The Utility Regulator announces approval of a new licence and associated direction which facilitates a new regulatory structure for the transmission pipeline which runs from Ballylumford Power Station to a pressure reduction station at Knocknagoney.
The deal sees Northern Ireland Energy Holdings acquiring the transmission pipeline, previously owned by Phoenix Natural Gas Limited, into a not-for–profit, 100% debt-financed company structure. This means that the company will be owned by independent members whose job it will be to monitor the company’s obligations to gas customers. The new structure is similar to the Moyle electricity interconnector and Scotland to Northern Ireland Pipeline structures put in place after their re-financing in April 2003 and March 2005 respectively.
The Utility Regulator today publishes an outcome paper following approval of the new licencing arrangements.
A paper copy can be obtained from Ian Davidson by contacting him either in writing at Queens House, 14 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6ER, by telephone on 028 9031 6622, by Fax on 028 9031 1740 or e-mail ian.davidson@niaur.gov.uk