§ Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to revise the electricity licence exemptions regime, in the light of the planned liberalisation of the electricity supply market in 1998. [6301]
§ Mr. EggarThe electricity industry and the Director General of the Electricity Supply are working towards full supply competition on 1 April 1998, bringing choice of supplier for all customers. As part of that process, we need to review the exemptions to the electricity licence regime.
I want to examine the scope for promoting competition in electricity generation and supply by reducing the regulatory burden placed on small generators, own generators, and small suppliers, while taking account of the interests of customers.
We have today issued a consultation paper which seeks the views of all interested parties by 22 January 1996. I propose to announce my preliminary conclusions in February 1996. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Library of the House.