Exemptions from requiring a licence
Some activities that fall within the definitions of a licensable activity are, in fact, exempt from the need to hold licences. The Acts allow the Secretary of State to make orders giving exemptions from the need to hold licences.
Exemptions can apply to individual cases or can be on the basis of a class (type) of activity. Exemptions when granted can be unconditional or subject to certain conditions including length of time. It is for the applicant, seeking legal advice as required, to ascertain whether their proposed business activity falls within the scope of an exemption order.
Exceptions from requiring a licence
Schedule 2A of the Gas Act sets out exceptions to the need for licences. It is for the applicant to ascertain whether the proposed activity falls within the scope of an exception. Copies of the Gas Act 1986 may be ordered from The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO) web site.
Advice on Exemptions and Exceptions
Ofgem cannot under any circumstances comment on whether a person carrying on an activity or proposing to carry on an activity will require a licence. It is for the person carrying on, or proposing to carry on, an activity to decide whether they require a licence or benefit from an exemption or exception.
Gas and Electricity exemption orders may be downloaded from our electronic Public Register using the links in the Further Resources section to the right of this page.