Consultation on the draft 5 year Corporate Strategy and Forward Work Programme

This consultation document has three primary purposes:
(1) To further consult on the strategic themes and priorities reflected in our Draft Corporate Strategy (Part One); and
(2) To consult on our draft 2009/10 Forward Work Programme (Part Two).
(3) To issue Decision Papers in relation to three strategic consultations undertaken earlier this year.

Part One of the consultation presents our draft 5-year Corporate Strategy. The development of this Draft Corporate Strategy marks a watershed for the Utility Regulator. For the first time in our evolution we’ve set out to formally plan, consult on, agree and then undertake a set of strategically considered themes and priorities. Thinking strategically in conjunction with our wide spectrum of stakeholders is a necessary requirement for achieving our duties and protecting customers of the regulated companies. We hope that the development of our Corporate Strategy will facilitate this thinking process and better overcome the intricate set of energy and water regulation issues facing us today.

The draft considers the key drivers and challenges for our strategy. In light of them, we have identified the key strategic themes which, taken together, frame the direction of our proposed Corporate Strategy.

Part Two of this document sets out for consultation our proposed Forward Work Programme (FWP). The Utility Regulator has finite resources to deliver statutory duties and functions and to contribute to the delivery of policy objectives set by Government. This requires us to carefully consider and select those actions which we consider to be priorities for inclusion in our FWP. The draft FWP has been developed with the benefit of the Strategy consultations undertaken this year, and in light of the draft Corporate Strategy in Part One.

This consultation also includes, as attachments, Decision Papers in relation to a number of important external-facing strategy development projects and consultations, on:
• Developing our approach to further boost competition in our regulated energy retail markets (April 2008).
• The challenge of Sustainability and the appropriate Utility Regulator policy responses (March 2008).
• Key issues that need to be considered in developing our formal 5-year forward looking strategic approach (June 2008).

We intend to consider any consultation responses whenever they arrive and immediately following the closing date for responses. In addition, our Board intends to devote some time to final thinking and decisions after the closure of the consultation. For these reasons, we apologise but will be unable to allow an extended deadline for receipt of responses to this consultation.

A paper copy of the strategy can be obtained from

Elena Ardines
Strategy branch
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ER
E-mail: elena.ardines@niaur.gov.uk

Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.

Respondents should indicate clearly if any part of their response should be treated confidentially. Unless marked as confidential all responses may be published.