Part 2

Complaints handling and redress schemes

Standards for handling complaints

Requirements for making regulations under section 43
44
1
Before making regulations under section 43 a regulator must—
a
arrange for such research as it considers appropriate with a view to discovering the views of a representative sample of persons likely to be affected, and consider the results,
b
publish a notice of its proposals (a “proposals notice”) in such manner as the regulator considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected by the proposals,
c
consider any representations duly made, and
d
consult persons or bodies appearing to it to be representative of persons likely to be affected by the proposals.
2
The proposals notice must—
a
set out the standards the regulator proposes to prescribe,
b
give the reasons why the regulator proposes to prescribe those standards,
c
explain how the standards will be enforced, and
d
specify a time (not being earlier than the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the notice is published) before which representations may be made.
3
The requirements of subsection (1) may be satisfied by action taken before the commencement of this section or the passing of this Act.
S. 44 in force at 21.12.2007 by S.I. 2007/3546, art. 3, Sch.
Pt. 2 power to apply (with modifications) conferred (25.10.2022) by Energy Prices Act 2022 (c. 44), ss. 19(11)(b)(i), 30(6) (with s. 29)
Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.11.2022) by The Energy Bill Relief Scheme Pass-through Requirement (Heat Suppliers) (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1101), regs. 1(2), 9
Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (26.4.2023) by The Energy Bills Discount Scheme Pass-through Requirement (Heat Suppliers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/455), regs. 1(2), 9
Pt. 2 power to apply (with modifications) conferred (26.10.2023) by Energy Act 2023 (c. 52), s. 334(2)(l), Sch. 18 para. 62
Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (3.3.2025 for specified purposes, 1.4.2025 for specified purposes) by The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/269), regs. 1(2)(i)(3)(f)(4), 56