§ 20. Peter BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance her Department provides to rural communities wishing to secure connections to the principal utilities. [52019]
§ Mr. AlexanderGas, electricity and telephone connections are a contractual matter between consumers and companies within the individual industries, and are not subsidised by the DTI. Companies providing connections are subject to the relevant provisions of primary and secondary legislation, which are designed to encourage connections.
Universal telecoms providers are required to provide a connection to anyone who reasonably requests it. Electricity distribution networks are required to provide and maintain a connection to any customer requiring electricity within their area. Gas transporters are required to connect all properties within 23 metres of an existing main.