Utility Regulator consults on new gas supply licence for ESB Independent Energy (NI) Limited

PUBLIC NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 8(4) OF THE GAS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1996 (the Order)

Pursuant to Article 8(4) of the Order the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the Authority), hereby gives notice as follows:

1) It proposes, in accordance with Article 8 (1) of the Order, to grant a licence to supply gas to ESB Independent Energy (NI) Ltd a body corporate established in Ireland under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2006 and having its principal place of business at 18-21 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2 (the “Proposed Licensee”).

2) Such licence would enable the Proposed Licensee to supply the person and premises specified and designated at Schedule 1 of the proposed licence.

3) The Authority considers that the grant of the proposed licence would be an appropriate course of action for it to take as such grant is in keeping with the Authority’s principal statutory objective in that it promotes the development and maintenance of an efficient, economic and co-ordinated gas industry in Northern Ireland.

4) The Authority further considers that the application made by the Proposed Licensee has been made in the prescribed manner and confirms that the appropriate fee has been submitted.

5) The purpose of this public notice is to bring to the attention of persons likely to be affected by the grant, the proposed licence referred to above and to invite representations or objections in connection thereto. Any representations or objections with respect to the proposed licence may be made on or before 11 May 2011.

6) A copy of the proposed Licence can be obtained in electronic form here or in hard copy form from:

The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast BT1 6ED
Tel: 028 9031 1575
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email:Lesley.robinson@uregni.gov.uk

7) The Authority has, pursuant to Article 8 (1) of the Order, sought the consent of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, which consent is outstanding as at the date of this notice.

Dated this 5th day of April 2011
Brian McHugh
For and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation