Part 3: Regulation of Gas and Electricity Markets Exploitation of electricity trading and transmission arrangements Commentary on Sections Section 23: Expiry of power
113.Subsection (1) ensures that there is a limited time period within which an MPLC can be in force. This period is initially 5 years, but subsection (2) allows the Secretary of State to make an order to extend this period by up to 2 years. Before making any such order, subsection (4) requires the Secretary of State to consult generation licence holders, Ofgem and any other appropriate person.
114.Subsection (5) provides that any licence modifications made under this Part will cease to have effect after the expiry date set by subsections (1) and (2). Under subsection (6), however, any actions (including the imposition of penalties or other enforcement actions) that have previously been taken by Ofgem, or any other party, would not be affected.
115.Subsection (7) allows the Secretary of State to modify a regulatory instrument (which includes a licence) as a consequence of the powers to make licence modifications expiring. Subsection (8) provides that the Secretary of State must consult the holder of any generation licence, Ofgem and any other such persons considered appropriate before making any such modification.