Consultation on NIE Networks licence modifications for new IT requirements

Today we are publishing a consultation on proposed modifications to NIE Networks’ Distribution and Transmission licences.

The purpose of the consultation is to seek stakeholders’ views on the proposal to allow NIE Networks to recover expenditure on IT enhancements to facilitate the delivery of the Department of the Economy’s new Energy Strategy.

Under the current licences, costs for such IT enhancements are not currently recoverable through the current price control, RP6. If approved, the modifications will permit NIE Networks to submit a request, under RP6, to recoup any necessary efficiently incurred costs in respect of IT enhancements for our approval.  Such requests will be considered in line with our statutory duties. It is anticipated that the modifications would take effect in August/September 2021.

Impacts on consumers are considered to be minimal and we will review the continuation of the modifications as part of the RP7 price control process.

We welcome responses to this consultation by 5 April 2021.

Our preference would be for any written responses to be submitted by email. We will duly consider all representations received on or before the closing date. Please note we are unable to consider any representations received after this date.

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