SONI TSO governance consultation proposals published

As the electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO) for Northern Ireland, SONI has a critical role to play in the delivery of Northern Ireland energy policy and enabling a successful energy transition.  In order to fulfil this role and discharge its duties effectively, it is vital that SONI’s governance arrangements are effective in protecting Northern Ireland consumers both now and in the future.

Our consultation follows a review of SONI’s governance arrangements which has been conducted over the last two years.  As an initial step in this process we published a Call for Evidence and today we also publish the responses to this.

We have reviewed all of the information received as part of our call for evidence, alongside the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code, and consequently we have proposed changes to SONI’s current governance arrangements. We are consulting on four proposals as the basis for putting in place good governance arrangements which will enhance the company’s management and better position it to protect the interests of Northern Ireland consumers.   

Commenting on the publication of the consultation, John French, Utility Regulator Chief Executive, said:

“Our review proposes options that will create a more effective SONI board and management structure which are designed to provide further protections and assurances for consumers in Northern Ireland. Our proposed changes to SONI’s current governance structure are designed to increase transparency, enable effective future regulation, and ensure the company is structured to ensure it is meeting the needs of Northern Ireland’s domestic and business consumers.  

Making changes to how SONI is structured will also enhance the company’s ability to play a strategic role in enabling meeting the Northern Ireland’s Executive’s newly proposed Energy Strategy and the 70% renewable electricity target by 2030”.

We are seeking views from all interested stakeholders on or before 17:00 on 25 June 2021.  Responses should be submitted, preferably in electronic format, to:

e-mail: Roisin.McLaughlin@uregni.gov.uk and copying Electricity_Networks_Responses@uregni.gov.uk

Address:  Roisin McLaughlin, Queens House, 14 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6ED.

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