Providing third-party access to licence exempt electricity and gas networks

This consultation explains how the Government proposes to provide for the EU requirement to provide third-party access to licence exempt distribution systems. It also addresses the requirements that licence exempt entities will need to meet in order to achieve compliance with the European Union’s Third Energy Package (‘the Third Package’).

Email: chris.chown@decc.gsi.gov.uk

A range of businesses distribute and supply energy but are exempt from the requirement to hold and comply with a licence. The exempt energy sector is, however, still required to comply with certain obligations of EU law, particularly relating to the provision of third-party access.

The Government will retain the self-certified class exemption regime for licence exempt electricity and gas distribution networks. It does, however, propose to set out in legislation the third-party access requirements in relation to licence exempt distribution networks.

The Government also proposes to make specific provision in legislation applying the requirements in the Third Package that apply to licence exempt undertakings, primarily in relation to distribution networks and suppliers.

It is also seeking views on whether the assumptions made in the impact assessment are correct and whether the costs and benefits associated with this measure have been identified correctly. The Government would welcome any information that could improve our analysis of the costs and benefits highlighted in the impact assessment.

DECC is seeking views and evidence from all interested parties.

**The deadline for responses to the consultation is 23 November 2010. **

Details about submitting a response can be found in the ‘How to Respond’ section of the document.

For information and queries please contact us at: chris.chown@decc.gsi.gov.uk.

Once consultation responses have been considered, the Government will issue a response along with a final Impact Assessment. It is intended that the required legislation will be made in time to enter into force by the implementation date for the Third Energy Package of 3rd March 2011.

The response to this consultation is available from the Government response: Implementation of the EU Third Internal Energy Package web page.

Consultation on the provision of third-party access to licence exempt electricity and gas networks

Provision of third-party access to licence exempt electricity and gas networks: impact assessment