Regulation 18 Framework agreements

A utility may regard a framework agreement as a contract within the meaning of these Regulations and award it in accordance with these Regulations and in such a case a reference in these Regulations to a contract includes a framework agreement, except where the context otherwise requires.

A utility which has entered into a framework agreement awarded in accordance with these Regulations may rely on regulation 17(1)(i) when awarding a contract under a framework agreement.

A utility which has not entered into a framework agreement awarded in accordance with these Regulations shall not rely on regulation 17(1)(i) when awarding a contract under a framework agreement.

A utility may not misuse a framework agreement in order to prevent, restrict or distort competition.