NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 8(4) OF THE GAS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1996, as amended by the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003
In pursuance of its powers under Article 8(1) of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (the “Order”), The Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (the “Authority”), hereby gives notice as follows:
1. It proposes to grant a licence to convey gas through the Scotland to Northern Ireland Pipeline to Premier Transmission Limited (“PTL”)
2. The purpose of the Authority granting the Licence is to facilitate the proposed acquisition of PTL. Details of the proposed acquisition were explained in the Authority’s consultation paper issued in September 2004.
The purchaser of PTL is seeking a longer licence term than in PTL’s existing licence, commensurate with the tenor of the financing requirements of the proposed acquisition. This requires the existing licence to be revoked and a new licence granted.
The Authority is also publishing today a decision paper on the proposed acquisition. The paper covers the issues raised in the September 2004 consultation paper and contains an explanation of the conditions in the proposed licence.
3. Copies of the licence or the decision paper can be viewed during office hours (9.00 am – 5.00 pm) at Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas, Brookmount Buildings, 42 Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EE, or may be obtained by contacting Eamon Corrigan at that office (Telephone: 028 9031 1575; email: eamon.corrigan@ofregni.gov.uk). They can also be viewed by using the following links LICENCE and DECISION PAPER.
4. The purpose of this Notice is to bring to the attention of interested parties the proposed licence referred to above and to invite any representations or objections on related to the proposed licence. Any such representations or objections should be made in writing and submitted on or before 17th December 2004 to Eamon Corrigan at the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas, Brookmount Buildings, 42 Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EE (Fax: 028 9031 1740; e-mail: eamon.corrigan@ofregni.gov.uk).
DATED THIS DAY OF 19th NOVEMBER 2004
Douglas McIldoon (Chairman)
The Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation