Part 3: Regulation of Gas and Electricity Markets Notice of unilateral changes to domestic supply contracts Commentary on Sections Section 25: Modifications of supply licences: notice of unilateral changes to domestic supply contracts
124.This section provides that the Secretary of State may modify the conditions of supply licences issued under the Gas Act 1986 or the Electricity Act 1989 (subsection (1)). Subsection (2) requires that such modifications may only be made for the purpose of ensuring that domestic consumers are notified within a period determined by the modifications about unilateral changes, by their gas or electricity supplier, of the terms of their contracts or the price charged for their gas or electricity.
125.Subsection (3) will allow modifications to licences to include provisions relating to whether notification of contract or price changes is to be before or after the changes are made, the means of communicating the changes and what happens if a company fails to give the required notice. They may also require the notice to be accompanied by additional information.
126.Subsection (4) provides that this power expires three years after coming into force. Subsection (5) requires the Secretary of State to consult with the holder of any licence being modified, Ofgem and any other persons the Secretary of State considers appropriate. Subsections (6), (7) and (8) contain definitions for the purposes of this section.