The Gas and Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 2017

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Regulation 10(3) of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1898) requires all regulated providers to inform their customers once a year of the existence of their complaints handling procedure and how to obtain a copy of it. “Regulated provider” is defined in regulation 2(1) of those Regulations as anyone who holds a licence under section 7A(1) or 7(2) of the Gas Act 1986 (c. 44) or section 6(1)(c) or (d) of the Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29).

These Regulations amend the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) Regulations 2008 by disapplying the obligation in regulation 10(3) to those with licences under section 7(2) of the Gas Act 1986 (gas transporters) and section 6(1)(c) of the Electricity Act 1989 (electricity distributors); whilst leaving the obligation in place for those with licences under section 7A(1) of the Gas Act 1986 and section 6(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 1989 (gas and electricity suppliers).

These Regulations refer to licences granted by the Gas and Electricity Markets authority under the Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989, which can be viewed online at https://epr.ofgem.gov.uk/Document.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.