Any pipe-line of a gas transporter—
for the construction of which the execution of works has begun before the commencement of section 76 of the Utilities Act 2000 (abolition of geographical exclusivity of authorised areas of gas transporters); and
which is situated in an area which, immediately before the commencement of that section, is the authorised area of a public gas transporter (the "other transporter"),
shall not be used for the purpose of giving a supply of gas to any premises in that area at a rate less than 2,196,000 kilowatt hours per year unless the other transporter consents in writing to such use.
If the other transporter refuses or fails to give consent under subsection (1) consent may instead be given in writing by the Authority where it considers it appropriate to do so.
Consent given under this section may not be withdrawn.
In this section "pipe-line" has the same meaning as in the Pipe-lines Act 1962.