reliance on paragraph 4, to treat the person as having failed to comply with an enforcement undertaking.

(2) The grounds for appeal are that the decision is—

(a) based on an error of fact,

(b) wrong in law,

(d) wrong for any other reason.

(3) On an appeal under this paragraph, the First-tier Tribunal may—

(a) confirm the Secretary of State’s decision or direct that it is not to have effect;

(b) award costs or, in Scotland, expenses.

Schedule 21

Part 1 — Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1995

1

In the Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/1436), Schedule 3 (model clauses for petroleum exploration and development licences in landward areas) is amended as follows.

2

After clause 37 insert—

(37A) (1) This clause applies if— (a) the Licensee is a company, or (b) where two or more persons are the Licensee, any of those persons is a company, and references in this clause to a company are to such a company. (2) A change in control of a company is not permitted without the consent of the Oil and Gas Authority (“the OGA”). (3) There is a “change in control” of a company if a person takes control of the company, not having previously been a person who controlled the company. (4) If a change in control of a company is contemplated, the company must apply in writing to the OGA for consent at least three months before the date on which it is proposed that the change would occur (if consent were given). (5) The OGA may— (a) consent to the change in control unconditionally, (b) consent to the change in control subject to conditions, or (c) refuse consent to the change in control. (6) If the OGA proposes to grant consent subject to any condition or to refuse consent, the OGA must, before making a final decision— (a) give the company an opportunity to make representations, and (b) consider any representations that are made. (7) The general rule is that the OGA must decide an application within three months of receiving it, but the OGA may delay its decision by notifying the interested parties in writing. (8) Conditions as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b) may be imposed on the person taking control of the company (as well as on the company), and may include— (a) conditions relating to the arrangements for the change in control, including the date by which it must occur, (b) conditions relating to the performance of activities permitted by this licence, and (c) financial conditions. (9) The OGA’s decision on the application, and any conditions as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b), must be notified in writing to the interested parties. (10) In this clause “the interested parties” means— (a) the company, (b) the person who (if consent were granted) would take control of the company, and (c) if the company and another person or persons are the Licensee, that other person or those other persons. (11) For the purposes of this clause, the question of whether a person has control of a company is to be determined in accordance with the test set out in clause 37(4).

3

(1) Clause 38 (power of revocation) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2)—

(a) after sub-paragraph (i) insert—

(j) if the Licensee is a company, any breach of a condition subject to which the Oil and Gas Authority gave its consent to a change in control of the Licensee (see clause 37A); (k) if the Licensee is a company, any failure to provide full and accurate information in response to a notice given by the Oil and Gas Authority to that company under section 5D of the Petroleum Act 1998;

;

(b) in the closing words, after “(g)” insert “or (j) or (k)”.

(3) Omit paragraphs (3) to (5).

4

(1) Clause 38A (power of partial revocation) is amended as follows.

(2) For paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) This clause applies in a case where two or more persons are the Licensee and— (a) an event mentioned in clause 38(2)(c), (d), (e) or (g) occurs in relation to one of those persons; (b) an event mentioned in clause 38(2)(b) occurs which consists of a breach of clause 37A(2) or (4) in relation to a change in control of one of those persons; (c) an event mentioned in clause 38(2)(j) occurs in relation to a change in control of one of those persons (see clause 37A); or (d) an event mentioned in clause 38(2)(k) occurs which consists of a failure by one of those persons as mentioned in that provision.

(3) In paragraph (2), for “or (b)” substitute “, (b), (c) or (d)”.

Part 2 — Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999

Introduction

5

The Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/160) is amended in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.

Part 2 of Schedule 2

6

Part 2 of Schedule 2 (current model clauses for controlled waters or seaward production licences deriving from Schedule 2 to the 1964 Regulations and Schedule 4 to the 1966 Regulations) is amended in accordance with paragraphs 7 to 9.

7

After clause 38 insert—

(38A) (1) This clause applies if— (a) the Licensee is a company, or (b) where two or more persons are the Licensee, any of those persons is a company, and references in this clause to a company are to such a company. (2) A change in control of a company is not permitted without the consent of the Oil and Gas Authority (“the OGA”). (3) There is a “change in control” of a company if a person takes control of the company, not having previously been a person who controlled the company. (4) If a change in control of a company is contemplated, the company must apply in writing to the OGA for consent at least three months before the date on which it is proposed that the change would occur (if consent were given). (5) The OGA may— (a) consent to the change in control unconditionally, (b) consent to the change in control subject to conditions, or (c) refuse consent to the change in control. (6) If the OGA proposes to grant consent subject to any condition or to refuse consent, the OGA must, before making a final decision— (a) give the company an opportunity to make representations, and (b) consider any representations that are made. (7) The general rule is that the OGA must decide an application within three months of receiving it, but the OGA may delay its decision by notifying the interested parties in writing. (8) Conditions as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b) may be imposed on the person taking control of the company (as well as on the company), and may include— (a) conditions relating to the arrangements for the change in control, including the date by which it must occur, (b) conditions relating to the performance of activities permitted by this licence, and (c) financial conditions. (9) The OGA’s decision on the application, and any conditions as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b), must be notified in writing to the interested parties. (10) In this clause “the interested parties” means— (a) the company, (b) the person who (if consent were granted) would take control of the company, and (c) if the company and another person or persons are the Licensee, that other person or those other persons. (11) For the purposes of this clause, the question of whether a person has control of a company is to be determined in accordance with the test set out in clause 38(4).

8

(1) Clause 39 (power of revocation) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2)—

(a) after sub-paragraph (i) insert—

(j) if the Licensee is a company, any breach of a condition subject to which the Oil and Gas Authority gave its consent to a change in control of the Licensee (see clause 38A); (k) if the Licensee is a company, any failure to provide full and accurate information in response to a notice given by the Oil and Gas Authority to that company under section 5D of the Act of 1998;

;

(b) in the closing words, after “(g)” insert “or (j) or (k)”.

(3) Omit paragraphs (3) to (5).

9

(1) Clause 39A (power of partial revocation) is amended as follows.

(2) For paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) This clause applies in a case where two or more persons are the Licensee and— (a) an event mentioned in clause 39(2)(c), (d), (e) or (g) occurs in relation to one of those persons; (b) an event mentioned in clause 39(2)(b) occurs which consists of a breach of clause 38A(2) or (4) in relation to a change in control of one of those persons; (c) an event mentioned in clause 39(2)(j) occurs in relation to a change in control of one of those persons (see clause 38A); or (d) an event mentioned in clause 39(2)(k) occurs which consists of a failure by one of those persons as mentioned in that provision.

(3) In paragraph (2), for “or (b)” substitute “, (b), (c) or (d)”.

Part 2 of Schedule 3

10

Part 2 of Schedule 3 (current model clauses for landward production licences deriving from Schedule 3 to the 1966 regulations) is amended in accordance with paragraphs 11 to 13.

11

After clause 36 insert—

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