Before commencing a procurement, a utility may conduct a market consultation with a view to preparing the procurement and informing economic operators of the utility’s procurement plans and requirements.

For this purpose, a utility may act as it considers appropriate, including seeking or accepting advice from independent experts or authorities or from market participants.

Such advice may be used in the planning and conduct of the procurement, provided that it does not have the effect of distorting competition and does not result in a violation of the principles of non-discrimination and transparency.