The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988

Notices and determination of differences

29.—(1) In any case where the supplier in pursuance of these Regulations declines—

(a) to connect a consumer’s installation or any part of it with his electric lines; or

(b) to commence or continue a supply to a consumer; or

(c) to recommence the supply to a consumer after it has been discontinued,

then, subject to paragraph (2), any difference which arises between the consumer and the supplier shall be determined by a person appointed by the Secretary of State on the application of the consumer or the supplier and such person may make a direction as to whether the costs of such determination (including any fees or expenses payable to him) shall be borne by the supplier or the consumer.

(2) A person appointed under paragraph (1) shall not determine that the supplier was or is entitled under regulations 27 and 28 to refuse a supply to that installation if the appointed person is satisfied that—

(a) the installation has continued to function satisfactorily and without risk of danger up to the material time; and

(b) the installation is to be, or is being, continued in use only within the limits of the maximum power for which it was intended; and

(c) there are no grounds for supposing that the installation will fail to function satisfactorily for a further reasonable period without risk of danger or of undue interference with the supplier’s system or with the supply to others.

(3) A copy of this regulation and regulation 28 shall be endorsed upon or accompany every notice given by the supplier to a consumer pursuant to this Part of these Regulations.

(4) In any case where in pursuance of these Regulations, an Electricity Board refuses to commence a supply to a consumer or to connect permanently a consumer’s installation with its electric lines, it shall as soon as practicable give notice in writing of its refusal specifying the matter complained of, and any difference which may arise between the consumer and the Electricity Board in regard to the matters specified in the notice, or as to any period specified for remedying the same in any such notice, shall be determined in the manner provided in this regulation.