Energy Act 2010

Energy Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 27

Part 2: Schemes for Reducing Fuel Poverty

Commentary on Sections

Section 14: Regulations under Part 2: procedure etc

66. This section sets out further details about any regulations establishing either a scheme to reduce fuel poverty or a reconciliation mechanism under this Part of the Act.

67. Before making regulations under section 9, 11 or 15, the Secretary of State must, under subsection (1), consult Ofgem, licensed gas and electricity suppliers (where schemes or reconciliation mechanisms apply to them), and any other person that the Secretary of State thinks appropriate. This consultation may occur before or after commencement of this power (subsection (2)). The Secretary of State must also obtain Treasury approval for regulations under section 9 (subsection (3)).

68. Subsection (4) requires that when a scheme under section 9 is established it must contain provision stating how long the scheme will run (subsection (4)(a)). It may also, under subsection (4)(b), include provision about when, or under what circumstances the scheme should be reviewed (for example, the Secretary of State may wish to include a power to trigger a review of the scheme if energy prices rise above a certain level). Once the scheme has effect it cannot, according to subsection (5), be amended or revoked except following a review in accordance with provision made under subsection (4)(b). Under subsection (6) a scheme can, however, be renewed through regulations under section 9 at the end of the period specified.