The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011

PART I N.I. INTRODUCTORY

Citation and commencement N.I.

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and shall come into operation on 15th April 2011.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(1) shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

(2) In these Regulations—

“the Authority” means the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation;

“the Department” means the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment;

“the Electricity Directive” means European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/72/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC;

“the Electricity Order” means the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992(2);

“the Energy Order” means the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003(3);

“the Gas Directive” means European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC; and

“the Gas Order” means the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996(4).

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART II N.I. CONSUMER PROTECTION

Amendments to objectives in the Energy Order N.I.

3.  In Article 12(3) of the Energy Order, after “the Authority shall have regard to” there shall be inserted “the need to protect”.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

4.  In Article 14(3) of the Energy Order, after “the Authority shall have regard to” there shall be inserted “the need to protect”.

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment of provisions dealing with determination of disputes N.I.

5.—(1) Article 26 of the Electricity Order, shall be amended as provided in this regulation.

(2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) for sub-paragraph (a) there shall be substituted the following sub-paragraph—

“(a) may be referred to the Authority by either party, and such a reference shall be accompanied by such information as is necessary or expedient to allow a determination to be made in relation to the dispute; and”; and

(b) for “and the practice and procedure” there shall be substituted “and, subject to paragraph (1A), the practice and procedure”.

(3) After paragraph (1) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

“(1A) The procedures established under paragraph (1) shall provide for the determination of the dispute to be notified to the party making the reference within the requisite period or such longer period as the Authority may agree with that person.

(1B) For the purposes of paragraph (1A), the requisite period in any case means—

(a) the period of 2 months from the date when the dispute was referred to the Authority; or

(b) where the information sent to the Authority under paragraph (1)(a) was in its opinion insufficient to enable it to make a determination, the period of 4 months from the date when the dispute was referred to the Authority.”

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

6.—(1) Article 42A of the Electricity Order, shall be amended as provided in this regulation.

(2) In paragraph (1) for sub-paragraph (a) there shall be substituted the following sub-paragraph—

“(a) may be referred to the Authority by either party or, with the agreement of either party, by the General Consumer Council, and such a reference shall be accompanied by such information as is necessary or expedient to allow a determination to be made in relation to the dispute; and”.

(3) In paragraph (3) for “The practice and procedure” there shall be substituted “Subject to paragraph (3A), the practice and procedure”.

(4) After paragraph (3) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

“(3A) The procedures established under paragraph (3) shall provide for the determination of the dispute to be notified to the person making the reference within the requisite period or such longer period as the Authority may agree with that person.

(3B) For the purposes of paragraph (3A), the requisite period in any case means—

(a) the period of 2 months from the date when the dispute was referred to the Authority; or

(b) where the information sent to the Authority under paragraph (1)(a) was in its opinion insufficient to enable it to make a determination, the period of 4 months from the date when the dispute was referred to the Authority.”.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Billing disputes: electricity N.I.

F1 7.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Reg. 7 revoked (12.4.2013) by The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/92), regs. 1, 31(2)

Billing disputes N.I.

F2 8.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 Reg. 8 revoked (12.4.2013) by The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/92), regs. 1, 32(1)

Amendments to Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 relating to disputes N.I.

9.—(1) Section 2 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 shall be amended as provided in this regulation.

(2) For subsection (1)(a), there shall be substituted the following subsection—

“(a) may be referred to the Authority by either party or, with the agreement of either party, by the General Consumer Council, and such a reference shall be accompanied by such information as is necessary or expedient to allow a determination to be made in relation to the dispute; and”.

(3) In subsection (3) for “The practice and procedure” there shall be substituted “Subject to subsection (3A), the practice and procedure”.

(4) After subsection (3) there shall be inserted the following subsections—

“(3A) The procedures established under subsection (3) shall provide for the determination of the dispute to be notified to the party making the reference within the requisite period or such longer period as the Authority may agree with that person.

(3B) For the purposes of subsection (3A) the requisite period in any case means—

(a) the period of 2 months from the date when the dispute was referred to the Authority; or

(b) where the information sent to the Authority under subsection (1)(a) was in its opinion insufficient to enable it to make a determination, the period of 4 months from the date the dispute was referred to the Authority.”.

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 9 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART III N.I. OWNERSHIP UNBUNDLING

Participants in electricity transmission: certification as to independence N.I.

10.  After Article 10A of the Electricity Order there shall be inserted the following Articles—

“Electricity transmission: requirement for participants to be certified as independent

10B.— (1) A person who participates in the transmission of electricity within the meaning of sub-paragraph (b) or both sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of Article 8(4) and who holds a transmission licence immediately before the coming into operation of the 2011 Regulations must, on and after the relevant date, ensure that he is certified at all times when he acts under the authority of that licence.

(2) Any person who intends to participate in the transmission of electricity within the meaning of Article 8(4)(b) and who is granted a transmission licence after the coming into operation of the 2011 Regulations must ensure that he is certified at all times when he acts under the authority of the licence.

(3) In paragraph (1) the “relevant date” in respect of a person is 3rd March 2012 or any later date before 4th March 2013 which the Authority specifies under paragraph (4) or (5) in respect of that person.

(4) The Authority may specify a later date in respect of a person if—

(a) the person has asked the Authority to specify a later date;

(b) the person is not, and is not part of, a vertically integrated undertaking; and

(c) no senior officer of the person is also a senior officer of a relevant producer or supplier.

(5) The Authority may also specify a later date in respect of a person if the Authority decides that, for reasons beyond its and the person’s control, the Authority will not reasonably be able to make a final decision before 3rd March 2012 as to whether or not to certify the person.

Application for certification

10C.— (1) An application for certification may not be made unless the applicant has first consulted, in such manner and within such period as the Authority may specify in writing, with any related transmission licensee in respect of the application.

(2) An application for certification must be made—

(a) in writing to the Authority; and

(b) before such date and in such form and contain such information as the Authority may specify in writing.

(3) The applicant must, at the same time as it makes an application for certification, send a copy of it to any related transmission licensee.

(4) If the application is made on or after 3rd March 2013 and either—

(a) the applicant is; or

(b) the application is made on the basis of the third certification ground under Article 10F(5) and the applicant nominates as an independent system operator,

a person from a third country or a person controlled by a person from a third country, the Authority must notify the Department and the European Commission as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(5) A related transmission licensee may, make such representations to the Authority as it thinks fit in respect of the application for certification in question, including representations as to any qualification measures whether or not proposed by the applicant.

(6) The Authority may specify a date by which such representations must be made.

(7) The Authority may request from an applicant for certification any further information the Authority considers is relevant to the application, and the applicant must supply that information if—

(a) it is in the applicant’s possession or control; or

(b) it is information which the applicant could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(8) The Authority may request a relevant producer or supplier, and any related transmission licensee, for any information the Authority considers relevant to an application for certification, and the person so requested must supply that information if—

(a) it is in his possession or control; or

(b) it is information which he could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(9) A person requested to supply information under paragraph (7) or (8) must do so by the date specified by the Authority in the request.

(10) The Authority shall have regard to any representations made by a related transmission licensee in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (6) in making a decision as to whether or not the applicant should be certified and what, if any, qualification measures should be taken.

Report where applicant connected with a country outside the European Economic Area

10D.— (1) This Article applies if the Department is notified by the Authority under Article 10C(4) that an application has been made by, or nominating as an independent system operator, a person from a third country or a person controlled by a person from a third country.

(2) The Department must prepare a report on whether the security of electricity supplies in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area would be put at risk by the certification of the applicant.

(3) In preparing the report, the Department must take into account—

(a) any relevant international law; and

(b) any relevant agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and the government of the third country in question.

(4) The Department must send the report to the Authority within the 6 weeks beginning with the day on which the notification under Article 10C(4) is received by it.

Certification

10E.— (1) The Authority must, within the 4 months beginning with the day on which it receives an application for certification, make a preliminary decision as to whether it should certify the applicant.

(2) If—

(a) the Authority has asked an applicant or a relevant producer or supplier or related transmission licensee for information under Article 10C(7) or (8); and

(b) the information has not been supplied by the date specified by the Authority under Article 10C(9),

then the period of 4 months referred to in paragraph (1) shall be extended by the period of delay in supplying such information.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the preliminary decision under paragraph (1), the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) any related transmission licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission.

(4) The Authority must enclose with the notification under paragraph (3)(a), (b) or (d) a copy of any report which the Department has prepared under Article 10D in respect of the applicant and which the Authority receives before giving the notification.

(5) Article 3 of the Electricity Regulation sets out the obligation to make a final decision, together with related processes, time limits, matters to be taken into account and conditions.

(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the final decision in any case, the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) any related transmission licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission.

Grounds for certification

10F.— (1) This Article applies to—

(a) a preliminary decision under Article 10E as to whether an applicant should be certified; and

(b) a final decision under Article 3 of the Electricity Regulation as to whether to certify an applicant.

(2) Subject to paragraph (7), the Authority may only decide that the applicant should be certified, or decide to certify the applicant, if one of the following four grounds (“the certification grounds”) applies.

(3) The first certification ground is that the ownership unbundling requirement in Article 10G is met in relation to the applicant and to any related transmission licensee.

(4) The second certification ground is that the applicant has applied for a derogation from the ownership unbundling requirement on the grounds in paragraph (9) of Article 9 of the Directive (alternative arrangements for independence), and the Authority has determined that the requirements of that paragraph are met.

(5) The third certification ground is that—

(a) the applicant has applied for a derogation from the ownership unbundling requirement on the grounds in paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 13 of the Directive (independent system operator);

(b) the applicant has nominated an independent system operator for designation in accordance with those paragraphs; and

(c) the Authority—

(i) has determined that the requirements of those paragraphs and of paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 14 of the Directive (unbundling of transmission system owners) are met; and

(ii) is minded to designate the nominated independent system operator.

(6) The fourth certification ground is that the applicant has been granted an exemption under Article 17 of the Electricity Regulation (new interconnectors) and remains entitled to the benefit of it.

(7) The Authority may make a preliminary decision to certify an applicant where it is satisfied that the certification ground to which his application relates applies in the case of the applicant or would apply if particular qualification measures were taken and that—

(a) those qualification measures are within the powers of the Authority to impose under regulations 11 and 94 of the 2011 Regulations or any other powers of the Authority under this Order or the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and the Authority is minded so to exercise those powers; or

(b) the Authority is otherwise satisfied that such qualification measures will be taken.

(8) But, regardless of whether a certification ground applies under paragraph (2), the Authority must not certify the applicant—

(a) if, on the basis of an opinion expressed by the European Commission under Article 11 of the Directive (certification in relation to persons from countries outside the European Economic Area), the Authority considers that the certification of the applicant would put at risk the security of electricity supplies in the European Economic Area;

(b) if a report prepared by the Department under Article 10D states that the certification of the applicant would put at risk the security of electricity supplies in the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area;

(c) on the second certification ground if the European Commission has not verified, in accordance with paragraph (10) of Article 9 of the Directive (verification of independence under alternative arrangements), that the requirement in that paragraph as to arrangements for effective independence is met.

The ownership unbundling requirement

10G.— (1) For the purposes of Article 10F(3), the ownership unbundling requirement is met by an applicant for certification or (as the case may be) a related transmission licensee (“a relevant person”) if the Authority considers that each of the following five tests is passed.

(2) The first test is that the relevant person—

(a) does not control a relevant producer or supplier;

(b) does not have a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier; and

(c) will not, on or after the relevant date (within the meaning of Article 10B(3)), exercise any shareholder rights it holds, or becomes the holder of, in relation to a relevant producer or supplier.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), the Authority is entitled to think that the relevant person will not exercise any shareholder rights it holds, or becomes the holder of, if the relevant person has given an undertaking that it will not exercise those shareholder rights.

(4) The second test is that the relevant person is not controlled by a person who controls a relevant producer or supplier.

(5) But even where the second test is not passed, the Authority is entitled to treat it as passed if—

(a) the control over the relevant person was gained through the exercise of a right conferred as a condition of the provision of financial support or a guarantee in relation to the relevant person’s business; or

(b) the control over the relevant producer or supplier was gained through the exercise of such a right conferred in relation to the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(6) The third test is that the relevant person is not controlled by a person who has a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier.

(7) But even where the third test is not passed, the Authority is entitled to treat it as passed if—

(a) the control over the relevant person was gained through the exercise of a right conferred as a condition of the provision of financial support or a guarantee in relation to the relevant person’s business; or

(b) the majority shareholding in the relevant producer or supplier was gained through the exercise of such a right conferred in relation to the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(8) Where the Authority treats the second or third test as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7), it must specify a time limit after which it will cease to treat that test as having been passed; and it may extend the time limit if it thinks it necessary or expedient to do so.

(9) Paragraphs (10) and (11) apply where the Authority is entitled to treat the second or third test as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7).

(10) In deciding whether to treat the test as having been passed, the Authority—

(a) must take into account—

(i) whether the relationship (direct or indirect) between the relevant person and the relevant producer or supplier has led or might lead the relevant person to discriminate in favour of the relevant producer or supplier; and

(ii) the length of time for which that is likely to continue to be so; and

(b) may, in particular, take into account any information or undertakings given to the Authority by the relevant person, the relevant producer or supplier or the person who controls the relevant person and controls or has a majority shareholding in the relevant producer or supplier.

(11) The information and undertakings that may be taken into account under paragraph (10)(b) include information and undertakings regarding any measures that have been or will be put in place to ensure the effective separation of the business of the relevant person and the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(12) The fourth test is that, where the relevant person is a company, partnership or other business, none of its senior officers has been, or may be, appointed by a person who—

(a) controls a relevant producer or supplier other than a gas producer or gas supply undertaking; or

(b) has a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier other than a gas producer or gas supply undertaking.

(13) The fifth test is that, where the relevant person is a company, partnership or other business, none of its senior officers is also a senior officer of a relevant producer or supplier other than a gas producer or gas supply undertaking.

Designation for the purposes of EU electricity legislation

10H.— (1) This Article applies for any period during which a person—

(a) holds a transmission licence in relation to which the duty under Article 10B(1) or (2) applies; and

(b) is certified.

(2) If the person is certified on the first or second certification ground in Article 10F, the Department shall designate that person as an electricity transmission system operator for the purposes of Article 10(2) of the Directive (designation of transmission system operators).

(3) If the person is certified on the third certification ground in Article 10F, the Department shall designate the independent system operator nominated in the application for certification as an electricity transmission system operator for the purposes of that Article.

(4) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a person is designated by virtue of this Article, the Department must give notice of the designation to—

(a) the person so designated;

(b) the applicant (if different);

(c) the Authority; and

(d) the European Commission.

(5) Where, in the case of a person certified on the first or second certification ground, there is a related transmission licensee, conditions included pursuant to Article 11A(1) in the transmission licences of the certified person and the related transmission licensee may make provision for determining which of them is to act as transmission system operator for the purposes of any provision of the Electricity Regulation and any designation under this Article is without prejudice to any such provision.

Monitoring and review of certification

10I.— (1) The Authority must monitor, in respect of each certified person, whether the grounds on which the person was certified continue to apply.

(2) Where for the purposes of certifying any person, the Authority has treated the second or third test in Article 10G as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7) of that Article, then where after the expiry of the time limit provided under paragraph (8) of that Article it has ceased to treat that test as having been passed by such virtue, the certification shall be withdrawn unless the Authority reviews the certification and is satisfied that the test in question is otherwise passed.

(3) If, on or after 3rd March 2013, as a result of information it has received or obtained, the Authority considers that a person from a third country has taken or may take control of a certified person or a person designated as independent system operator, the Authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the information to the Department and the European Commission.

(4) The Authority may review the final certification for any person if—

(a) the certified person or any related transmission licensee notifies it of any event or circumstance which may affect the grounds on which that person was certified; or

(b) for any other reason the Authority considers that the grounds for the certification of that person may no longer apply.

(5) A review under paragraph (2) or (4) is to be carried out within the 4 months beginning with—

(a) if paragraph (4)(a) applies, the day on which the Authority receives the notification under that paragraph;

(b) if the review is in pursuance of paragraph (2), the expiry of the time limit referred to in that paragraph; or

(c) otherwise, the first day on which the Authority considers that the grounds for certification may no longer apply.

(6) The Authority must also review a final certification if the European Commission asks it to do so.

(7) A review under paragraph (6) is to be carried out within the 4 months beginning with the day on which the Authority receives the request from the European Commission.

(8) But where the Authority considers that the circumstances giving rise to the review of the certification of any person under paragraph (4) or (6) represent or result from the contravention of a relevant condition or requirement for the purposes of Article 41 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, by a related transmission licensee, the Authority may suspend the carrying out of the review while the Authority is taking steps in relation to such contravention pursuant to Part VI of that Order and during any period allowed to the related transmission licensee for complying with any enforcement order.

(9) As soon as is reasonably practicable after beginning a review under this Article, the Authority must notify the certified person to whom the review relates and any related transmission licensee that the review is being carried out and the reasons for it.

(10) The Authority may ask the certified person for any information the Authority thinks is relevant to the review, and the person must supply the information if—

(a) it is in the certified person’s possession or control; or

(b) it is information which the certified person could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(11) The Authority may ask a relevant producer or supplier or related transmission licensee for any information the Authority thinks is relevant to a review under this Article, and the relevant producer or supplier or related transmission licensee must supply that information if—

(a) it is in the possession or control of the relevant producer or supplier or related transmission licensee; or

(b) it is information which the relevant producer or supplier or related transmission licensee could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(12) A person required to supply information under paragraph (10) or (11) must do so by any deadline specified by the Authority in the request.

Report as to any connection of a certified person with a country outside the European Economic Area

10J.— (1) This Article applies if the Department is notified by the Authority under Article 10I(3) that a person from a third country has taken or may take control of a certified person or (in relation to a certified person) a person designated as an independent system operator.

(2) The Department must prepare a report on whether the security of electricity supplies in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area would be put at risk by the continued certification of the person.

(3) In preparing the report, the Department must take into account—

(a) any relevant international law; and

(b) any relevant agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and the government of the third country in question.

(4) The Department must prepare the report and send it to the Authority within the 6 weeks beginning with the day on which the notification is received.

Continuation or withdrawal of certification

10K.— (1) Where the Authority reviews under Article 10I whether the grounds for the certification of a person apply or continue to apply, it may, within the review period, make a preliminary decision that either—

(a) the certification should be continued on the certification ground in question; or

(b) the certification should be withdrawn.

(2) If the Authority does not make a decision under paragraph (1) within the review period, it is to be taken as having decided at the end of the review period that the certification should be continued on the certification ground in question.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a preliminary decision is made (or taken to be made) under this Article, the Authority must—

(a) notify the European Commission of the decision; and

(b) enclose the information it considers relevant to the decision.

(4) Article 3 of the Electricity Regulation sets out an obligation to make a final review decision, together with related processes, time limits, matters to be taken into account and conditions.

(5) Paragraphs (6) to (8) apply in relation to the Authority’s final decision under Article 3 of the Electricity Regulation whether or not to confirm the certification.

(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the final decision, the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the person in relation to whom the review was carried out;

(b) any related transmission licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission

(7) If the final decision is to continue the certification, the person in question is to be taken as continuing to be certified by the Authority.

(8) Otherwise, the person is to be taken as no longer certified.

(9) Article 10F(8)(a) and (b) applies in relation to a decision mentioned in this Article as it applies in relation to a decision mentioned in Article 10F(1), but as if the reference in Article 10F(8)(b) to a report under Article 10D were a reference to a report under Article 10J.

Interpretation

10L.— (1) In Articles 10B to 10K and this Article—

“certification ground” shall be construed in accordance with Article 10F(2);

“certified” means, in relation to any person, certified in accordance with Article 10E or continued to be certified in accordance with Article 10K;

“control”, in relation to one person having control over another, has the meaning given in Article 2(34) of the Directive, but in determining whether one person (“person A”) controls another person (“person B”) no account is to be taken of any power to exercise a contractual or other right which would give person A decisive influence over person B where the right was conferred as a condition of the provision of any financial support or guarantee by person A in relation to the business of person B; and references to one person controlling another are to be interpreted accordingly;

“electricity generation undertaking” means a person who generates electricity for the purpose of giving a supply to any premises or enabling a supply to be so given;

“electricity supply undertaking” means a person who supplies electricity to any premises;

“Electricity Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 714/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity and repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1228/2003;

“gas producer” means a gas undertaking carrying out the function of production mentioned in Article 2(1) of European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC;

“gas supply undertaking” means a person who sells gas to one or more customers, including by the supply to any premises of gas which has been conveyed to those premises through pipes;

“licence” means—

(a)

in relation to an electricity generation undertaking or an electricity supply undertaking, a licence under Article 10(1)(a) or (c); and

(b)

in relation to a gas supply undertaking, a licence under Article 8(1)(c) of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;

“majority shareholding” means a simple majority of shares;

“person from a third country” means any person the Authority thinks is a person from a third country;

“qualification measures”, in relation to an applicant for certification, means measures taken or arrangements made to ensure that the certification ground to which his application relates applies in his case;

“related transmission licensee” means, in relation to an applicant for certification or a certified person, any other person (including a person nominated or designated as independent system operator for the purposes of the third certification ground) who—

(a)

holds; or

(b)

in the case of an applicant for certification would, pursuant to any qualification measures proposed in the application, hold, a transmission licence under which that person participates or would participate in the transmission of electricity (within the meaning of Article 8(4)(a)) by means of the transmission system of the applicant or certified person;

“review period”, in relation to a review under Article 10I, means the period specified in paragraph (5) or (7) of that Article as extended by any period of suspension under paragraph (8) of that Article;

“senior officer” means—

(a)

in relation to a company, a director;

(b)

in relation to a partnership, a partner;

(c)

in relation to any other business, a person holding a position equivalent to that of a director or partner;

“shareholder right”, in relation to a company, means a right conferred by the holding of a share in the company’s share capital—

(a)

to vote at general meetings of the company; or

(b)

to appoint or remove a member of the company’s board of directors;

“third country” means a country that is not, and is not part of, a European Economic Area state.

(2) In Article 10B to 10K and this Article, “relevant producer or supplier”, in relation to an applicant for certification or a certified person, means—

(a) an electricity generation undertaking, an electricity supply undertaking or a gas supply undertaking which meets the requirements of paragraph (3); or

(b) a gas producer which meets the requirements of paragraph (4).

(3) An undertaking mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) meets the requirements of this paragraph if it carries out its generation or supply activity in a European Economic Area state and it—

(a) requires a licence or similar authority to do so;

(b) would, in the Authority’s opinion, require a licence to do so if it carried out the activity in Northern Ireland; or

(c) has a relationship with the applicant or certified person which the Authority thinks might lead the applicant or certified person to discriminate in favour of it.

(4) A gas producer meets the requirements of this paragraph if it—

(a) carries out its production activity in a European Economic Area state; and

(b) has a relationship with the applicant or certified person which the Authority thinks might lead the applicant or certified person to discriminate in favour of it.”.

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 10 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

[F3 Certification of SONI Limited N.I.

10A.— (1) The obligation imposed by Article 10B(1) shall apply in relation to SONI Limited (“the System Operator”) while it holds a transmission licence as it applies to a person specified in that paragraph.

(2) The application made by Northern Ireland Electricity Limited (“the NIE application”) under Article 10C shall be deemed for the purposes of Articles 10B to 10K as including an application under Article 10C by the System Operator for certification.

(3) Insofar as the NIE application is deemed by paragraph (2) to be an application by the System Operator, paragraphs (1), (3) to (6) and (10) of Article 10C shall not apply and paragraph (8) of that Article shall apply as if the reference in it to a related transmission licensee were omitted.

(4) The Authority shall be deemed to have made a preliminary decision in accordance with Article 10E(1) that it should certify the System Operator in accordance with that Article on the second certification ground and in relation to that decision—

(a) Article 10E(2), (3) and (6) shall apply as if the references to a related transmission licensee were omitted; and

(b) the Authority shall be deemed to have otherwise complied with Article 10E(3).

(5) Where the Authority makes a final decision in pursuance of the obligation in Article 3 of the Electricity Regulation that the System Operator should be certified on the second certification ground, Northern Ireland Electricity Limited shall be deemed to be also certified for the purposes of Articles 10B to 10K on the second certification ground.

(6) Those purposes shall not include the designation of an electricity transmission system operator for the purposes of Article 10(2) of the Directive.

(7) Where paragraph (5) applies, then in relation to the System Operator, any reference to a related transmission licensee in Article 10I(4)(a), (8), (9) or (11) or in Article 10K(6) shall be deemed to include a reference to Northern Ireland Electricity Limited.

(8) In this Regulation—

(a) a reference to a numbered Article shall unless the contrary intention appears be taken as a reference to the Article bearing that number in the Electricity Order; and

(b) other expressions have the same meaning as in Articles 10B to 10K.]

Textual Amendments

F3 Reg. 10A inserted (18.7.2013) by The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/173), regs. 1, 3

Electricity transmission unbundling: modification of licences, etc. N.I.

11.—(1) Where the Authority is minded to make a final decision to certify a person under Article 10E of the Electricity Order, modifications to the conditions of an electricity licence made pursuant to regulation 91 may include such modifications as the Department or the Authority considers requisite or expedient to enable the satisfaction of any condition required for the relevant certification ground to apply.

(2) Conditions included in a licence pursuant to paragraph (1)—

(a) may require the licence holder to enter into such new agreements or arrangements, or new agreements or arrangements for such purposes or of such description, as may be specified in, or determined by or under the conditions;

(b) may include provision for determining the terms on which such new agreements or arrangements are to be entered into; and

(c) may require the licence holder to amend or terminate, or agree to the amendment or termination of, such existing agreements or arrangements, or existing agreements or arrangements of such description, as may be specified in, or determined by or under the conditions.

(3) In this regulation “certification ground” has the meaning given to it in Article 10L of the Electricity Order.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 11 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Gas conveyors: certification as to independence N.I.

12.  After Article 8 of the Gas Order there shall be inserted the following Articles—

“The conveyance of gas: requirement to be certified as independent

8B.— (1) A person who conveys gas through a gas transmission pipe-line and holds a licence under Article 8(1)(a) immediately before the coming into operation of the 2011 Regulations must, on and after the relevant date, ensure that he is certified at all times when he acts under the authority of that licence.

(2) Any person who intends to convey gas through a gas transmission pipe-line and who is granted a licence under Article 8(1)(a) after the coming into operation of the 2011 Regulations must ensure that he is certified at all times when he acts under the authority of the licence.

(3) In paragraph (1) the “relevant date” in respect of a person is 3rd March 2012 or any later date before 4th March 2013 which the Authority specifies under paragraph (4) or (5) in respect of that person.

(4) The Authority may specify a later date in respect of a person if—

(a) the person has asked the Authority to specify a later date;

(b) the person is not, and is not part of, a vertically integrated undertaking; and

(c) no senior officer of the person is also a senior officer of a relevant producer or supplier.

(5) The Authority may also specify a later date in respect of a person if the Authority decides that, for reasons beyond its and the person’s control, the Authority will not reasonably be able to make a final decision before 3rd March 2012 as to whether or not to certify the person.

(6) For the purposes of this Article, a person conveys gas through a gas transmission pipe-line where he—

(a) makes a gas transmission pipe-line available for use for the purposes of the conveyance of gas; or

(b) makes such a pipe-line available and coordinates and directs the flow of gas into and through such pipe-line.

Application for certification

8C.— (1) An application for certification must be made—

(a) in writing to the Authority; and

(b) before such date and in such form and contain such information as the Authority may specify in writing.

(2) If the application is made on or after 3rd March 2013 and either—

(a) the applicant is; or

(b) the application is made on the basis of the third certification ground under Article 8F(5) and the applicant nominates as an independent system operator,

a person from a third country or a person controlled by a person from a third country, the Authority must notify the Department and the European Commission as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(3) The Authority may request from an applicant for certification any further information the Authority thinks is relevant to the application, and the applicant must supply that information if—

(a) it is in the applicant’s possession or control; or

(b) it is information which the applicant could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(4) The Authority may request a relevant producer or supplier, and any related conveyance licensee, for any information the Authority considers relevant to an application for certification, and the person so requested must supply that information if—

(a) it is in his possession or control; or

(b) it is information which he could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(5) A person requested to supply information under paragraph (3) or (4) must do so by the date specified by the Authority in the request.

Report where applicant connected with a country outside the European Economic Area

8D.— (1) This Article applies if the Department is notified by the Authority under Article 8C(2) that an application has been made by, or nominating as an independent system operator, a person from a third country or a person controlled by a person from a third country.

(2) The Department must prepare a report on whether the security of gas supplies in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area would be put at risk by the certification of the applicant.

(3) In preparing the report, the Department must take into account—

(a) any relevant international law; and

(b) any relevant agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and the government of the third country in question.

(4) The Department must send the report to the Authority within the 6 weeks beginning with the day on which the notification under Article 8C(2) is received by it.

Certification

8E.— (1) The Authority must, within the 4 months beginning with the day on which it receives an application for certification, make a preliminary decision as to whether it should certify the applicant.

(2) If—

(a) the Authority has asked an applicant or a relevant producer or supplier or related conveyance licensee for information under Article 8C(3) or (4); and

(b) the information has not been supplied by the date specified by the Authority under Article 8C(5),

then the period of 4 months referred to in paragraph (1) shall be extended by the period of delay in supplying such information.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the preliminary decision under paragraph (1), the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) any related conveyance licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission.

(4) The Authority must enclose with the notification under paragraph (3)(a), (b) or (d) a copy of any report which the Department has prepared under Article 8D in respect of the applicant and which the Authority receives before giving the notification.

(5) Article 3 of the Gas Regulation sets out the obligation to make a final decision, together with related processes, time limits, matters to be taken into account and conditions.

(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the final decision in any case the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) any related conveyance licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission.

Grounds for certification

8F.— (1) This Article applies to—

(a) a preliminary decision under Article 8E as to whether an applicant should be certified;

(b) a final decision under Article 3 of the Gas Regulation as to whether to certify an applicant.

(2) Subject to paragraph (7), the Authority may only decide that the applicant should be certified, or decide to certify the applicant, if one of the following four grounds (“the certification grounds”) applies.

(3) The first certification ground is that the ownership unbundling requirement in Article 8G is met in relation to the applicant and to any related conveyance licensee.

(4) The second certification ground is that—

(a) the applicant has applied for a derogation from the ownership unbundling requirement on the grounds in paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 14 of the Directive (independent system operator);

(b) the applicant has nominated an independent system operator for designation in accordance with those paragraphs; and

(c) the Authority—

(i) has determined that the requirements of those paragraphs and of paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 15 of the Directive (unbundling of transmission system owners and storage system operators) are met; and

(ii) is minded to designate the nominated independent system operator.

(5) The third certification ground is that—

(a) the applicant holds a licence under Article 8(1)(a);

(b) the applicant has applied for a derogation from the ownership unbundling requirement on the grounds in Chapter IV of the Directive (independent transmission operator); and

(c) the Authority has determined that the requirements of that Chapter are met.

(6) The fourth certification ground is that the applicant has been granted an exemption (effective by virtue of the conditions which apply in his licence, or by way of exemption under Article 7(1)) in accordance with Article 36 of the Directive (new infrastructure) and remains entitled to the benefit of it.

(7) The Authority may make a preliminary decision to certify an applicant where it is satisfied that the certification ground to which his application relates applies in the case of the applicant or would apply if particular qualification measures were taken and that—

(a) those qualification measures are within the powers of the Authority to impose under regulations 13 and 94 of the 2011 Regulations or any other powers of the Authority under this Order or the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, and the Authority is minded so to exercise those powers; or

(b) the Authority is otherwise satisfied that such qualification measures will be taken.

(8) But, regardless of whether a certification ground applies under paragraph (2), the Authority must not certify the applicant—

(a) if, on the basis of an opinion expressed by the European Commission under Article 11 of the Directive (certification in relation to persons from countries outside the European Economic Area), the Authority considers that the certification of the applicant would put at risk the security of gas supplies in the European Economic Area;

(b) if a report prepared by the Department under Article 8D states that the certification of the applicant would put at risk the security of gas supplies in the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area.

The ownership unbundling requirement

8G.— (1) For the purposes of Article 8F(3), the ownership unbundling requirement is met by an applicant for certification or (as the case may be) a related conveyance licensee (“a relevant person”) if the Authority considers that each of the following five tests is passed.

(2) The first test is that the relevant person—

(a) does not control a relevant producer or supplier;

(b) does not have a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier; and

(c) will not, on or after the relevant date (within the meaning of Article 8B(3)) exercise any shareholder rights it holds, or becomes the holder of, in relation to a relevant producer or supplier.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), the Authority is entitled to think that the relevant person will not exercise any shareholder rights it holds, or becomes the holder of, if the relevant person has given an undertaking that it will not exercise those shareholder rights.

(4) The second test is that the relevant person is not controlled by a person who controls a relevant producer or supplier.

(5) But even where the second test is not passed, the Authority is entitled to treat it as passed if—

(a) the control over the relevant person was gained through the exercise of a right conferred as a condition of the provision of financial support or a guarantee in relation to the relevant person’s business; or

(b) the control over the relevant producer or supplier was gained through the exercise of such a right conferred in relation to the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(6) The third test is that the relevant person is not controlled by a person who has a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier.

(7) But even where the third test is not passed, the Authority is entitled to treat it as passed if—

(a) the control over the relevant person was gained through the exercise of a right conferred as a condition of the provision of financial support or a guarantee in relation to the relevant person’s business; or

(b) the majority shareholding in the relevant producer or supplier was gained through the exercise of such a right conferred in relation to the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(8) Where the Authority treats the second or third test as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7), it must specify a time limit after which it will cease to treat that test as having been passed; and it may extend the time limit if it thinks it necessary or expedient to do so.

(9) Paragraphs (10) and (11) apply where the Authority is entitled to treat the second or third test as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7).

(10) In deciding whether to treat the test as having been passed, the Authority—

(a) must take into account—

(i) whether the relationship (direct or indirect) between the relevant person and the relevant producer or supplier has led or might lead the relevant person to discriminate in favour of the relevant producer or supplier; and

(ii) the length of time for which that is likely to continue to be so; and

(b) may, in particular take into account any information or undertakings given to the Authority by the relevant person, the relevant producer or supplier or the person who controls the relevant person and controls or has a majority shareholding in the relevant producer or supplier.

(11) The information and undertakings that may be taken into account under paragraph (10)(b) include information and undertakings regarding any measures that have been or will be put in place to ensure the effective separation of the business of the relevant person and the business of the relevant producer or supplier.

(12) The fourth test is that, where the relevant person is a company, partnership or other business, none of its senior officers has been, or may be, appointed by a person who—

(a) controls a relevant producer or supplier other than an electricity generation undertaking or electricity supply undertaking; or

(b) has a majority shareholding in a relevant producer or supplier other than an electricity generation undertaking or electricity supply undertaking.

(13) The fifth test is that, where the relevant person is a company, partnership or other business, none of its senior officers is also a senior officer of a relevant producer or supplier other than an electricity generation undertaking or electricity supply undertaking.

Designation for the purposes of EU gas legislation

8H.— (1) This Article applies for any period during which a person—

(a) holds a licence under Article 8(1)(a); and

(b) is certified.

(2) If the person is certified on the first or third certification ground in Article 8F, the Department shall designate that person as a gas transmission system operator for the purposes of Article 10(2) of the Directive (designation of transmission system operators).

(3) If the person is certified on the second certification ground in Article 8F, the Department shall designate the independent system operator nominated in the application for certification as a gas transmission system operator for the purposes of that Article.

(4) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a person is designated by virtue of this Article, the Department must give notice of the designation to—

(a) the person so designated;

(b) the applicant (if different);

(c) the Authority; and

(d) the European Commission.

(5) Where, in the case of a person certified on the first certification ground, there is a related conveyance licensee, conditions included pursuant to Article 10A(1) in the licences under Article 8(1)(a) of the certified person and the related conveyance licensee may make provision for determining which of them is to act as transmission system operator for the purposes of any provision of the Gas Regulation and any designation under this Article is without prejudice to any such provision.

Monitoring and review of certification

8I.— (1) The Authority must monitor, in respect of each certified person, whether the grounds on which the person was certified continue to apply.

(2) Where, for the purposes of certifying any person, the Authority has treated the second or third test in Article 8G as having been passed only by virtue of paragraph (5) or (7) of that Article, then where after the expiry of the time limit provided under paragraph (8) of that Article it has ceased to treat that test as having been passed by such virtue, the certification shall be withdrawn unless the Authority reviews the certification and is satisfied that the test in question is otherwise passed.

(3) If, on or after 3rd March 2013, as a result of information it has received or obtained, the Authority considers that a person from a third country has taken or may take control of a certified person or a person designated as independent system operator, the Authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the information to the Department and the European Commission.

(4) The Authority may review the final certification for any person if—

(a) the certified person or any related conveyance licensee notifies it of any event or circumstance which may affect the grounds on which that person was certified; or

(b) for any other reason the Authority considers that the grounds for the certification of that person may no longer apply.

(5) A review under paragraph (2) or (4) is to be carried out within the 4 months beginning with—

(a) if paragraph (4)(a) applies, the day on which the Authority receives the notification under that paragraph;

(b) if the review is in pursuance of paragraph (2), the expiry of the time limit referred to in that paragraph; or

(c) otherwise, the first day on which the Authority considers that the grounds for certification may no longer apply.

(6) The Authority must also review a final certification if the European Commission asks it to do so.

(7) A review under paragraph (6) is to be carried out within the 4 months beginning with the day on which the Authority receives the request from the European Commission.

(8) But where the Authority considers that the circumstances giving rise to the review of the certification of any person under paragraph (4) or (6) represent or result from the contravention of a relevant condition or requirement for the purposes of Article 41 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, by a related conveyance licensee, the Authority may suspend the carrying out of the review while the Authority is taking steps in relation to such contravention pursuant to Part VI of that Order and during any period allowed to the related conveyance licensee for complying with any enforcement order.

(9) As soon as is reasonably practicable after beginning a review under this Article, the Authority must notify the certified person to whom the review relates and any related conveyance licensee that the review is being carried out and the reasons for it.

(10) The Authority may ask the certified person for any information the Authority thinks is relevant to the review, and the person must supply the information if—

(a) it is in the certified person’s possession or control; or

(b) it is information which the certified person could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(11) The Authority may ask a relevant producer or supplier or related conveyance licensee for any information the Authority thinks is relevant to a review under this Article, and the relevant producer or supplier or related conveyance licensee must supply that information if—

(a) it is in the possession or control of the relevant producer or supplier or related conveyance licensee; or

(b) it is information which the relevant producer or supplier or related conveyance licensee could reasonably be expected to obtain.

(12) A person required to supply information under paragraph (10) or (11) must do so by any deadline specified by the Authority in the request.

Report as to any connection of a certified person with a country outside the European Economic Area

8J.— (1) This Article applies if the Department is notified by the Authority under Article 8I(3) that a person from a third country has taken or may take control of a certified person or (in relation to a certified person) a person designated as an independent system operator.

(2) The Department must prepare a report on whether the security of gas supplies in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area would be put at risk by the continued certification of the person.

(3) In preparing the report, the Department must take into account—

(a) any relevant international law; and

(b) any relevant agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and the government of the third country in question.

(4) The Department must prepare the report and send it to the Authority within the 6 weeks beginning with the day on which the notification is received.

Continuation or withdrawal of certification

8K.— (1) Where the Authority reviews under Article 8I whether the grounds for the certification of a person apply or continue to apply, it may, within the review period, make a preliminary decision that either—

(a) the certification should be continued on the certification ground in question; or

(b) the certification should be withdrawn.

(2) If the Authority does not make a decision under paragraph (1) within the review period, it is to be taken as having decided at the end of the review period that the certification should be continued on the certification ground in question.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a preliminary decision is made (or taken to be made) under this Article, the Authority must—

(a) notify the European Commission of the decision; and

(b) enclose the information it considers relevant to the decision.

(4) Article 3 of the Gas Regulation sets out an obligation to make a final review decision, together with related processes, time limits, matters to be taken into account and conditions.

(5) Paragraphs (6) to (8) apply in relation to the Authority’s final decision under Article 3 of the Gas Regulation whether or not to confirm the certification.

(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making the final decision, the Authority must notify the decision and the reasons for it to—

(a) the person in relation to whom the review was carried out;

(b) any related conveyance licensee;

(c) the Department; and

(d) the European Commission.

(7) If the final decision is to continue the certification the person in question is to be taken as continuing to be certified by the Authority.

(8) Otherwise, the person is to be taken as no longer certified.

(9) Article 8F(8)(a) and (b) applies in relation to a decision mentioned in this Article as it applies in relation to a decision mentioned in Article 8F(1), but as if the reference in Article 8F(8)(b) to a report under Article 8D were a reference to a report under Article 8J.

Interpretation

8L.— (1) In Articles 8B to 8K and this Article—

“certification ground” shall be construed in accordance with Article 8F(2);

“certified” means, in relation to any person, certified in accordance with Article 8E or continued to be certified in accordance with Article 8K;

“control”, in relation to one person having control over another, has the meaning given in Article 2(36) of the Directive, but in determining whether one person (“person A”) controls another person (“person B”) no account is to be taken of any power to exercise a contractual or other right which would give person A decisive influence over person B where the right was conferred as a condition of the provision of any financial support or guarantee by person A in relation to the business of person B; and references to one person controlling another are to be interpreted accordingly;

“electricity generation undertaking” means a person who generates electricity for the purpose of giving a supply to any premises or enabling a supply to be so given;

“electricity supply undertaking” means a person who supplies electricity to any premises;

“gas producer” means a gas undertaking carrying out the function of production mentioned in Article 2(1) of the Directive;

“gas supply undertaking” means a person who sells gas to one or more customers, including by the supply to any premises of gas which has been conveyed to those premises through pipes;

“the Gas Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks and repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1775/2005;

“gas transmission pipe-line” means a gas pipe-line used for the purposes of transmission within the meaning of the Directive;

“licence” means—

(a)

in relation to an electricity generation undertaking or an electricity supply undertaking, a licence under Article 10(1)(a) or (c) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992; and

(b)

in relation to a gas supply undertaking, a licence under Article 8(1)(c);

“majority shareholding” means a simple majority of shares;

“person from a third country” means any person the Authority thinks is a person from a third country;

“qualification measures” in relation to an applicant for certification, means measures taken or arrangements made to ensure that the certification ground to which his application relates applies in his case;

“related conveyance licensee” means, in relation to an applicant for certification or a certified person, any other person (including a person nominated or designated as independent system operator for the purposes of the second certification ground) who—

(a)

holds; or

(b)

in the case of an applicant for certification would, pursuant to any qualification measures proposed in the application, hold, a licence under Article 8(1)(a) under which that person co-ordinates, and directs, the flow of gas into and through a gas transmission pipe-line of the applicant or certified person;

“review period” in relation to a review under Article 8I, means the period specified in paragraph (5) or (7) of that Article as extended by any period of suspension under paragraph (8) of that Article;

“senior officer” means—

(a)

in relation to a company, a director;

(b)

in relation to a partnership, a partner;

(c)

in relation to any other business, a person holding a position equivalent to that of a director or partner;

“shareholder right”, in relation to a company, means a right conferred by the holding of a share in the company’s share capital—

(a)

to vote at general meetings of the company; or

(b)

to appoint or remove a member of the company’s board of directors;

“third country” means a country that is not, and is not part of, a European Economic Area state.

(2) In Articles 8B to 8K and this Article, “relevant producer or supplier”, in relation to an applicant for certification or a certified person, means—

(a) an electricity generation undertaking, an electricity supply undertaking or a gas supply undertaking which meets the requirements of paragraph (3); or

(b) a gas producer which meets the requirements of paragraph (4).

(3) An undertaking mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) meets the requirements of this paragraph if it carries out its generation or supply activity in a European Economic Area state and it—

(a) requires a licence or similar authority to do so;

(b) would, in the Authority’s opinion, require a licence to do so if it carried out the activity in Northern Ireland; or

(c) has a relationship with the applicant or certified person which the Authority thinks might lead the applicant or certified person to discriminate in favour of it.

(4) A gas producer meets the requirements of this paragraph if it—

(a) carries out its production activity in a European Economic Area state; and

(b) has a relationship with the applicant or certified person which the Authority thinks might lead the applicant or certified person to discriminate in favour of it.”.

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 12 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Gas transmission unbundling: modification of licences, etc. N.I.

13.—(1) Where the Authority is minded to make a final decision to certify a person under Article 8E of the Gas Order, modifications to the conditions of a gas licence made pursuant to regulation 92 may include such modifications as the Department or the Authority considers requisite or expedient to enable the satisfaction of any condition required for the relevant certification ground to apply.

(2) Conditions included in a licence pursuant to paragraph (1)—

(a) may require the licence holder to enter into such new agreements or arrangements, or new agreements or arrangements for such purposes or of such description, as may be specified in or determined by or under the conditions;

(b) may include provision for determining the terms on which such new agreements or arrangements are to be entered into; and

(c) may require the licence holder to amend or terminate, or agree to the amendment or termination of, such existing agreements or arrangements, or existing agreements or arrangements of such description, as may be specified in or determined by or under the conditions.

(3) In this regulation “certification ground” has the meaning given to it in Article 8L of the Gas Order.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 13 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART IV N.I. ELECTRICITY AND GAS LICENSING AND COMMUNITY OBLIGATIONS

Amendments to the Electricity Order N.I.

14.  For Article 11A (Compliance with Community obligations) of the Electricity Order there shall be substituted the following Article—

“11A.— (1) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 11(1), a licence shall include such conditions as appear to the grantor to be requisite or expedient to ensure any activity authorised by it is carried out in compliance with the relevant requirements and prohibitions laid down by the Directive.

(2) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular—

(a) require the licence holder to give to the Authority, in each year it is required by the Authority to do so, a report containing such information as the Authority may require in relation to—

(i) the present and likely future balance between supply of and demand for electricity in Northern Ireland and Ireland;

(ii) additional generating capacity under construction or being planned in Northern Ireland and Ireland;

(iii) the quality and level of maintenance of the generating plant and equipment and of the transmission, distribution and supply systems in Northern Ireland and Ireland;

(iv) measures taken and planned to ensure that peak demand for electricity is met and to deal with shortfalls in electricity supply in Northern Ireland and Ireland,

and to give a copy of that report to the Department;

(b) require the licence holder to keep accounts in accordance with the requirements of Article 31 of the Directive and to have them audited in accordance with those requirements and shall confer on the Department and the Authority a right of access to his accounts for the purpose of ensuring compliance with those requirements; and

(c) ensure that any person who is an eligible customer for the purposes of Article 33 of the Directive can exercise his freedom to purchase electricity from the supplier of his choice within the meaning of that Article.

(3) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a transmission licence ensure that the holder does not disclose information contrary to Article 16 of the Directive and shall require the holder, as appropriate having regard to the activities authorised by the licence—

(a) to carry out the tasks laid down for him by Article 12 or 15(1) of the Directive;

(b) where he carries out the tasks laid down by Article 15(1) of the Directive, to do so in accordance with such criteria as may be determined and published by the Authority for the purposes of paragraph (2) of that Article;

(c) in relation to any task referred to in Article 15(3) to (5) of the Directive, to follow such rules for priority as may be specified in the conditions for the purposes of those provisions;

(d) to comply with the requirements of Article 15(6) of the Directive in procuring the energy used in the carrying out of his functions;

(e) where he balances electricity inputs to and offtakes from any transmission system used under the licence, to adopt and follow rules which comply with the relevant requirements of Article 15(7) of the Directive; and

(f) to comply with the requirements for system access laid down by Article 32 of the Directive.

(4) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a distribution licence ensure that the holder does not disclose information contrary to Article 27 of the Directive and shall require the holder—

(a) to carry out the tasks laid down for him by Articles 25(1) and (7) of the Directive;

(b) to act in accordance with paragraph (2) of Article 25 of the Directive and to provide the information required by paragraph (3) of that Article;

(c) in relation to any task referred to in Article 25(4) of the Directive, to follow such rules for priority as may be specified in the conditions for the purposes of those provisions;

(d) to comply with the requirements of Article 25(5) of the Directive in procuring the energy used in the carrying out of his functions;

(e) where he balances electricity inputs to and offtakes from any distribution system used under the licence, to adopt and follow rules which comply with the relevant requirements of Article 25(6) of the Directive;

(f) to comply with the requirements for system access laid down by Article 32 of the Directive;

(g) to facilitate (to the extent within his control) the ability of customers to change suppliers within 3 weeks, as required by Article 3(5)(a) of the Directive; and

(h) to facilitate (to the extent within his control) the ability of customers to have access to consumption data, as required by Article 3(5)(b) of, and items (h) and (i) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to, the Directive.

(5) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a transmission licence—

(a) where the holder, or a holder of a transmission licence in relation to whom the holder is a related transmission licensee, is certified under the first certification ground in Article 10F, require that the ownership unbundling requirement in Article 10G continues to be met in relation to the holder;

(b) where the holder, or a holder of a transmission licence in relation to whom the holder is a related transmission licensee, is certified under the second certification ground in Article 10F, require the maintenance in force of the arrangements by virtue of which the requirements of Article 9(9) of the Directive were met;

(c) where the holder is certified under the third certification ground in Article 10F or is designated as independent system operator for the purposes of that certification ground—

(i) require that the requirements of Articles 13(2) and 14(1) and (2) of the Directive which are relevant to the holder continue to be met; and

(ii) require that the requirements of Article 13(4) or 13(5) of the Directive which are relevant to the holder continue to be met; and

(d) require the holder to notify the Authority if any of the other conditions referred to in this paragraph ceases or is likely to cease to be met.

(6) Subject to paragraph (5), the conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a distribution licence granted to a person forming part of a vertically integrated undertaking—

(a) require that person to comply with the requirements for independence in terms of his legal form, organisation and decision-making laid down by Article 26(1) of the Directive;

(b) require that person to comply with the requirements for independence in terms of his management and decision-making rights laid down by Article 26(2) of the Directive; and

(c) require that person to comply with the requirements laid down by Article 26(3) of the Directive.

(7) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a transmission licence granted to a person forming part of a vertically integrated undertaking who carries on the combination of activities to which Article 29 of the Directive applies, as appropriate having regard to the activities authorised by the licence, require that person to comply with the requirements laid down by that provision in relation to those activities.

(8) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a transmission or distribution licence or a licence under Article 10(1)(c) require that any supply of electricity by the licence holder to a household customer, or (as the case may be) any transmission or distribution by a licence holder in connection with such a supply, meets specified quality standards.

(9) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 10(1)(c)—

(a) require that any supply of electricity by the licence holder to a household customer is given at reasonable, easily and clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory prices as required by Article 3(3) of the Directive;

(b) require the introduction and maintenance of safeguards to help any consumers referred to in Article 12(3) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 in particular to avoid disconnection from an electricity supply;

(c) ensure that consumers of electricity have access to the information required by Article 3(9) of the Directive;

(d) ensure that household customers are not charged for changing supplier, in compliance with paragraph 1(e) of Annex I to the Directive, and are able to use procedures which comply with paragraph 1(f) of Annex I to the Directive;

(e) require that information provided to consumers of electricity (including information about the contractual terms and conditions offered to such consumers) by the holder of such a licence complies with the requirements of Article 3(7) of the Directive;

(f) make provision for customers wishing to change suppliers to be able to do so within 3 weeks, as required by Articles 3(5)(a) and 3(7) of the Directive;

(g) ensure that customers have consumption data at their disposal and are able to give access to that data to other suppliers, as required by Article 3(5)(b) and items (h) and (i) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to the Directive;

(h) ensure that customers have access to information about sources of energy efficiency advice, as required by Articles 3(8) and 3(11) of the Directive;

(i) require that the holder of the licence provides its customers with a copy of the guidance, which is to be published by the Authority pursuant to Article 7(5) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, as required by Article 3(16) of the Directive;

(j) ensure that household customers are offered a wide choice of payment methods, which do not unduly discriminate between customers, as required by paragraph 1(d) of Annex I to the Directive;

(k) ensure that the terms and conditions of supply contracts offered by the licence holder to household customers comply with items (a) and (d) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to the Directive;

(l) make provision for customers to be protected from unfair or misleading selling methods, as required by paragraph 1(d) of Annex I to the Directive;

(m) ensure that household customers receive a final bill following changing suppliers within the time frame required by paragraph 1(j) of Annex I to the Directive; and

(n) ensure that the holder of the licence maintains the records required by Article 40 of the Directive.”.

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 14 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Gas Order N.I.

15.  For Article 10A (Compliance with Community obligations) of the Gas Order there shall be substituted the following Article—

“10A.— (1) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 10(1), a licence shall include such conditions as appear to the grantor to be necessary or expedient having regard to the requirements and prohibitions laid down in the Directive.

(2) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular—

(a) ensure that the licence holder and, if appropriate, any activity authorised by the licence and the construction or operation of any pipe-line, facility or associated apparatus used in connection with that activity meets the published criteria referred to in Article 8(7B);

(b) require the licence holder to develop and publish the technical safety criteria and rules required by Article 8 of the Directive;

(c) require the licence holder to keep accounts in accordance with the requirements of Article 31 of the Directive and to have them audited in accordance with those requirements and shall confer on the Department and the Authority a right of access to the licence holder’s accounts for the purpose of ensuring compliance with those requirements.

(3) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(a) ensure that the holder does not disclose or abuse information contrary to Article 16 or 27 of the Directive and shall, having regard to the activities authorised by the licence, require the holder—

(a) where he balances gas inputs to and offtakes from any pipe-line used under the licence, to adopt and follow rules which comply with the relevant requirements of Articles 13(3) and 25(5) of the Directive;

(b) to comply with the requirements of Article 13(5) of the Directive in procuring the energy used in the carrying out of his functions;

(c) where appropriate to carry out the tasks laid down for him by Article 25(1) of the Directive;

(d) to refrain from discriminating between persons using or intending to use any pipe-line, facility or associated apparatus operated for the purposes of the licence, contrary to Article 25(2) of the Directive;

(e) to provide such persons with the information required by Article 25(4) of the Directive;

(f) to provide any other licence holder mentioned in Article 25(3) of the Directive with the information required by that provision;

(g) to comply with the requirements for system access laid down by Article 32 of the Directive (as read with Article 2 of the Commission Decision);

(h) to take any measures necessary for the purpose of complying with Article 16(3) of the Directive;

(i) to facilitate (to the extent within his control) the ability of customers to change suppliers within 3 weeks, as required by Article 3(6)(a) of the Directive; and

(j) to facilitate (to the extent within his control) the ability of customers to have access to consumption data, as required by Article 3(6)(b) of, and items (h) and (i) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to, the Directive.

(4) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(a)—

(a) provide for the Authority to approve in advance of their coming into operation any terms and conditions—

(i) for the connection and access to any pipe-line, facility or associated apparatus operated by the holder for the purposes of the licence including but not limited to the tariffs, or the method for determining the tariffs, for such connection or access; and

(ii) for the provision of any balancing services; and

(b) provide that where the licence holder enters into a contract directly with a household customer for the provision to that customer of services under the licence, or makes arrangements in pursuance of which a household customer enters into a contract with another person for a supply of gas to that customer, then to the extent that this is within the licence holder’s control—

(i) the terms and conditions of any such contract complies with items (a) and (d) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to the Directive; and

(ii) the requirements of items (b), (c), (d) and (g) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to the Directive are complied with in relation to the customer.

(5) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(a) granted to a person forming part of a vertically integrated undertaking—

(a) to whom Article 26(1) of the Directive applies, require that person to continue to comply with the requirements referred to in that provision for independence in terms of his legal form, organisation and decision-making in relation to his activities under the licence and to comply with the requirements laid down by Article 26(2) of the Directive for independence in terms of its organisation and decision making, in particular the minimum criteria laid down thereby and to comply with the requirements applying to such person laid down by Article 26(3) of the Directive; and

(b) who carries on the combination of activities to which Article 29 of the Directive applies, require that person to comply with the requirements laid down by that provision for independence in terms of its legal form, organisation and decision-making in relation to its activities under the licence.

(6) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(a)—

(a) where the holder, or a person who holds a licence under Article 8(1)(a) in relation to whom the holder is a related conveyance licensee, is certified under the first certification ground in Article 8F, require that the ownership unbundling requirement in Article 8G continues to be met in relation to the holder;

(b) where the holder is certified under the second certification ground in Article 8F or is designated as independent system operator for the purposes of that certification ground—

(i) require that the requirements in Articles 14(1) and (2) and 15(1) and (2) of the Directive which are relevant to the holder continue to be met; and

(ii) require that the requirements in Article 13(4) or 13(5) of the Directive which are relevant to the holder continue to be met;

(c) where the holder is certified under the third certification ground in Article 8F, require that the requirements in Chapter IV of the Directive are met; and

(d) require the holder to notify the Authority if any of the other conditions referred to in this paragraph ceases or is likely to cease to be met.

(7) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(a) granted to a person to whom Article 9(1) of the Directive applies, as appropriate having regard to the activities authorised by the licence, require the holder to carry out the tasks laid down for him by Article 13(1) of the Directive.

(8) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(b) ensure that the holder does not disclose or abuse information contrary to Article 16 of the Directive and shall require the holder as appropriate having regard to the activities authorised by the licence—

(a) to carry out the tasks laid down for him by Article 13(1) of the Directive;

(b) to comply with the requirements for access to storage laid down by Article 33 of the Directive in accordance with criteria published by the Authority for the purposes of paragraph (1) of that Article; and

(c) where the person forms part of a vertically integrated undertaking, to comply with the requirements laid down in Article 15 of the Directive for independence in terms of its legal form, organisation and decision-making in relation to its activities under the licence and, in particular, to comply with the minimum criteria laid down by Article 15(2) of the Directive.

(9) The conditions included in a licence in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, in particular, in the case of a licence under Article 8(1)(c)—

(a) require the introduction and maintenance of safeguards to help any consumers referred to in Article 14(3) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and individuals who are consumers in rural areas in particular to avoid disconnection from the gas pipe-line system;

(b) ensure that consumers of gas have access to the information (including information about the contractual terms and conditions offered to such consumers) required by Article 3(3) of the Directive;

(c) ensure that any person who is an eligible customer for the purposes of Article 37 of the Directive (as read with Article 2 of the Commission Decision) can exercise his freedom to purchase gas from the supplier of his choice within the meaning of that Article;

(d) ensure that persons exercising that freedom are not charged therefor in compliance with paragraph 1(e) of Annex I to the Directive, and are able to use procedures which comply with paragraph 1(f) of Annex I to the Directive;

(e) require that information provided to consumers of gas (including information about the contractual terms and conditions offered to such consumers) by the holder of such a licence are sufficiently transparent to enable the consumer to exercise that freedom;

(f) make provision for customers wishing to change suppliers to be able to do so within 3 weeks, as required by Article 3(6)(a) and Article 3(3) of the Directive;

(g) ensure that customers have consumption data at their disposal and are able to give access to that data to other suppliers, as required by Article 3(6)(b) of, and items (h) and (i) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to, the Directive;

(h) ensure that customers have access to information about sources of energy efficiency advice, as required by Article 3(4) and 3(8) of the Directive;

(i) require that the holder of the licence provides its customers with a copy of the guidance, which is to be published by the Authority pursuant to Article 7(5) of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, as required by Article 3(12) of the Directive;

(j) ensure that household customers are offered a wide choice of payment methods, which do not unduly discriminate between customers, as required by paragraph 1(d) of Annex I to the Directive;

(k) ensure that the terms and conditions of supply contracts offered by the licence holder to household customers comply with items (a) and (d) of paragraph 1 of Annex I to the Directive;

(l) make provision for customers to be protected from unfair or misleading selling methods, as required by paragraph 1(d) of Annex I to the Directive;

(m) ensure that household customers receive a final bill following changing suppliers within the time frame required by paragraph 1(j) of Annex I to the Directive; and

(n) ensure that the holder of the licence maintains the records required by Article 44 of the Directive.”.

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 15 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART V N.I. ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION

Interpretation N.I.

16.  In Article 3 (Interpretation of Part II) of the Electricity Order—

(a) after the definition of “distribute” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““distribution licence” means a licence under Article 10(1)(bb);”; and

(b) in the definition of “electricity distributor” for “10(1)(b)” there shall be substituted “10(1)(bb)”.

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 16 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Prohibition on unlicensed distribution N.I.

17.  In Article 8(1) (Prohibition on unlicensed supply, etc) of the Electricity Order, after paragraph (b) there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—

“(bb) distributes electricity for that purpose;”

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 17 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Exemptions from licensing N.I.

18.  In Article 9 (Exemptions from Article 8) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph (1) after “sub-paragraph (a),” there shall be inserted “(bb)”;

(b) in paragraph (3) after sub-paragraph (a) there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—

“(aa) may be granted subject to such conditions as appear to the Department to be requisite or expedient to ensure that the activity authorised by the exemption is carried out in compliance with the relevant requirements and prohibitions laid down by the Directive; and”; and

(c) after paragraph (4) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(5) If any condition pursuant to paragraph 3(aa) of an exemption granted to persons of a class is not complied with by any person of that class, the Department may give to that person a direction declaring that the exemption is revoked, so far as relating to that person, to such extent and as from such date as may be specified in the direction.”.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 18 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Distribution licences N.I.

19.  In Article 10 (Licences authorising supply, etc.) of the Electricity Order—

(a) after paragraph (1)(b) there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—

“(bb) to distribute electricity for that purpose;”; and

(b) in paragraph (8), after “paragraph (1)(b)” there shall be inserted “or (1)(bb)”.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 19 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

20.  After Article 10A (Transmission licences) of the Electricity Order there shall be inserted the following Article—

“Distribution licences

10AA.— (1) A distribution licence may authorise the holder to distribute electricity in any area, or only in an area specified in the licence.

(2) The Authority may, with the consent of the holder of a distribution licence, modify any term included in the licence in pursuance of paragraph (1).

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 11(1)(a), conditions included in a distribution licence by virtue of that sub-paragraph may restrict where the licence holder may carry on an activity which he is authorised by the licence to carry on.”.

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 20 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Conditions of licences N.I.

21.  In Article 11(3A) (Conditions of licences) of the Electricity Order after “Article 10(1)(b)” there shall be inserted “, (bb)”.

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 21 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

General duties of electricity distribution system operators N.I.

22.  In Article 12(1)(a) of the Electricity Order after “distribution” there shall be inserted “which has the long-term ability to meet reasonable demands for the distribution of electricity”.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 22 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Powers, etc., of licence holders N.I.

23.  In Article 13 (Powers, etc., of licence holders) of the Electricity Order—

(a) for sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) there shall be substituted—

“(a) in relation to the holder of a licence under Article 10(1)(b);

(b) in relation to the holder of a licence under Article 10(1)(bb) to the extent that his licence so provides; and”; and

(b) in paragraph (4A) after “transmission licence” there shall be inserted “or a distribution licence”.

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 23 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Miscellaneous N.I.

24.  In Article 33 (Electrical inspectors) of the Electricity Order in paragraph (2)(a) after “supply” there shall be inserted “, distribute”.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 24 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

25.  In Article 38 (Provisions supplementary to Article 37) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph (1) after “transmission licence” there shall be inserted “or a distribution licence”; and

(b) in paragraph (2) after “licence to” there shall be inserted “distribute or”.

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 25 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

26.  In Article 46 (Functions with respect to competition) of the Electricity Order in paragraphs (2A) and (3) after “transmission” in each place where the word occurs there shall be inserted “, distribution”.

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 26 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

27.  In Article 58 (Directions for preserving security of electricity supplies, etc.) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) after “transmission” there shall be inserted “, distribution”; and

(b) in paragraph (6) after “generate” there shall be inserted “, distribute”.

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 27 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

28.  In Article 59 (Provision of statistical information) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph (1) after “transmission” there shall be inserted “, distribution”; and

(b) in paragraph (1) after “generate” there shall be inserted “, distribute”.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 28 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

29.  In Article 60 (Promotion of new techniques in national interest) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph (1) after “transmission” there shall be inserted “, distribution”; and

(b) in paragraph (2) after “generate” there shall be inserted “, distribute”.

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 29 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

30.  In Article 62(2) (Directions restricting the use of certain information) of the Electricity Order, after “supply” there shall be inserted “, distribute”.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 30 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Existing electricity distribution system operators N.I.

31 .  Article 8(1)(bb) of the Electricity Order shall not apply to any person, other than—

(a) the holder of a licence under Article 10(1)(bb) of the Electricity Order; or

(b) the former holder of such a licence which has been revoked other than with his agreement,

until 30 September 2012 or such later date as the Department may determine under regulation [F4 32] .

Textual Amendments

F4 Word in reg. 31 substituted (12.4.2013) by The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/92), regs. 1, 34

Commencement Information

I29 Reg. 31 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

32.  The Department may determine a later date if it thinks there are reasonable grounds for doing so and that date is not later than 12 months after the date in regulation 31.

Commencement Information

I30 Reg. 32 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Electricity (Applications for Licences and Extensions of Licences) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 N.I.

33.  The Electricity (Applications for Licences and Extensions of Licences) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007(5) shall be amended as follows—

(a) in regulation 2 (Interpretation) after the definition of “application” there shall be inserted the following definition—

“distribution licence” means a licence under Article 10(1)(bb) of the Order;

(b)

in regulation 3 (Form of applications) after paragraph (5) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(6) An application for a distribution licence shall be in the form, and shall contain the particulars, specified in Part I of Schedule 6.”;

(c)

in regulation 4 (Documents to accompany applications) after paragraph (5) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(6) An application for a distribution licence shall be accompanied by the documents and particulars specified in Part II of Schedule 6.”;

(d)

in regulation 6(1)(b)(i) (Manner of publishing applications), after “transmission licence” there shall be inserted—

“, a distribution licence”;

(e)

in regulation 7(1) (Fees payable with applications), after “transmission” there shall be inserted—

“, distribution”;

(f)

in Part II of Schedule 3—

(i)

in paragraph 2(b), after “systems” there shall be inserted “or distribution systems”;

(ii)

in paragraph 2(g), after “underground;” omit “and”; and

(g)

after Schedule 5 there shall be inserted the Schedule set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.

Commencement Information

I31 Reg. 33 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Energy Order N.I.

34.  The Energy Order shall be amended as follows—

(a) in Article 8(2)(b)(i) after “supplying” there shall be inserted “, distributing”;

(b) in Article 12—

(i) in paragraphs (1), (5)(b), (5)(e) and the part of paragraph (5) following paragraph (5)(e), after “transmission” in each place where the word occurs there shall be inserted “, distribution”;

(ii) in paragraphs (5)(a) and (5)(d) after “supply” in each place where the words occur there shall be inserted “, distribute”; and

(iii) in paragraph (6) after “supplying” there shall be inserted “, distributing”.

(c) in Article 39(5) after “transmission” there shall be inserted “, distribution”.

Commencement Information

I32 Reg. 34 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART VI N.I. NATIONAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Designation of the Authority as the national regulatory authority for Northern Ireland N.I.

35.  After Article 3 (The Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation) of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following Article—

“Designation of Authority as national regulatory authority for Northern Ireland

3A.— (1) The Authority is designated as the national regulatory authority for Northern Ireland in accordance with Article 35(3) of the Electricity Directive and Article 39(3) of the Gas Directive.

(2) The Authority shall ensure that its staff do not—

(a) seek or take any instructions that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, the Authority’s independence in relation to its functions as designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland; or

(b) carry out any other activity, or have any financial or other interest, that might compromise, or might reasonably be seen to compromise, the Authority’s independence in relation to those functions.

(3) The Authority may make representations to the regulatory authority for Great Britain designated under section 3A of the Utilities Act 2000 about matters to be discussed or decided at any meeting of the Board of Regulators of the Agency; and whenever the Authority receives from that regulatory authority any documents or other information related to any such meeting, the Authority shall consider whether or not to do so.”.

Commencement Information

I33 Reg. 35 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Annual reports and implementation of binding decisions N.I.

36.  After Article 6 of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following Articles—

“Report on activities as designated regulatory authority

6A.— (1) The Authority shall, each year, prepare a report (the “regulatory authority report”) on the activities it has carried out in the preceding 12 months in its capacity as designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland.

(2) The regulatory authority report shall include, in particular, a general survey of the steps taken and results achieved by the Authority in the performance of its functions under Article 37 of the Electricity Directive and Article 41 of the Gas Directive.

(3) In preparing the regulatory authority report, the Authority shall have regard to the need for excluding, so far as that is practicable, any matter which relates to the affairs of a particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate), where publication of that matter would or might, in the opinion of the Authority, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual or body.

(4) The first regulatory authority report shall be prepared by 1st July 2012.

(5) Subsequent regulatory authority reports shall be prepared by 1st July each year.

(6) As soon as is practicable after preparing a regulatory authority report, the Authority shall—

(a) send a copy of it to—

(i) the Department;

(ii) the European Commission; and

(iii) the Agency; and

(b) publish it in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of others who may be interested in it.

Decisions of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and of the European Commission

6B.   The Authority shall carry out its functions in the manner that it considers is best calculated to implement, or to ensure compliance with, any binding decision of the Agency or the European Commission made under the Electricity Directive, the Gas Directive, the Electricity Regulation, the Gas Regulation or the Agency Regulation.”.

Commencement Information

I34 Reg. 36 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Duty on the Authority to publish guidance for consumers N.I.

37.  After Article 7(4) of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

“(5) The Authority shall—

(a) prepare and keep under review, with a view to making any necessary changes, guidance for consumers of gas and electricity which:

(i) addresses all matters included in any document published by the European Commission pursuant to Article 3(16) of the Electricity Directive and Article 3(12) of the Gas Directive; and

(ii) may include any other information relating to the rights of the consumers which the Authority considers appropriate;

(b) consult the Council when preparing and keeping under review the guidance referred to in paragraph (a); and

(c) publish that guidance by making it available on its website and any other manner as the Authority considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of the consumers and others likely to be interested.

(6) The first such guidance shall be published on or before 1st December 2011.”.

Commencement Information

I35 Reg. 37 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Duty on the Authority to consult and co-operate with other authorities N.I.

38.  After Article 8 of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following Article—

“Duty on the authority to have regard to the need for consultation and co-operation with other authorities

8A.— (1) When carrying out its functions as designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland, the Authority shall, to the extent it considers necessary, consider whether there is a need to—

(a) consult and co-operate with the Agency or the designated regulatory authorities of Great Britain or other Member States;

(b) provide the Agency or the designated regulatory authorities of Great Britain or other Member States with information they may require in order to carry out their functions under the Electricity Directive, the Gas Directive, the Electricity Regulation, the Gas Regulation or the Agency Regulation; and

(c) consult relevant national authorities.

(2) In meeting its duty under paragraph (1) the Authority shall, wherever it thinks fit, co-operate with the designated regulatory authorities of Great Britain or other Member States within a regions with a view to achieving, within that region, compliance with those requirements of the Third Package which apply in relation to regions to provide for regional co-operation.

(3) In this Article.—

“region” means—

(a)

in relation to electricity, any geographical area defined in accordance with Article 12(3) of the Electricity Regulation which includes Northern Ireland; and

(b)

in relation to gas, any geographical area defined in accordance with Article 12(3) of the Gas Regulation which includes Northern Ireland;

“relevant national authority” means any of the following—

(a)

the Competition Commission;

(b)

the Office of Communications; and

(c)

the Office of Fair Trading.

(4) The provisions of this Article are without prejudice to any provision of the SEM Order.”.

Commencement Information

I36 Reg. 38 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment of the Authority’s principal objective in relation to electricity N.I.

39.  After Article 12(1) of the Energy Order, there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(1A) The interests of consumers include their interests in the fulfilment by the Authority, when carrying out its functions as designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland, of the objectives set out in Article 36(a) to (h) of the Electricity Directive.”.

Commencement Information

I37 Reg. 39 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

40.  In Article 13(2)(b) of the Energy Order, after “Article 8” there shall be inserted “and Article 8A”.

Commencement Information

I38 Reg. 40 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment of the Authority’s principal objective in relation to gas N.I.

41.  For Article 14(1) of the Energy Order there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“(1) The principal objective of the Department and the Authority in carrying out their respective gas functions is to promote the development and maintenance of an efficient, economic and co-ordinated gas industry in Northern Ireland, and to do so in a way that is consistent with the fulfilment by the Authority, pursuant to Article 40 of the Gas Directive, of the objectives set out in paragraphs (a) to (h) of that Article.”

Commencement Information

I39 Reg. 41 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

42.  In Article 15(2)(b) of the Energy Order, after “Article 8” there shall be inserted “and Article 8A”.

Commencement Information

I40 Reg. 42 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment to provision dealing with reasons for decisions N.I.

43.  In Article 62 of the Energy Order, after paragraph(1)(f) there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—

“(g) any other decision of the Authority when carrying out its functions as designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland.”.

Commencement Information

I41 Reg. 43 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

44.  In Article 62(3) of the Energy Order, after “(f)” there shall be inserted “or (g)”.

Commencement Information

I42 Reg. 44 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to Schedule 1 to the Energy Order – Members of the Authority N.I.

45.  In Schedule 1 to the Energy Order—

(a) after paragraph 2 there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“2A.   A person holding office as chairman or other member shall not—

(a) carry out any activity or have any financial or other interest that might compromise or might reasonably be seen to compromise that person’s impartiality; or

(b) seek or take any instructions from any person or body that might compromise or might reasonably be seen to compromise the independence of the Authority when the Authority is carrying out functions in its capacity as national regulatory authority for Northern Ireland.”; and

(b) for paragraph 3 there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“3.— (1) No person shall be appointed to hold office as chairman or other member for a term of less than 5 years or for a term of more than 7 years.

(2) If a person who is on the Authority’s staff, is appointed as chairman or other member, the Department of Finance and Personnel may make the appointment subject to the condition that the appointment will end if that person ceases to be on the Authority’s staff.

(3) The appointment of a person as chairman or other member may be renewed only once.

(4) To ensure continuity of the functioning of the Authority, the Department of Finance and Personnel shall ensure that there is a rotation of the Authority’s membership. To do this, that Department shall appoint members so that their terms of office will not all expire at the same time.

(5) A person holding office as chairman or other member may resign that office by giving notice in writing to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

(6) A person holding office as chairman or other member may only be removed from office by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and on one of the following grounds only—

(a) a breach of paragraph 2A;

(b) incapacity; or

(c) misbehaviour.”.

Commencement Information

I43 Reg. 45 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment to the Energy Order N.I.

46.  In Article 6(3) of the Energy Order, for the words “general directions” there shall be substituted the word “guidance”.

Commencement Information

I44 Reg. 46 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Electricity Order – Grant of electricity licences N.I.

47.  In Article 10(1) of the Electricity Order, for the words “Department after consultation with the Director, or the Director with the consent of, or in accordance with a general authority given by, the Department,” there shall be substituted the word “Authority”.

Commencement Information

I45 Reg. 47 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

48.  In Article 10(2A) of the Electricity Order, for the word “grantor” there shall be substituted the word “Authority”.

Commencement Information

I46 Reg. 48 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

49.  In Article 10(4) of the Electricity Order—

(a) in the first line for the words “the Department or the Director” there shall be substituted the words “the Authority”; and

(b) in paragraph (a) for the words “the Department or the Director, as the case may require,” there shall be substituted the words “the Authority”.

Commencement Information

I47 Reg. 49 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

50.  In Article 10(5) of the Electricity Order, for the words “the Department or the Director” there shall be substituted the words “the Authority”.

Commencement Information

I48 Reg. 50 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

51.  Article 10(7) of the Electricity Order shall be omitted.

Commencement Information

I49 Reg. 51 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

52.  After Article 11A of the Electricity Order there shall be inserted the following Article—

“Standard conditions of licences

11AA.— (1) Such conditions as may be determined by the Department, and published by it in such manner as it considers appropriate, in relation to licences under sub-paragraph (a), (b), (bb), (c) or (d) of Article 10(1), shall be standard conditions for the purposes of licences under that sub-paragraph.

(2) The standard conditions for the purposes of licences under sub-paragraph (a), (b), (bb), (c) or (d) of Article 10(1) may contain provision—

(a) for any standard condition included in such a licence not to have effect until brought into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be specified in or determined under the standard conditions;

(b) for the effect of any standard condition included in such a licence to be suspended in such manner, and in such circumstances, as may be so specified or determined; or

(c) for any standard condition included in such a licence which is for the time being suspended to be brought back into operation in such manner and in such circumstances as may be so specified or determined.

(3) Subject to paragraph (5) and Article 14(1)(b), each condition which by virtue of paragraph (1) is a standard condition for the purposes of licences under sub-paragraph (a), (b), (bb), (c) or (d) of Article 10(1) shall be incorporated (that is to say, incorporated by reference, or in the case of a licence in force at the time of any determination under paragraph (1), deemed to be incorporated by reference) in each licence under that sub-paragraph.

(4) The modification under Article 14(1)(b) of a condition of a licence shall not prevent so much of the condition as is not modified being regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of this Part.

(5) In relation to a licence in force at the time of any determination under paragraph (1), except with the consent of the licence holder, paragraph (3) shall not have effect in relation to a particular standard condition or part thereof if the effect of paragraph (3) would be to modify the conditions of that licence.”.

Commencement Information

I50 Reg. 52 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

53.  Paragraph (1) of Article 14 of the Electricity Order shall be substituted with the following paragraph—

“(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Article, the Authority may—

(a) modify the conditions of a licence if the licence holder consents to the modifications;

(b) in granting a licence, modify any of the standard conditions to such extent as the Authority considers requisite to meet the circumstances of the particular case; or

(c) modify the standard conditions of licences under sub-paragraph (a), (b), (bb), (c) or (d) of Article 10(1).”.

Commencement Information

I51 Reg. 53 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

54.  After paragraph (4) of Article 14 of the Electricity Order there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

“(5) The Authority shall not make any modifications of standard conditions under paragraph 1(c) unless—

(a) no licence holder whose licence incorporates the standard conditions (a “relevant licence holder”) has objected, within the period specified under paragraph (2)(c), to the modifications, unless any such objection has been withdrawn; or

(b) the Authority is of the opinion that—

(i) the effect of the standard conditions is such as to impose a burden affecting relevant licence holders in the carrying out of activities to which the modifications relate;

(ii) the modifications would remove or reduce the burden without removing any necessary protection; and

(iii) the modifications are such that no relevant licence holder would be unduly disadvantaged in competing with other relevant licence holders.

(6) Where at any time the Authority modifies standard conditions under paragraph (1)(c) for the purposes of their incorporation in licences under sub-paragraph (a), (b), (bb), (c) or (d) of Article 8(1) granted after that time, it shall publish the modifications in such manner as it considers appropriate.”.

Commencement Information

I52 Reg. 54 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Authority’s dispute resolution functions in relation to electricity N.I.

55.  For paragraph (1) of Article 31A of the Electricity Order there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“(1) Any person may make a complaint under this Article (hereinafter referred to as “a complaint”) if—

(a) the subject matter of the complaint constitutes a dispute between the complainant and—

(i) the holder of a transmission licence;

(ii) the holder of a distribution licence; or

(iii) a distribution exemption holder;

(b) it is wholly or mainly a complaint against that holder regarding an obligation imposed upon him pursuant to the Directive; and

(c) the subject matter of the complaint—

(i) does not fall to be dealt with under Article 26 or Article 42A; and

(ii) is not capable of being determined pursuant to any other provision of this Order.”.

Commencement Information

I53 Reg. 55 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment to the Electricity Order N.I.

56.  In Article 50(2) of the Electricity Order for the words “give general directions” there shall be substituted the words “issue guidance”.

Commencement Information

I54 Reg. 56 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Authority’s monitoring functions in relation to electricity N.I.

57.  After Article 50(3A) of the Electricity Order there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(3B) the activities to which paragraph (1) applies include, in particular, the matters specified in the following provisions of the Directive as matters to be monitored—

(a) Article 26(3);

(b) Article 37(1)(g) to (k), (m) and (q) to (t); and

(c) where an independent system operator has been designated under Article 10H of this Order, Article 37(3)(a), (b) and (f).”.

Commencement Information

I55 Reg. 57 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Gas Order – grant of gas licences N.I.

58.  In Article 8(1) and (2) of the Gas Order, for the words “Department after consultation with the Director, or the Director with the consent of, or in accordance with a general authority given by, the Department,” there shall be substituted the word “Authority”.

Commencement Information

I56 Reg. 58 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

59.  In Article 8(4) of the Gas Order—

(a) in the first line for the words “the Department or the Director” there shall be substituted the words “the Authority”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (a) for the words “the Department or the Director, as the case may require,” there shall be substituted the words “the Authority”.

Commencement Information

I57 Reg. 59 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

60.  In Article 8(6) of the Gas Order, for the words “the Department or Director” there shall be substituted with the words “the Authority”.

Commencement Information

I58 Reg. 60 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

61.  In Article 8(7) of the Gas Order for the words “the Department or the Director” there shall be substituted with the words “the Authority”.

Commencement Information

I59 Reg. 61 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

62.  In Article 8(7A) of the Gas Order, the words “the Department or” and the words “Department or” shall be omitted where and in the order they appear and the words “, as the case may be,” shall also be omitted.

Commencement Information

I60 Reg. 62 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

63.  In Article 11(2) of the Gas Order, in the first line for the words “paragraph (3)” there shall be substituted the words “Article 14(1)(aa)”.

Commencement Information

I61 Reg. 63 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

64.  Paragraph (3) of Article 11 of the Gas Order shall be omitted.

Commencement Information

I62 Reg. 64 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

65.  In Article 11(4) of the Gas Order, in the first line for the words “paragraph (3)” there shall be substituted the words “Article 14(1)(aa)”.

Commencement Information

I63 Reg. 65 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

66.  In Article 14(1) of the Gas Order, at the end of paragraph (a) there shall be omitted the word “or” and there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—

“(aa) in granting a licence, modify any of the standard conditions to such extent as the Authority considers requisite to meet the circumstances of the particular case; or”.

Commencement Information

I64 Reg. 66 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Gas Order N.I.

67.  In Article 27(2) of the Gas Order for the words “give general directions” there shall be substituted with the words “issue guidance”.

Commencement Information

I65 Reg. 67 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

68.  In Article 30(2) of the Gas Order the words “, with the consent of the Department,” shall be omitted.

Commencement Information

I66 Reg. 68 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Authority’s monitoring functions in relation to gas N.I.

69.  After Article 27(3A) of the Gas Order there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(3B) The activities to which paragraph (1) applies include, in particular, the matters specified in the following provisions of the Directive as matters to be monitored—

(a) Article 26(3);

(b) Article 41(1)(g) to (k), (m), (n) and (r) to (t);

(c) where an independent system operator has been designated under Article 8H of this Order, Article 41(3)(a) and (b); and

(d) where a person has been certified on the basis of the third certification ground (independent transmission operator) in Article 8F and designated as a gas transmission operator under Article 8H of this Order, Article 41(5)(b) and (d); and

(e) Article 41(9).”.

Commencement Information

I67 Reg. 69 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Authority’s dispute resolution functions in relation to gas N.I.

70.  For Article 27A(1) of the Gas Order there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“27A.— (1) Any person may make a complaint under this Article (hereinafter referred to as “a complaint”) if—

(a) the subject matter of the complaint constitutes a dispute between the complainant and—

(i) a person holding a licence under Article 8(1)(a);

(ii) a person holding a licence under Article 8(1)(b);

(iii) a gas conveyance exemption holder; or

(iv) a gas storage exemption holder;

(b) it is wholly or mainly a complaint against that holder regarding an obligation imposed on him pursuant to the Directive; and

(c) the subject matter of the complaint is not capable of being determined pursuant to any other Article of this Order or any condition of the licence held by the holder.”.

Commencement Information

I68 Reg. 70 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART VII N.I. ENFORCEMENT

Amendment of the enforcement provisions of the Energy Order N.I.

71.  In Articles 42 to 51 of the Energy Order, for “licence holder”, substitute “regulated person” wherever it appears, except where the words “licence holder” appears in the following places—

(a) Article 45(2) of the Energy Order;

(b) paragraphs (b) and (c) of Article 51(1) of the Energy Order.

Commencement Information

I69 Reg. 71 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

72.  In Article 41(1)(a) of the Energy Order, after the words “electricity licences” there shall be inserted the words “and exemptions”.

Commencement Information

I70 Reg. 72 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

73.  In Article 41(2) of the Energy Order, before the definition of “relevant conditions” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““regulated person” means any person who is—

(a)

a licence holder; or

(b)

an exemption holder;”.

Commencement Information

I71 Reg. 73 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

74.  In Article 41(2) of the Energy Order, for the definition of “relevant conditions” there shall be substituted the following definition—

““relevant conditions” means—

(a)

in relation to any licence holder, any condition of his licence;

(b)

in relation to any exemption holder, any condition of his exemption.”.

Commencement Information

I72 Reg. 74 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

75.  In Article 41(2) of the Energy Order, for the definition of “relevant requirement” there shall be substituted the following definition—

““relevant requirement” has the meaning given to it in Articles 41A and 41B.”.

Commencement Information

I73 Reg. 75 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

76.  After Article 41 of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following new Articles—

“Meaning of relevant requirement in relation to electricity

41A.— (1) In the case of electricity, “relevant requirement” in respect of any regulated person means any duty or other requirement imposed on that person by or under a provision—

(a) specified in this Article; or

(b) in the Electricity Regulation and designated under this Article, in respect of that person.

(2) In respect of any licence holders, Article 27(4)(b) is specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(3) In respect of holders of an electricity generation licence—

(a) Part VII (Electricity from renewable sources);

(b) designated provisions of the Electricity Regulation;

(c) Articles 10C(8) and (9) of the Electricity Order (Certification procedure);

(d) Articles 10I(11) and (12) of the Electricity Order (Monitoring and review of certification);

(e) Articles 8C(4) and (5) of the Gas Order (Certification procedure); and

(f) Articles 8I(11) and (12) of the Gas Order (Monitoring and review of certification),

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(4) In respect of holders of an electricity supply licence—

(a) Article 43(3) of the Electricity Order (Overall standards of performance: electricity supply);

(b) Article 44(3) of the Electricity Order (Promotion of efficient use of electricity);

(c) Article 45A of the Electricity Order (Information to be given to customers about overall performance);

(d) Article 45B of the Electricity Order (Procedures for dealing with complaints);

(e) those in Part VII (Electricity from renewable sources);

(f) the Electricity and Gas (Billing) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010;

(g) Articles 10C(8) and (9) of the Electricity Order (Certification procedure);

(h) Articles 10I(10), (11) and (12) of the Electricity Order (Monitoring and review of certification) insofar as they apply to that person;

(i) Articles 8C(4) and (5) of the Gas Order (Certification procedure); and

(j) Articles 8I(11) and (12) of the Gas Order (Monitoring and review of certification),

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(5) In respect of holders of an electricity distribution licence—

(a) Article 12(1) of the Electricity Order (General duties of electricity distributors and transmission licence holders);

(b) Articles 19 to 26 of the Electricity Order (Duty to connect on request);

(c) Article 43A of the Electricity Order (Overall standards of performance: electricity distributors); and

(d) Article 45A of the Electricity Order (Information to be given to customers about overall performance),

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(6) In respect of holders of an electricity transmission licence—

(a) Article 12(2) of the Electricity Order (General duties of electricity distributors and transmission licence holders);

(b) Article 10B(1) or (2) and Article 10C(3) of the Electricity Order insofar as they apply to that person; and

(c) Articles 10C(7) or (8) and (9) and 10I(10), (11) and (12) of the Electricity Order insofar as they apply to that person,

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(7) The Department shall for the purposes of paragraph (1) designate those provisions of the Electricity Regulation which impose a duty or requirement on any or on any particular regulated person in respect of such persons and shall publish any such designation in the Belfast Gazette

Meaning of relevant requirement in relation to gas

41B.— (1) In the case of gas, “relevant requirement” in respect of any regulated person means any duty or other requirement imposed on that person by or under a provision

(a) specified in this Article; or

(b) in the Gas Regulation and designated under this Article,

in respect of that person.

(2) In respect of any licence holders, Article 27(4)(b) is specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(3) In respect of holders of a gas supply licence—

(a) Section 3(4) of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Overall standards of performance);

(b) Section 5(3) of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Standards for promoting efficient use of gas);

(c) Section 7 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Information to be given to customers about overall performance);

(d) Section 8 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Procedures for dealing with complaints);

(e) the Electricity and Gas (Billing) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010;

(f) Articles 10C(8) and (9) of the Electricity Order (Certification procedure);

(g) Articles 10I(11) and (12) of the Electricity Order (Monitoring and review of certification);

(h) articles 8C(4) and (5) of the Gas Order (Certification procedure); and

(i) Articles 8I(11) and (12) of the Gas Order (Monitoring and review of certification).

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(4) In respect of holders of a gas conveyance licence —

(a) Section 3(4) of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Overall standards of performance);

(b) Section 7 of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Information to be given to customers about overall performance),

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(5) In respect of holders of a gas conveyance licence involved in gas transmission—

(a) Article 8B(1) or (2) of the Gas Order and Article 8B(1) or (2) of the Electricity Order insofar as they apply to that person; and

(b) Article 8C(3), (4) and (5) and 8I(10), (11) and (12) of the Gas Order insofar as they apply to that person,

are specified for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(6) The Department shall for the purposes of paragraph (1) designate those provisions of the Gas Regulation which impose a duty or requirement, on any or on any particular, regulated person in respect of such persons and shall publish any such designation in the Belfast Gazette.”.

Commencement Information

I74 Reg. 76 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendment to the Energy Order – penalties N.I.

77.  For paragraph (9) of Article 45 there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“(9) No penalty imposed by the Authority under this Article may exceed—

(a) subject to sub-paragraph (b), 10 per cent of the turnover of the regulated person; or

(b) where the regulated person is or is part of a vertically integrated undertaking and the relevant condition or requirement to which the contravention relates is imposed on a vertically integrated undertaking pursuant to the Electricity Directive or the Gas Directive, 10 per cent of the turnover of the vertically integrated undertaking,

in each case determined in accordance with provisions specified in an order made by the Department.”.

Commencement Information

I75 Reg. 77 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Energy Order – miscellaneous provisions N.I.

78.  For paragraph (11) of Article 45 there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“(11) “Community Regulation” means the Electricity Regulation or the Gas Regulation.”.

Commencement Information

I76 Reg. 78 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

79.  After Article 51(1) of the Energy Order there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(1A) The Authority may, for the purposes of its monitoring functions under Article 50 of the Electricity Order and Article 27 of the Gas Order, serve a notice under paragraph (2) on any regulated person, but only where the activities being monitored are the activities set out in paragraph (3B) of Article 50 of the Electricity Order and paragraph (3B) of Article 27 of the Gas Order, as the case may be.”.

Commencement Information

I77 Reg. 79 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART VIII N.I. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Amendments to the Electricity Order N.I.

80.  In Article 3 of the Electricity Order—

(a) for the definition of “the Directive” there shall be substituted the following definition—

““the Directive” means European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/72/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC;”;

(b) there shall be inserted at the appropriate places the following definitions—

““the 2011 Regulations” means the Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets)Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011;”; and

““vertically integrated undertaking” has the meaning given in Article 2(21) of the Directive;”.

Commencement Information

I78 Reg. 80 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

81.  In Article 11B of the Electricity Order—

(a) in paragraph(1)(b), for the words “Article 7” there shall be substituted the words “Article 8”; and

(b) in paragraph 5, for the words “Article 7” there shall be substituted the words “Article 8”.

Commencement Information

I79 Reg. 81 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

82.  In Article 40(6), for the words “Article 22(2)” there shall be substituted the words “Article 34(2)”.

Commencement Information

I80 Reg. 82 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Energy Order N.I.

83.  In Article 2 of the Energy Order, there shall be inserted at the appropriate places the following definitions—

““the Agency” means the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, established under the Agency Regulation;”;

““designated regulatory authority” means an authority designated in accordance with Article 35 of the Electricity Directive or Article 39 of the Gas Directive;”;

““exemption holder” means any person who is—

(a)

an electricity generation exemption holder;

(b)

an electricity distribution exemption holder;

(c)

an electricity supply exemption holder;

(d)

a gas conveyance exemption holder;

(e)

a gas storage exemption holder; or

(f)

a gas supply exemption holder;”;

““the Agency Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No 713/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing an Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators;”;

““the Electricity Directive” means Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC;”;

““the Electricity Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 714/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity and repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1228/2003;”;

““electricity distribution exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 8(1)(bb) of the Electricity Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 9 of that Order;”;

““electricity generation exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 8(1)(a) of the Electricity Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 9 of that Order;”;

““electricity supply exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 8(1)(c) of the Electricity Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 9 of that Order;”;

““the Gas Directive” means Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC;”;

““the Gas Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks and repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1775/2005;”;

““gas conveyance exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 6(1)(a) of the Gas Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 7 of that Order;”;

““gas storage exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 6(1)(b) of the Gas Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 7 of that Order;”;

““gas supply exemption holder” means a person who carries on the activity referred to in Article 6(1)(c) of the Gas Order under the authority of an exemption granted pursuant to Article 7 of that Order;”; and

““Third Package” means—

(a)

the Electricity Directive;

(b)

the Gas Directive;

(c)

the Agency Regulation;

(d)

the Electricity Regulation; and

(e)

the Gas Regulation.”.

Commencement Information

I81 Reg. 83 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

84.  In Article 38 of the Energy Order—

(a) In paragraph (1), for the words “European Parliament and Council Directive 2003/54/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 96/92/EC” there shall be substituted the words “the Electricity Directive”; and

(b) in paragraph (2), for the words “European Parliament and Council Directive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC” there shall be substituted “the Gas Directive”.

Commencement Information

I82 Reg. 84 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Gas Order N.I.

85.  In Article 3 of the Gas Order—

(a) for the definition of “the Directive” there shall be substituted the following definition—

““the Directive” means European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC;”;

(b) for the definition of “the Commission Decision” there shall be substituted the following definition—

““the Commission Decision” means Commission Decision PH (2005) 0791 granting a derogation from certain provisions of Directive 2003/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council in respect of Northern Ireland;”; and

(c) there shall be inserted at the appropriate places the following definitions—

““the 2011 Regulations” means The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011;”; and

““vertically integrated undertaking” has the meaning given in Article 2(20) of the Directive.”.

Commencement Information

I83 Reg. 85 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

86.  In Article 8(7B)(b), for the words “Article 24(2)” there shall be substituted the words “Article 38(2)”.

Commencement Information

I84 Reg. 86 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

87.  In Article 9A(1)(a), for the words “Article 24(1)” there shall be substituted the words “Article 38(1)”.

Commencement Information

I85 Reg. 87 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

88.  In Article 45(1A), for the words “Article 10 or 14” there shall be substituted the words “Article 16 or 27”.

Commencement Information

I86 Reg. 88 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Amendments to the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 N.I.

89.  In Section 17(5) of the Energy Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in paragraph (a) of the definition of “relevant licence”, after the words “Article 10(1)(b)” there shall be inserted the words “or Article 10(1)(bb)”.

Commencement Information

I87 Reg. 89 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

PART IX N.I. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Separation of existing electricity transmission licence N.I.

90.—(1) The transmission licence held by Northern Ireland Electricity plc immediately before the date these Regulations come into operation (“the existing transmission licence”) shall have effect as if it were—

(a) a licence under Article 10(1)(b) of the Electricity Order to participate in the transmission of electricity (“the successor transmission licence”); and

(b) a licence under Article 10(1)(bb) of the Electricity Order to distribute electricity (“the successor distribution licence”),

authorising, in each case, the activities thereunder in the area specified in the existing transmission licence.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) and subject to any modification made under paragraph (5), each condition (or part of a condition) of the existing transmission licence which—

(a) relates only to electricity transmission shall be included as a condition in the successor transmission licence;

(b) relates only to electricity distribution shall be included as a condition in the successor distribution licence;

(c) does not relate only to electricity transmission or only to electricity distribution shall be included as a condition in both the successor transmission licence and the successor distribution licence.

(3) Condition 42 (and Annex 2 to the Conditions) of the existing transmission licence shall be included as a condition in both the successor transmission licence and the successor distribution licence and shall be taken as relating to the activities authorised by both licences taken together.

(4) Where any question arises as to the effect of paragraph (2) in relation to a particular licence condition, the Authority, after consultation with Northern Ireland Electricity plc, shall determine such question and may modify the successor transmission or distribution licence accordingly.

(5) The Authority, after consultation with the Department, may by notice in writing make such incidental, consequential or transitional modifications to the terms and conditions of the successor transmission licence or the successor distribution licence as the Authority may consider necessary or expedient in connection with paragraph (1).

(6) Before making modifications under this regulation, the Authority shall consult Northern Ireland Electricity plc.

(7) The requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) as to consultation may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the coming into operation of this regulation.

(8) Where the Authority makes any modifications of the successor transmission licence or the successor distribution licence under this regulation, it—

(a) shall publish those modifications in such manner as it considers appropriate; and

(b) may publish the modified licence in such manner as it considers appropriate, either as a composite document comprising both licences or as separate documents each comprising one of the licences.

(9) The power to make modifications under this regulation may not be exercised after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this regulation comes into operation.

(10) The Department may, prior to the date referred to in paragraph (9), and if it considers there are good reasons for doing so, extend that date by a period of no more than 12 months.

(11) Article 38(1) of the Energy Order applies in relation to the power to modify a licence under this regulation as it applies in relation to a power to amend a licence under the Electricity Order.

(12) Nothing else in this regulation prejudices the generality of any other power to modify a licence.

(13) Anything done in pursuance of the existing transmission licence, or any condition thereof, in connection with the transmission or distribution by Northern Ireland Electricity plc of electricity shall be deemed to have been done in pursuance of the successor transmission licence or the successor distribution licence respectively.

(14) Each of the successor transmission licence and the successor distribution licence shall be treated as an existing electricity licence for the purposes of regulation 94.

Commencement Information

I88 Reg. 90 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Modification of existing electricity licences N.I.

91.—(1) The Department, after consultation with the Authority, or the Authority with the consent of the Department, may by notice in writing make such modifications to the conditions of an existing electricity licence as the Department or the Authority, as the case may be, considers requisite or expedient—

(a) to ensure that any activity authorised by the licence is carried out in compliance with the relevant requirements and prohibitions laid down by the Electricity Directive; or

(b) otherwise for the purpose of the Electricity Directive.

(2) A notice under paragraph (1) may in particular—

(a) revoke or modify such conditions of; or

(b) include such new conditions in,

an existing licence as the Department or the Authority, as the case may be, considers requisite or expedient for the purposes of that paragraph.

(3) Conditions included in a licence by virtue of the power conferred by this regulation—

(a) may do any of the things authorised by Articles 11(2) to (6B) of the Electricity Order;

(b) shall, in particular, ensure that existing electricity licences comply with the requirements of Article 11A of the Electricity Order.

(4) Before making modifications under this regulation, the Department or the Authority shall consult the holders of the licences being modified and such other persons as it considers appropriate.

(5) The requirements of paragraphs (1) and (4) as to consultation may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the coming into operation of this regulation.

(6) Where the Department or the Authority makes any modifications under this regulation, it shall publish those modifications in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(7) The power to make modifications under this regulation may not be exercised after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this regulation comes into operation.

F5 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) Article 38(1) of the Energy Order applies in relation to the power to modify a licence under this regulation as it applies in relation to a power to amend a licence under the Electricity Order.

(10) Nothing in this regulation prejudices the generality of any other power to modify a licence; and nothing in paragraph (3) prejudices the generality of paragraph (1).

Textual Amendments

F5 Reg. 91(8) revoked (12.4.2013) by The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/92), regs. 1, 33

Commencement Information

I89 Reg. 91 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Modification of existing gas licences N.I.

92.—(1) The Department, after consultation with the Authority, or the Authority with the consent of the Department, may by notice in writing make such modifications to the conditions of an existing gas licence as the Department or the Authority, as the case may be, considers requisite or expedient—

(a) to ensure that any activity authorised by the licence is carried out in compliance with the relevant requirements and prohibitions laid down by the Gas Directive; or

(b) otherwise for the purpose of the Gas Directive.

(2) A notice under paragraph (1) may in particular—

(a) revoke or modify such conditions of; or

(b) include such new conditions in,

an existing licence as the Department or the Authority, as the case may be, considers requisite or expedient for the purposes of that paragraph.

(3) Conditions included in a licence by virtue of the power conferred by this regulation—

(a) may do any of the things authorised by Articles 10(2) to (6A) of the Gas Order;

(b) shall, in particular, ensure that existing gas licences comply with the requirements of Article 10A of the Gas Order.

(4) Before making modifications under this regulation, the Department or the Authority shall consult the holders of the licences being modified and such other persons as it considers appropriate.

(5) The requirements of paragraphs (1) and (4) as to consultation may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the coming into operation of this regulation.

(6) Where the Department or the Authority makes any modifications under this regulation, it shall publish those modifications in such manner as it considers appropriate.

(7) The power to make modifications under this regulation may not be exercised after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this regulation comes into operation.

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) Article 38(2) of the Energy Order applies in relation to the power to modify a licence under this regulation as it applies in relation to a power to amend a licence under the Gas Order.

(10) Nothing in this regulation prejudices the generality of any other power to modify a licence; and nothing in paragraph (3) prejudices the generality of paragraph (1).

Commencement Information

I90 Reg. 92 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Existing members of the Authority N.I.

93.  For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph (3) of Schedule 1 to the Energy Order, a person who at the date these Regulations come into operation has been appointed to hold office as chairman or other member of the Authority for one or more terms in total not exceeding 7 years shall be treated as having been appointed only once.

Commencement Information

I91 Reg. 93 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Property arrangements schemes N.I.

94.  Schedule 1 (which makes provision about property arrangements schemes in respect of certain licence holders) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I92 Reg. 94 in operation at 15.4.2011, see reg. 1

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on 23rd March 2011.

A F Hepper

A senior officer of the

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment