Energy Act receives Royal Assent

Wragge & Co's energy experts reported last year on the introduction of the Energy Bill in the 2009-2010 parliamentary timetable. The Government has met its ambitious legislative timetable, as one of the final actions taken by the current Parliament during the "wash-up" period was to pass the Energy Bill.

The wash-up period is the period between the announcement of an election (6 April 2010) and the dissolution of Parliament (12 April 2010) during which Bills progress swiftly through both Houses, with the Government relying on co-operation from the opposition.

The Act received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010 and its full text is now available. Most of the Act comes into force on 8 June 2010, but Part 4 (which primarily contains general administrative-type provisions) came into force immediately. The provisions addressing any concerns about the market power of generators commence on a date to be decided by the Secretary of State.