§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers his Department retains to ensure that the plans of the utilities it regulates for asset replacement are consistent with(a) safety and (b) the national interest. [84766]
§ Mr. BattleThe Director-General of Electricity Supply and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State have duties under the Electricity Act to protect the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission or supply of electricity. The Director-General of Gas Supply and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State have duties under the Gas Act to protect the public from dangers arising from the conveyance of gas through pipes or the use of such gas. Regulations made under these Acts, including the Electricity Supply Regulations, make further provision for these matters.
The Department has no specific powers to regulate the plans of gas, electricity or telecommunications companies for asset replacement. Various aspects of the statutory or regulatory framework within which these industries operate may, however, constrain these plans. In general, the regulatory requirements focus on the outcomes which must be achieved; it is for the companies themselves to consider any implications for their asset replacement policies and act accordingly.
The Gas, Electricity and Telecommunications Acts, other relevant legislation and licence conditions also provide appropriate protection for certain relevant matters for national interest reasons, in particular security of supply and maintenance of supplies or communications in emergencies.