Energy Act 2004

152 Grant of gas interconnector licences to existing operators

(1) This section applies where a person is participating in the operation of a gas interconnector at the time when the power of GEMA to grant licences under section 7ZA of the Gas Act 1986 (c. 44) comes into force.

(2) The Secretary of State shall have power to grant a licence to that person under section 7ZA of the Gas Act 1986.

(3) Sections 7B and 8 of the Gas Act 1986 (general provisions relating to licences and licence conditions) shall have effect in relation to the grant of licences by the Secretary of State by virtue of this section as if—

(a) references in those sections to GEMA included references to the Secretary of State;

(b) sections 7B(1), (2) and (2A) were omitted; and

(c) in section 8, the words “the Secretary of State, to” in subsection (5)(b) and subsection (6) were omitted.

(4) Before granting a licence to a person by virtue of this section, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) that person;

(b) GEMA; and

(c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(5) Subsection (4) may be satisfied by consultation that took place wholly or partly before the commencement of this section.

(6) In this section “participating in the operation of a gas interconnector” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Gas Act 1986.