Licence Modification Consultation for NIE Energy

NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 3(1) OF THE ELECTRICITY (SINGLE WHOLESALE MARKET) (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 2007

In pursuance of its powers under Article 3(1) of the Electricity (Single Wholesale Market) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 (the “SEM Order”), the Single Electricity Market Committee (the “SEM Committee”) on behalf of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the “Authority”) and having requested the consent of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (which consent it requires to obtain before making the proposed modifications), hereby gives notice as follows:

1 It proposes to make modifications to the conditions applicable to the electricity supply licence granted to NIE Energy Limited (“NIE Energy”).

2 The proposed modifications are to Condition 68 of Part IV of that licence. 

3 The effect of the proposed modifications will be to insert a condition into the supply licence of NIE Energy obliging them to offer to enter into directed contracts. 

4 The reason for the proposed modifications in question is to allow the Authority where necessary to direct NIE Energy to enter into directed contracts. The Authority may need to direct NIE Energy to issue such contracts in order to mitigate market power within the Single Electricity Market.

5 These modifications can be viewed using the following link: Proposed modifications to NIE Energy supply licence

6 A copy of the proposed modifications (also available on the All Island Project and Authority websites) can be viewed during normal office hours, and can be obtained (free of charge) from:

The SEM Committee
Care of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ER
Tel: 028 9031 6646
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email: kenny.dane@niaur.gov.uk

7 Representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made on or before 5pm on 12 June 2009 to the same address.

8 The SEM Committee on behalf of the Authority has, pursuant to Article 3(4) of the SEM Order consulted with NIE Energy (and has taken into account NIE Energy’s views) in respect of the proposed modifications. 

Dated this 15th day of May 2009
Dermot McCann
For and on behalf of the SEM Committee