Regulation 36 Confidentiality requirements in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

The Utilities Act 2000^f1 is amended as follows.

In section 105 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), after subsection (11A)^f2 insert—

“(11B)

Nothing in this section applies to information to which section 105A applies.”.

After section 105 insert—

“Restrictions on disclosure in respect of cross-border exchanges of information

105A

(1)

This section applies to any information provided to the Authority—

(a)

for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its functions as designated regulatory authority for Great Britain; and

(b)

by the designated regulatory authority for Northern Ireland or for another Member State (“the originating authority”) in accordance with Article 38(1) of the Electricity Directive or Article 42(1) of the Gas Directive.

(2)

The Authority may disclose information to which this section applies only if—

(a)

the originating authority has confirmed in writing that the originating authority would be permitted to disclose the information in the circumstances in question; and

(b)

the Authority would be permitted under section 105 to disclose the information if it was received under or by virtue of an enactment listed in subsection (1) of that section.

(3)

Subsection (1) applies whether the information is provided directly or indirectly by the originating authority.”.