Additional functions of Northern Ireland Electricity
5. At the end of Article 5(3) of the Electricity Supply Order (functions of the Service) there shall be added—
“(4) The Service, with the consent of the Department, may—
(a)enter into an agreement with a private generator to acquire supplies of electricity from that private generator; or
(b)enter into an agreement, or make arrangements, with any person to ensure continuity of electricity supplies.
(5) The Service may—
(a)make grants; or
(b)make a loan, whether secured or unsecured, and whether or not carrying interest or interest at a commercial rate;
for the purposes of any agreement or arrangement under paragraph (4)(b).
(6) An agreement or arrangement under paragraph (4)(b)—
(a)may include provision to—
(i)acquire, hold and dispose of shares in,
(ii)acquire the business and assets of, any undertaking which, in the opinion of the Service, is necessary for the continuity of electricity supplies;
(b)shall contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed with the consent of the Department.”.