6.—(1) Section 6(1) 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 1986(2).”.
(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.
Section 6 was substituted by section 30 of the Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27). Relevant amendments were made by sections 136, 145 and 197 of the Energy Act 2004 (c. 20).
Section 7AB of the Gas Act 1986 (c. 44) is inserted by article 21 of this Order.