The Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003

Grants for energy purposes

61.—(1) The Department may, in accordance with this Article, make grants to persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with—

(a) the generation, transmission or supply of electricity;

(b) the conveyance, storage or supply of gas; or

(c) providing advice or undertaking research or other activities relating to any of the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

(2) A grant shall not be made under this Article unless in the opinion of the Department—

(a) the making of the grant is likely to achieve one or more of the purposes set out in paragraph (3); and

(b) the amount of the grant is reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.

(3) Those purposes are—

(a) to secure a diverse and viable long term energy supply;

(b) to promote research and development in relation to matters connected with energy supply;

(c) in relation to grants under paragraph (1)(a) or (c), to promote efficiency and economy on the part of persons authorised by licences or exemptions to supply or participate in the transmission of electricity;

(d) in relation to grants under paragraph (1)(b) or (c), to promote the development and maintenance of an efficient, economic and co-ordinated gas industry in Northern Ireland;

(e) any other purpose prescribed by regulations made by the Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

(4) Grants under this Article shall—

(a) be of such amounts; and

(b) be made subject to such conditions (including conditions as to repayment),

as the Department may determine.