OFREG Consults on Modification to NIE’s Licence

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

In pursuance of its powers under Article 14(1) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 as amended (hereafter referred to as the “Order”), the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (hereafter referred to as the “Authority”), having obtained the consent of the licensee in question, hereby gives notice as follows:

1 It proposes to make modifications to the Conditions applicable to the Transmission Licence and the Public Electricity Supply Licence granted to Northern Ireland Electricity plc (“NIE”) under Article 10 of the Order.

2 The proposed modifications in question are to: Condition 3A of Part IIB (Availability of Resources and undertaking of ultimate controller); Condition 3B of Part IIB (Restriction on Dividends); Condition 8 of Part IIB (Disposal of relevant assets and Indebtedness); Condition 8A of Part IIB (Financial gearing and credit rating); and Schedule 4 (Transmission and Distribution Charge Restriction Conditions).

3 The effect of the proposed modifications in question will be to oblige NIE to operate in accordance with the agreed Price Control for its Transmission and Distribution Business for the regulatory period 1 April 2007 until 31 March 2012 (RP4).

4 The reason for the proposed modifications in question is to modify the licence in accordance with the new agreed price control procedures for RP4, and to bring the Financial Ringfencing provisions in the licence into line with the Distribution Network Operators in GB.

5 A copy of the proposed modifications in question can be viewed during normal office hours, and can be obtained (free of charge) from:

Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ER
Tel: 028 9031 1575
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email: Kenneth.dane@ofregni.gov.uk

Alternatively, these modifications can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

Licence Modifications for T&D RP4 Price Control

6 Representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications in question may be made on or before 6 October 2006 to the same address.

7 The Authority has, pursuant to Articles 14(3) and 14(4) of the Order, served a copy of this notice on NIE and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Dated this 8th day of September 2006

Iain Osborne
For and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation