Utility Regulator Consults on Modification to NIE plc Electricity Licence

NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 14(2) OF THE ELECTRICITY (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1992

MODIFICATION OF NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY PLC’S LICENCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICITY

In pursuance of its powers under Article 14(1) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (as amended) (hereafter referred to as the “Order”) and having obtained the consent of the Licensee, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (hereafter referred to as the “Authority”) hereby gives notice under Article 14(2) as follows:
1 It proposes to make certain modifications to the licence to participate in the transmission of electricity (the “Licence”) held by Northern Ireland Electricity plc (the “Licensee”).
2 The proposed modifications are to Annex 1 of Chapter 2 of the Licence.
3 The effect of the modifications will be to amend the amounts the Licensee is allowed to recover through its PSO Charges such that the Licensee shall not, for the period 1 November 2007 to 31 March 2008, recover charges relating to the funding of (or any associated costs or incentive payments relating to) energy efficiency projects, as targeting non-commercial premises, in respect of which the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) will make a grant under Article 61 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
4 The reason for the proposed modifications is to ensure that there is no duplication in the recovery of the funding of energy efficiency projects relating to non-commercial premises.
5 A copy of the proposed modifications can be viewed during normal office hours, and can be obtained (free of charge) from:
The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ER
Tel: 028 9031 1575
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email: simon.scott@niaur.gov.uk

Alternatively, these modifications can be viewed here NIE plc Licence Modification 14/12/07

6 Representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made on or before Tuesday 15th January 2008 to the same address.
7 The Authority has, pursuant to Articles 14(3) and 14(4) of the Order respectively, served a copy of this notice on NIE and sent a copy to DETI.

Notes for Editors

The Utility Regulator is the informal name for the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR) the regulator of the Electrcity, Gas and Water and Sewerage industries in Northern Ireland. NIAUR’s powers are derived from the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 as amended by the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

For further information contact:-

Conall McDevitt, Weber Shandwick Tel: 028 90764911, 07770 886933