Commentary on Sections Part 2: Sustainability and Renewable Energy Sources Chapter 2: Offshore Production of Energy Section 91: Extension of transmission licences offshore
247.Section 135 amends section 4 of the Electricity Act by replacing the prohibition on transmission of electricity with a prohibition on participation in the transmission of electricity. Section 135(3) provides that coordinating and directing the flow of electricity onto and over a transmission system constitutes participation. This section enables the Secretary of State to modify a transmission licence in force at the commencement of the section which authorises a person to co-ordinate and direct the flow of electricity so it applies offshore to the extent set out in section 91(2).  Section 91(4) also gives the Secretary of State power to modify standard conditions of any electricity licence or a particular electricity licence for incidental, consequential or transitional purposes. The power is only exercisable within 18 months of the commencement of the section.