Section 19: Disconnections code
86.This section makes provision for a disconnections code to be drawn up by the Commission in relation to discontinuations of supplies of water.
87.Subsection (2) provides that a disconnection code may specify circumstances in which requests to Scottish Water to disconnect a premises under section 18 of the Act may or may not be made; and any other conditions which must be satisfied before the disconnection actually takes place (over and above those mentioned in section 18(6)(b) of the Act). The intention behind the code is to ensure that disconnection is only carried out where the circumstances genuinely demand it, and where it will not adversely affect any customers other than the one in respect of whom the disconnection is to be carried out. The code may make different provision for different cases and can be amended or revoked (subsection (3)).
88.Subsection (4) ensures that the Commission, in devising the code, will consult: Scottish Water, all water and sewerage services providers, the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels (on behalf of the Panels), the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (appointed by virtue of section 7 of the 2002 Act), and such others as it thinks appropriate. Subsection (5) provides that the Commission must publish the code and publicise arrangements for making a copy of it available to any person who wishes to obtain it.