9.—(1) A licence granted under Article 8(1)(a) or (c) may, if the grantor having regard to the duties imposed by[F1 Article 14 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003] considers it appropriate, confer on the holder of the licence, for a period specified in the licence, exclusive authority to carry on designated activities.
[F2(1A) The period specified in a licence under paragraph (1) shall, in relation to any designated activities, expire—
(a)where the activities are designated by reference to a class or description of activities, not later than the twentieth anniversary of the commencement of any of those activities under the licence; and
(b)where the activities are designated by reference to an area, not later than the twentieth anniversary of the first supply of gas to customers in the area.]
(2) In this Article, in relation to a licence—
“designated activities” means such of the activities authorised by the licence as are designated in the licence for the purposes of this Article, and activities may be so designated by reference to a class or description of activities or by reference to any area in which they are authorised to be carried on by the licence;
“specified period” means the period specified in the licence under paragraph (1) or substituted for that period under paragraph (5)(a) or (7)(a).
(3) [F3Subject to Article 9A, where a licence] granted under Article 8(1)(a) or (c) confers on the holder exclusive authority to carry on designated activities, no other licence shall be granted under Article 8(1)(a) or (c) so as to authorise any other person to carry on any such designated activities in the specified period.
(4) Conditions included under Article 10(1)(a) in a licence conferring on the holder exclusive authority to carry on any designated activities may make special provision in relation to the carrying on of such activities within the specified period.
(5) Where the grantor is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the holder of a licence conferring exclusive authority to carry on designated activities has contravened any relevant condition of his licence, the grantor may modify the licence—
(a)so as to substitute for the specified period such shorter period as the grantor may determine;
(b)so as to exclude from those activities which are designated activities for the purposes of this Article such activities as the grantor may determine; or
(c)so as to remove from the licence those provisions which confer exclusive authority to carry on designated activities.
(6) In paragraph (5) “relevant condition” means a condition of the licence (whether one included by virtue of paragraph (4) or not) which is identified in the licence as a relevant condition for the purposes of this Article.
[F4(7) The grantor may, with the consent of the holder of a licence conferring exclusive authority to carry on designated activities, modify the licence—
(a)so as to substitute for the specified period such longer period as the grantor may determine;
(b)so as to add to those activities which are designated activities for the purposes of this Article such other activities as the grantor may determine.
(7A) The grantor may not under paragraph (7)(a) substitute a longer period than that allowed under paragraph (1A) unless the grantor is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interests of the efficient operation of the designated activities.]
(8) Before making any modifications under paragraph (5) or (7) the grantor shall give notice—
(a)stating that the grantor proposes to make the modifications and setting out their effect;
(b)stating the reasons why the grantor proposes to make the modifications; and
(c)specifying the time (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made,
and shall consider any representations or objections which are so made and not withdrawn.
(9) A notice under paragraph (8) shall be given—
(a)by publishing the notice in such manner as the grantor considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the notice to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the making of the modifications; and
(b)by sending a copy of the notice to the holder of the licence.
F2Art. 9(1A) substituted (1.10.2006) by Gas Order 1996 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/358), reg. 6(1)
F3Words in art. 9(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by virtue of Gas Order 1996 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/358), reg. 6(2)
F4Art. 9(7)(7A) substituted (1.10.2006) by Gas Order 1996 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/358), reg. 6(3)