39Forward work programmes(1)

The economic regulator must, before each financial year, publish a document (the “transport and storage forward work programme”) containing a general description of the relevant projects, other than those comprising routine activities in the exercise of its functions, which it plans to undertake during the year.

(2)

That description must include the objectives of each relevant project.

(3)

The forward work programme for any year must also include an estimate of the overall expenditure which the economic regulator expects to incur during the year in the exercise of its relevant functions.

(4)

Before publishing the forward work programme for any year, the economic regulator must give notice—

(a)

containing a draft of the transport and storage forward work programme, and

(b)

specifying the time within which representations or objections to the proposals contained in it may be made,

and must consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(5)

The notice under subsection (4) must be published by the economic regulator in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters contained in it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them.

(6)

The economic regulator must send a copy of any notice given by it under subsection (4) to—

(a)

the Welsh Ministers,

(b)

the Scottish Ministers, and

(c)

the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.

(7)

In this section—

“relevant functions” means functions of the economic regulator under this Part;

“relevant project” means a project relating to the economic regulator’s functions under this Part.