Decision on NIE Networks licence modifications for new IT requirements

The modifications will create a mechanism to permit NIE Networks cost recovery for new IT requirements from the current price control RP6, following a consultation on this issue.

RP6 is the current NIE Networks price control that sets out the agreed allowances for NIE Networks until March 2024. Typically, allowances in a price control are agreed ex ante (before the event), however, previously unforeseen IT requirements are now necessary for NIE Networks to introduce as is the funding to enable these to take place. To permit this funding to be recovered via RP6, licence modifications in both NIE Networks Distribution and Transmission licences is required.

This decision paper details the feedback received to the UR consultation on the matter, which closed in April 2021 having receved two responses, and sets out the rationale for decisions in respect of implementation of the modifications.