The proposed new powers for the GEMA (referred to here as "the Authority") are introduced into the Energy Act 2008, to ensure that the new provisions sit alongside the Secretary of State’s existing powers in that Act to modify licence conditions for smart metering related matters.
	Schedule 16, Part 1 amends section 88 of the Energy Act 2008 to differentiate between the existing powers of the Secretary of State and the new powers of the Authority.
	Section 91A makes provision for the Authority to make regulations regarding the procedure to be followed in granting a successor smart meter communication licence via a competitive or non-competitive process. The approval of the Secretary of State is needed for the Authority to make such regulations. The negative parliamentary procedure will apply to any such regulations by virtue of section 105(1) of the Energy Act 2008.
	Section 91B makes further provision regarding any regulations made by the Authority to appoint a successor smart meter communication licence.
	Section 91C introduces a power for the Authority to make modifications to conditions of gas and electricity licences or documents maintained under those licences for the purposes of, or in preparation for the grant of a smart meter communication licence.
	Section 91D requires the Authority to consult on any proposed changes to conditions of gas and electricity licences or documents maintained under them prior to making the changes.
	Schedule 16, Part 2 amends the Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989 and has the effect of removing the existing powers for the Secretary of State to make regulations regarding the process to be followed for the competitive award of a smart meter communication licence.
Schedules Schedule 16: Grant of smart meter communication licences