Explanatory note

This Order grants exemption from section 4(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 1989 (which prohibits participation in the operation of an electricity interconnector without a licence) to five bodies, each of which participates in the operation of one of three electricity interconnectors. The interconnectors in question convey electricity between Great Britain and either the Isle of Man, France or Northern Ireland. The exemption granted to Northern Ireland Electricity plc only applies for so long as SONI Limited does not hold a licence granted under article 10(1)(b) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

No regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in respect of this Order because it was judged that it would not have significant implications or impact on business.