PART 2Amendments to the Electricity Act 1989

Amendment to section 6 (licences authorising supply, etc)6

1

Section 68 is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4).

2

In subsection (1)—

a

omit the word “or” after paragraph (d); and

b

after paragraph (e), insert—

; or

f

subject to subsection (1C), a licence authorising a person to provide a smart meter communication service (“a smart meter communication licence”).

3

After subsection (1), insert—

1A

Subject to subsection (1B), the Secretary of State may grant a smart meter communication licence.

1B

The Secretary of State may not grant a smart meter communication licence after 1 November 2018.

1C

The first smart meter communication licence may only be granted by the Secretary of State.

4

After subsection (2A), insert—

2B

A person may not be granted a smart meter communication licence unless the same person is at the same time granted a licence under section 7AB of the Gas Act 19869.

5

A reference in any enactment to a licence under section 6(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 or a licence under section 6(1)(f) of that Act, shall be deemed to include any licence under section 6(1A) of that Act.