# The Electricity and Gas (Competitive Tenders for Smart Meter Communication Licences) Regulations 2012, Regulation 14: Best and final offer stage: dialogue phase

Extent: E+W+S

(1) The dialogue phase must commence on the date specified in the best and final offer documentation.
(2) During the dialogue phase the competent authority may, in accordance with the best and final offer documentation, discuss with each selected qualifying bidder—
(a) any matter concerning the regulated business information;
(b) any aspect of that selected qualifying bidder’s proposal for providing a smart meter communications service.
(3) In respect of the dialogue phase, the competent authority—
(a) must ensure fairness of treatment among all selected qualifying bidders and in particular must ensure that any information provided is provided in a non-discriminatory manner; and
(b) must not reveal to a selected qualifying bidder solutions proposed or any confidential information communicated by any other such bidder without that other bidder’s agreement.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2414/regulation/14 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/electricity-and-gas-competitive-tenders-for-smart-meter-communication-licences-regulations-2012/regulation-14
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.