Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/2665) (“the ESQCR”).

Regulation 2 incorporates the latest revision to the British Standard Requirements for electrical installations (BS 7671) into the ESQCR. The revision enhances the requirements for protection for persons and livestock against injury, and property against damage caused by voltage disturbances and electromagnetic influences.

The British Standard Requirements are a joint publication by the British Standards Institution and The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Copies can be obtained from The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2AY.

An Impact Assessment is available and can be obtained from the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s website at: www.decc.gov.uk.. Copies of the Impact Assessment have been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

These Regulations were notified in draft to the European Commission and the Member States in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (O.J. No. L204, 21.7.98, p.37), as amended by Directive 98/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (O.J. No. L217, 5.8.98, p.18).