Paragraph 13: Consultation
220.Paragraph 13 imposes requirements on the Secretary of State about who he or she must consult before making regulations under Schedule 2 – with sub-paragraph (8) expressly providing that any required consultation may take place before or after enactment of the Act.
221.As a broad rule, the Secretary of State is required to consult those persons who will be affected by specific regulations, as well as the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. For example, electricity suppliers are required to be consulted on regulations under paragraphs 7, 8, 9 or 14(3).