SCHEDULES

Section 23

SCHEDULE 4N.I.Regulation of the Northern Ireland energy market

Simplification of procedure for modifying conditions of electricity licencesN.I.

1(1)This paragraph applies to the exercise of the power conferred by Article 14 of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1)) (modification of conditions of electricity licences) by the Northern Ireland Regulator in response to the energy crisis.

(2)These provisions of Article 14 do not apply to the exercise of the power—

(a)paragraphs (2)(d), (3), (5) and (8)(c) (representations with respect to proposed modification);

(b)paragraph (10) (56 day standstill period before modification takes effect).

(3)If, before the Northern Ireland Regulator decides to proceed with the making of a proposed modification by the exercise of the power, the Department directs the Regulator not to make that modification, the Regulator shall comply with the direction.

(4)Article 14(7) has effect subject to sub-paragraph (2).

(5)An appeal may not be brought under Article 14B in respect of the exercise of the power.

Simplification of procedure for modifying conditions of gas licencesN.I.

2(1)This section applies to the exercise of the power conferred by Article 14 of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2)) (modification of conditions of gas licences) by the Northern Ireland Regulator in response to the energy crisis.

(2)These provisions of Article 14 do not apply to the exercise of the power—

(a)paragraphs (2)(d), (3), (5) and (8)(c) (representations with respect to proposed modification);

(b)paragraph (10) (56 day standstill period before modification takes effect).

(3)If, before the Northern Ireland Regulator decides to proceed with the making of a proposed modification by the exercise of the power, the Department directs the Regulator not to make that modification, the Regulator shall comply with the direction.

(4)Article 14(7) has effect subject to sub-paragraph (2).

(5)An appeal may not be brought under Article 14B in respect of the exercise of the power.

Expiry of this ScheduleN.I.

3(1)This Schedule ceases to have effect at the end of the relevant period.

(2)In this paragraph “relevant period” means the first period of 6 months to end after this Act is passed during the whole of which both the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland have held office.

(3)That includes any such period which began before the day on which this Act is passed.

(4)The Secretary of State may, by regulations, substitute the period of time specified in sub-paragraph (2) (for the purposes of this Schedule or a paragraph of this Schedule).

(5)Regulations under sub-paragraph (4) are subject to the affirmative procedure.

InterpretationN.I.

4In this Schedule—

• “Department” means the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland;

• “electricity licence” means a licence granted under Article 10 of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1));

• “gas licence” means a licence granted under Article 8 of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2)).