Explanatory note

These Regulations revoke and re-enact the Electricity (Connection Charges) Regulations 1990 with amendments. They provide for an electricity distributor to recover from subsequent users of electric lines and electrical plant first provided for the purpose of giving a connection to the premises or distribution system of another person an amount in respect of the expenses incurred in first providing the line or plant. In the case of connections to further domestic premises they also provide for amounts so recovered to be applied in making refunds to persons who have previously been required to pay amounts in respect of such expenses.

Apart from minor and drafting amendments the changes that have been made in the Order reflect amendments to section 19 of the Electricity Act 1989 made by section 46 of the Utilities Act 2000. These amendments came into force on 1st October 2001 along with other amendments which resulted in the separation of electricity supply and distribution, the abolition of public electricity suppliers, distribution becoming a licensable activity for the first time and the statutory bar on persons holding a supply and distribution licence at the same time taking effect.