Commentary on Sections Part 2: Electricity Market Reform Chapter 3: Capacity Market Section 35: Provision about electricity demand reduction
160.Subsection (1) applies this section when electricity capacity regulations made under the power in section 27 relate to the provision of capacity which is created by reducing demand for electricity. Where this is the case, subsections (2) and (3) of this section apply.
161.Subsection (2) enables the Secretary of State to confer functions on a person or body for the purposes of, for example, administering an electricity demand reduction regime. In relation to the capacity market, section 31 allows the Secretary of State to confer functions on the national system operator (or the Authority). Where provision is made in electricity capacity regulations relating to reducing demand by reducing electricity consumption, it may not be appropriate to confer functions on the national system operator; another person or body may be identified and regarded to be better placed to, for example, administer the electricity demand reduction regime. To cater for this possibility subsection (2) enables the Secretary of State to confer functions on a person or body for this purpose and makes clear that the person or body appointed does not have to be the national system operator.
162.Subsection (3) ensures that where the power in subsection (2) is exercised the references to the national system operator in the provisions listed in paragraphs (a) to (e) are construed as references to the person or body appointed under subsection (2). The effect of this provision is to ensure that the powers which might be provided to the national system operator are equally applicable to a person or body appointed under subsection (2) for an electricity demand reduction regime.