Utilities Act 2000

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

(1) After section 10 of the 1986 Act (duty of gas transporters to make a connection in certain circumstances) there is inserted—

“10A Restriction on use of certain pipe-lines for providing a supply

(1) Any pipe-line of a gas transporter—

(a) for the construction of which the execution of works has begun before the commencement of section 76 of the Utilities Act 2000 (abolition of geographical exclusivity of authorised areas of gas transporters); and

(b) which is situated in an area which, immediately before the commencement of that section, is the authorised area of a public gas transporter (the “other transporter”),

shall not be used for the purpose of giving a supply of gas to any premises in that area at a rate less than 2,196,000 kilowatt hours per year unless the other transporter consents in writing to such use.

(2) If the other transporter refuses or fails to give consent under subsection (1) consent may instead be given in writing by the Authority where it considers it appropriate to do so.

(3) Consent given under this section may not be withdrawn.

(4) In this section “pipe-line” has the same meaning as in the [1962 c. 58.] Pipe-lines Act 1962.”.

(2) In section 28(8) of the 1986 Act (definition of “relevant requirement”) after “or (14)” there is inserted “10A(1),”.