Energy Act 1976: Key Provisions
Permanent and Reserve Powers for Energy Conservation and Control
- Order Regulation: The Secretary of State can regulate or prohibit the production, supply, acquisition, or use of specific substances, including crude liquid petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, and electricity.
- Consultation: Before issuing orders, the Secretary must consult relevant organizations representing consumers and suppliers.
- Price Regulation: The Secretary can regulate the prices at which these substances are supplied, but only when an Order in Council under section 3 is in force.
Reserve Powers
- Directions: When an Order in Council under section 3 is in force, the Secretary can give directions regarding the production, supply, and use of specified substances.
- Prohibitions and Restrictions: Directions can include prohibitions or restrictions on the use of materials for production, disposal of stocks, and supply requirements.
- Emergency Measures: Orders can be declared to their fullest extent if required for implementing obligations related to international agreements or addressing emergencies affecting fuel or electricity supplies.
- Duration: Emergency orders last 28 days unless approved by Parliament, and can be extended for up to 12 months, renewable for additional 12-month periods.
Other Powers
- General and Special Authority: Authorizations can be granted to disregard obligations or contractual obligations related to the supply or use of specified substances.
- Schedule 1: Relaxations of road traffic and transport laws can be granted during the period of an Order in Council under section 3.
- Modification of Obligations: The Secretary can modify or exclude obligations or extend powers that affect the supply or use of specified substances.
- Restrictive Trade Practices: Agreements satisfying certain conditions do not apply to the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976.
These provisions aim to ensure the efficient management and conservation of energy resources, particularly in times of crisis or emergencies.
