News
Regulation Analyst (Fixed Term) - Retail and Social
Common Arrangements for Gas (CAG) Industry Update
The Commission for Energy Regulation and the Utility Regulator – collectively “the RAs” – wish to update stakeholders on the CAG project.
On 8 April last the RAs published a “Briefing Note on the High Level Work Plan” for CAG which, among other things, set the following high level timelines for CAG implementation:
~ By October 2012 an All-island Unified Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Code with opt-outs for Northern Ireland Distributors. The code will facilitate common emergency procedures.
~ By October 2014 an All-island T&D Code with no opt-outs and common retail arrangements, including a single change of supplier process.
It went on to set out in some detail the main work streams involved covering:
~ Legislation & Licensing
~ CAG System Operator (SO) Establishment & Implementation
~ All-island Unified T&D Code (with opt-outs) development
~ Transmission Tariffs
~ All-island Unified T&D Code (no opt-outs) development
~ Common Retail Market arrangements
The RAs followed this up with a series of intensive consultation exercises and workshops with stakeholders. The RAs appreciate very much the considerable input from stakeholders to these consultation exercises. They also note points made by a number of stakeholders on the perceived speed of these consultation exercises and their relationship with workstreams on ensuring compliance with Regulation 1775/2005/EC in both jurisdictions. They also note points made by stakeholders on the need to provide regulatory certainty for investors and to set out and deliver a CAG workplan.
The RAs have since 2008 worked closely with each other, with the Departments and with the industry, in seeking to progress the CAG project. It should be acknowledged, however, that there are still substantive outstanding issues awaiting resolution. We have also briefed and engaged with our respective Departments on these issues.
The CER is anxious to consider the full implications for the CAG project of recent evidence which has emerged on the physical capacities and limitations of the respective networks. The CER’s concerns focus on how a single balancing zone should operate under CAG. In addition, the CER considers there is a need to keep the original Cost Benefit Analysis for CAG under review to ensure that it will provide benefits to gas customers in Ireland.
The Utility Regulator considers that the network constraint at Gormanston should not materially inhibit the operation of a single balancing zone, and that in any case the constraint can be addressed with a modest investment. The Utility Regulator is also confident that the project as originally envisaged provides real benefit to NI customers and is fully committed to investing the time and resource to finalise CAG.
In the light of the above, and given the legal obligations on both jurisdictions to deliver compliance with EU requirements, the RAs wish to advise stakeholders of the following next steps in the CAG project:
~ A consultancy study on single balancing under CAG is being commissioned jointly by the RAs. This is expected to be completed within three months. The RAs will regularly update the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources through the Joint Steering Group, and bilaterally as necessary, during the study and on its completion.
~ In parallel, the CER is carrying out its own more general CBA update study on CAG to ensure that the underlying goal of delivering mutual benefits to Irish customers is likely to be met. This study should be concluded very shortly after the joint balancing study.
~ In the immediate term, the two Departments have jointly requested that the RAs urgently focus their resources, and the resources of the system operators, on ensuring immediate compliance with the Gas Regulation in the EU Second Package in their respective jurisdictions. This work will involve close coordination and cooperation between the RAs, TSOs and the industry, with regular updates to the Departments. Delivering immediate compliance with the Gas regulation in the EU Second Package is the priority while the studies proceed on the dimensions of CAG outlined above. The work on EU Second Package compliance will not be contingent upon CAG.
~ The Departments are continuing to progress the draft legislation for CAG while immediate compliance with the EU Second Package is achieved North and South and while the studies are being undertaken.
The RAs will keep stakeholders updated on CAG developments and expect to be in a position to issue the next update in the second quarter of 2012.
Hospitality Register 2010-2011
[Download] Hospitality_Register_2010-2011.pdf
Power NI Licence mod notice 24 Jan 2012
[Download] Power_NI_Licence_Mod_Notice_24th_Jan.pdf
Power NI consents to price control licence modification
Following a statutory consultation, Power NI has now consented to the Utility Regulator’s licence modifications without amendment. The licence modifications give effect to the Power NI price control, following the publication of the Utility Regulator’s decision paper on 25 October 2011.
The main decision of the price control will be savings, based on the Power NI proposals/cost submissions, on the allowed operating costs and profit of Power NI of 20 million pounds over two years.
The price control runs from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2014.
PC13 Business Plan Reporting Requirements including Reporter’s Guidance
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap1_Introduction.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap2_Opex_Costs_and_Efficiency.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap2_Opex_Costs_and_Efficiency_Annex_2A.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap3_Capital_Investment.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap3_Capital_Investment_Annex_3A.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap4_Outputs.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap4_Outputs_Annex_4A.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap5_Financial_Model_and_Tables.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Chap5_Financial_Model_and_Tables_Annex_5A.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Reqs_Reporter_Guidance.pdf
[Download] PC13_Tables_-_Guidance_Tables.xls
Article 14 Notice: Licence Modifications for NIE Ltd
In July 2010, Electricity Supply Board and ESBNI Limited (ESB) entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Viridian Capital Limited and Viridian Group Limited (Viridian) for the sale and purchase of Northern Ireland Electricity plc (NIE); NIE Powerteam Limited and Powerteam Electrical Services (UK) Limited (PES) and Capital Pensions Management Limited, (the Purchase). As ESB completed the Purchase in December 2010, ESB now own NIE.
This SEMC decision paper (following on from SEM-11-011) sets out the proposed wording changes that the SEMC considers are required to the Licences or to other documents or information required under those Licences.
The Proposed Licence Modifications (Article 14 notice) are detailed in Annex B of the Decision Paper. As there is a statutory 28 day period for consultation on the Licence Modifications, all comments are to be received by 17 February 2012
The Decision Paper, Annex A and the proposed changes to the NIE Licence, can be viewed here or via the link below where the consultation responses can also be viewed:
Acquisition of NIE plc, NIE Powerteam and allied businesses by ESBNI Ltd
Annex A - CEPA NIE Governance Report
[Download] Annex_A_-_CEPA_NIE_Governance_Report.pdf
Annex B - Proposed Licence Modifications
[Download] Annex_B_-_Proposed_Licence_Modifications.pdf
SEM-12-003 ESB Acquisition of NIE - Decision Paper
[Download] SEM-12-003_ESB_Acquisition_of_NIE_-Decision_Paper_-_Final1.pdf
TCI Renewables dispute determination
The Utility Regulator today publishes its Determination of 17 January 2012 in respect of a formal complaint by TCI Renewables (on behalf of Dunmore Wind Farm Ltd) in relation to NIE Ltd’s connection offer for Dunmore Wind Farm.
[Download] TCI_Complaint_-_Final_Determination_-_17_Jan_2012.pdf
Draft Forward Work Plan consultation reminder
The consultation on the Utility Regulator’s draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13 (FWP) closes on Friday 20 January at 5 p.m.
Comments on the draft FWP should be sent to:
Elena Ardines
Strategy Branch
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
E-mail: elena.ardines@uregni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9031 6352
After the consultation, we will publish a final FWP by 31 March 2012.
Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.
WR18 Special Factors and Atypical Expenditure Claims
[Download] WR-18_2011-10-27_PC13_Special_Factor_and_Atypical_Expenditure_Claims_-_for_issue.pdf
Telephone list Jan12
[Download] Telephone_list_Jan12.pdf
Statutory Consultation Notice PNGL12
[Download] Statutory_Consultation_Notice_FINAL.pdf
PNGL response PNGL12
[Download] PNG_Price_Control_Draft_Proposals_2012-2013_-_PNG_response_to_UR_consultation_Oct_11_non-confidential_FOR_PUBLICATION.pdf
NIE response PNGL12
[Download] NIE_response_PNGL12.pdf
NEA response PNGL12
[Download] NEA_NI_response_to_Phoenix_Natural_Gas_Limited_Price_control_Draft_Proposals_2012.pdf
Manufacturing NI response PNGL12
[Download] Manufacturing_NI_response_PNGL12.pdf
Fitch Ratings response PNGL12
[Download] Fitch_response_PNGL12.pdf
firmus response PNGL12
[Download] firmus_response_PNGL12.pdf
Utility Regulator response to PNGL12 Price Control consultation responses
[Download] Utility_Regulator_response_to_responses_FINAL.pdf
PNGL12 Price Control Determination
[Download] PNGL12_Final_Decisions_FINAL.pdf
CCNI response PNGL12
[Download] CCNI_response_PNGL12.pdf
Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd price control determination and proposed licence modifications
The Utility Regulator today publishes its price control determination for Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd (PNGL), the owner and operator of the gas distribution network in Greater Belfast and Larne.
The price control sets an efficient level of revenue to allow PNGL to finance the ongoing build and operation of its gas network, following scrutiny by the Utility Regulator, for the period 2012-2013.
Our price control decision will lead to lower business and domestic consumer prices, the impact of this will be seen in bills from 2013. For larger business consumers this means an estimated ongoing annual saving of tens of thousands of pounds on gas bills. This will also mean that, for the average domestic consumer, there will be around a GBP10 per annum saving on gas bills. Compared to the PNGL proposals our price control will lead to consumer bills that will be around GBP25 lower per annum.
The publication of the price control follows a period of public consultation on a draft version of the document. Eight responses were received, one of which was marked as confidential. The seven non confidential responses can be viewed below.
Each response has been carefully considered. A detailed response from the Utility Regulator in respect of the main points raised in each can be seen here.
In order to implement the Regulator’s price control determination, it will be necessary to modify the PNGL licence. The proposed licence modification is therefore also published today for consultation. The proposed modification and the price control determination document should be viewed as a unified set of price control decisions.
Representations or objections with respect to the proposed licence modification may be made on or before 5.00 pm on 7 February 2012 to:
Carl Hashim
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
E-mail: carl.hashim@uregni.gov.uk
Mrs K v NI Water Dispute - Determination
The Utility Regulator today publishes its Determination of July 2011 in respect of a formal complaint. The complaint was brought by Mrs K against NI Water. The complaint related to the costs charged by NI Water for the provision of water and sewerage connections to a new property in Moira.
[Download] Final_Determination_-_Mrs_K_vs_NI_Water.pdf
Cancellation of Generating Unit Agreements - Update
The Utility Regulator has been consulting on Generating Unit Agreements (GUAs) during 2011.
An initial consultation paper, setting out the Regulator’s initial views on issues and factors informing the decision-making process on GUAs was published in March. A further period of consultation followed in September, which set out the Regulator’s minded-to decision .
After considering all responses to the consultations, having undertaken detailed economic analysis and sensitivity analysis (most recently using up-to-date commodity prices) and after considering relevant policy issues, the Utility Regulator has decided to keep the GUAs under review, with a decision paper expected in early 2012.
PPB Price Control Consultation Opens
Today the Utility Regulator publishes the NIE Energy Ltd – Power Procurement Business (PPB) Price Control 2012 – 2015 consultation which will cover the period from 1st April 2012 until 31st March 2015. This price control sets the total revenue PPB can recover for the duration of the price control.
Comments on this paper should be forwarded to Andrew McCorriston, preferably in electronic format, no later than 17.00 on Tuesday 14th February 2011:
email: Andrew.McCorriston@uregni.gov.uk
Or by post:
Andrew McCorriston
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
A copy of the paper will be made available in large print, braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.
PPB Price Control Consultation 21-12-2012
[Download] PPB_Price_control_consultation_21122012.pdf
Power NI - Article 14 Notice for Price Control with Proposed Modifications
Today the Utility Regulator publishes the proposed licence modifications to give effect to the proposed Power NI price control.
Representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made on or before 5.00 pm on the 20th January 2012 to:
Nicola Sweeney
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast BT1 6ED
Tel: 02890311575
Fax: 02890311740
Email: nicola.sweeney@uregni.gov.uk
[Download] Power_NI_-_Article_14_Notice_for_Price_Control_with_Proposed_Modifications_in_Schedule_-_16_Dec_2011.pdf
PC13 Business Plan Reporting Requirements
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_1_-_Introduction.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_2_-_Operational_Costs_and_Efficiency.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_2_-_Operational_Costs_and_Efficiency_-_Annex.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_3_-_Capital_Investment.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_3_-_Capital_Investment_-_Annex.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_4_-_Outputs.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_4_-_Outputs_-_Annex.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_5_-_Financial_and_Tables.pdf
[Download] PC13_Reporting_Requirements_-_Chapter_5_-_Guidance.pdf
[Download] PC13_Tables_-_Guidance_Tables.pdf
Consolidated Water Licence
[Download] Updated_Licence_1_Sept_2011.pdf
BGE (NI) Ltd price control review 2012/2013 - 2016/2017 consultation
This document outlines the Utility Regulator’s process, timetable, and approach to the BGE (NI) price control, beginning 1st October 2012.
This is the first consultation paper on the Price Control 2012-2017. Further work will continue on the components of the price control during the remainder of 2011 and into 2012 and these will also be consulted on in due course.
This consultation paper contains a number of specific questions which we invite stakeholders to express a view on.
Responses should be received by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 8th February 2012 and should be addressed to:
Linda Beirne
Gas Directorate
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
Tel: 028 9031 6342
E-mail: linda.beirne@uregni.gov.uk
Our preference would be for responses to be submitted by e-mail.
This paper is available in alternative formats such as audio, Braille etc. If an alternative format is required, please contact the office and we will be happy to assist.
BGE price control review 2012-13 - 2016-17
[Download] 20111214_Initial_BGE_NI_Consultation_FINAL.pdf
Utility Regulator request to SONI to aid development of Fuel Switching Agreements
The Utility Regulator has requested that the System Operator for NI (SONI) open communications with Electricity Generators to develop Fuel Switching Agreements to provide a payment mechanism for running on secondary fuel and costs incurred.
A copy of the correspondence can be viewed below.
[Download] 131207_UR_to_SONI_re_FSAs1.pdf
Gas Storage Licence Consultation
The Utility Regulator has today published a Gas Storage Licence Consultation Paper .
The purpose of the consultation is to confirm the detail of the licence conditions that were presented in a previous consultation and also to present new conditions that have been developed. A draft final gas storage licence also accompanies the consultation paper.
The paper also sets out the application process for a gas storage licence.
The Utility Regulator invites comment on this consultation paper by close of business on Wednesday 11th January 2012.
Responses, preferably in electronic format, should be returned to:
Richard Hume
Utility Regulator
Gas Branch
Queens House
14 Queens Street
Belfast
BT1 6ER
richard.hume@uregni.gov.uk
Tel. 02890 316328
Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required
The Utility Regulator Consults on Gas Storage Licence
Final Draft Gas Storage Licence Published
Gas Storage Licence Consultation Paper
CAG Workshop Cancellation Notice
Please note that the CAG Workshop (Code Business Rules 1B – Code Operations Section) originally scheduled for Thursday 15th December in Dublin (as per the CAG Workshop Information Note issued 29th June) has been cancelled.
If you have any queries please contact Gary Martin (gmartin@cer.ie).
NI Water Cost and Performance Report 2010-11
[Download] Costs_and_Performance_report_2010-11.pdf
NI Water ‘continues to make progress but has challenges still to meet’ says Utility Regulator
The Utility Regulator has published its independent assessment of how Northern Ireland Water Limited (NI Water) has performed during 2010-11.
The Utility Regulator’s Cost and Performance Report on NI Water identifies continuing progress by the water company.
During 2010-11 NI Water exceeded it operational efficiency targets by £6 million, achieved its highest ever level of drinking water quality, performed favourably against sewage quality outputs and improved its Overall Performance Assessment (OPA) score – a benchmark used to compare the performance with water companies in Great Britain.
Shane Lynch, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator said:
“As the independent economic regulator, our job is to ensure that water and sewerage consumers receive value for money services. The Cost and Performance Report is our assessment of how well efficiency targets are being met, the quality of service provided and the company’s financial performance. There is no doubt that NI Water continues to make progress in terms of managing its costs and improving its performance.”
“The Report also draws attention to areas where there is scope for improvement. A significant efficiency and performance gap, still exists between NI Water and other water companies in Great Britain. NI Water is still 39% less efficient than the benchmarked companies in England and Wales. There was also an underspend of £31 million on the capital programme during 2010-11”.
NI Water does however face a number of constraints arising from the Government’s public expenditure classification, which other water companies do not have to contend with. Such constraints, if not addressed, will impact on the speed with which NI Water closes the efficiency and performance gap relative to other water companies.
Mr Lynch continued:
“The company also has challenges to address”.
“No report on NI Water’s performance during 2010-11 would be complete without reflecting on the company’s generally poor performance during the freeze/thaw incident that caused so much misery for many consumers last winter. We continue to monitor the company’s delivery of the actions identified in our report on the freeze/thaw incident.”
“We expect the company to make all the necessary preparations over the coming days and weeks to minimise the impact of any adverse weather on service to the consumer.”
“More broadly, the company has previously set itself ambitious targets for improving its performance relative to water companies in Great Britain. We welcome that ambition and urge the company to remain focused on improving its performance so that Northern Ireland consumers can benefit.”
The Cost and Performance Report is available by clicking here.
ENDS
For further information, contact Barbara Stevenson on 028 9031 6343 or 07794 965922.
Stakeholder briefing on draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13
A further reminder that the Utility Regulator will be holding a briefing on its draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13 at our premises this Friday 9 December 2011, at 3.30 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please contact Elena Ardines to confirm your attendance (see below for details).
Elena Ardines
Strategy Branch
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
E-mail: elena.ardines@uregni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9031 6352
Electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO) Certification for Northern Ireland
The SEM Committee has published guidance for Transmission System Operators (TSOs) in Northern Ireland seeking certification under European Union legislation introduced to promote the further development of the internal market across the European Union.
TSOs are required under EC Directive 2009/72/EC, which has been transposed into Northern Ireland law in The Gas and Electricity (Internal Markets) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011, to be certified and this guidance sets out the means by which this can be achieved.
The Guidance document SEM-11-103 gives a period of eight weeks to submit applications and has been published on the All Island Project web site.
For further information, please contact Joe Craig joe.craig@uregni.gov.uk at the Utility Regulator:
Joe Craig
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
Telephone: 028 9031 6321
BT1 6ED
Regulator publishes Annual Information Return (AIR11)
The Utility Regulator is today publishing the NI Water Annual Information Return 2011 .
The Annual Information Return is used to
- monitor the company’s progress towards achieving higher quality objectives;
- ensure that customers’ standards of service are protected;
- compare company performance to other companies both now and over time;
- measure and compare their costs; and
- prepare for the next review of price limits.
Independent professionals (reporters and auditors) scrutinise the company’s information return and report their opinion to the Regulator.
The consistency of data between various information systems and reports is important and an area of focus for the formal undertaking which NI Water has with the Utility Regulator. During our review of AIR11 some confidence grade inconsistencies were identified, that had previously been queried by the Reporter. We intend to adopt the Reporter’s recommendation on the use of confidence grades for any comparative or reporting purposes, and have communicated this to NI Water.
AIR11 Auditor’s Documents
[Download] Auditors_commentary_on_2011_Annual_Information_Return_-_Public_Domain_version.pdf
[Download] Statement_to_accompany_public_domain_submission.pdf
AIR11 Reporter Documents
[Download] AIR11Reporters_Excision_proforma.pdf
[Download] Los_Certificate.pdf
[Download] Part_1_Reporters_OverviewAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_2_Reporters_commentary_-_Key_outputsAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_3_Reporters_commentary_-_Non_financial_measuresAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_4_Reporters_commentary_-_Sewage_explanatory_factorsAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_5_Reporters_commentary_-_Regulatory_accountsAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_6_Reporters_commentary_-_Financial_measuresAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_7_Reporters_commentary_-_HSAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_8_Reporters_commentary_-_PPP_costs_and_activityAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_9_Reporters_commentary_-_OPA_inputs_dataAIR11_PD.pdf
[Download] Part_10_Reporters_commentary_-_Energy_consumption_and_greenhouse_gas_accountingAIR11_PD.pdf
AIR 11 NIW Documents
[Download] AIR11_Public_Domain_Submission.pdf
[Download] AIR11_Excision_proforma.pdf
Utility Regulator publishes increase to domestic electricity switching capacity
Following a recent review, the Utility Regulator has approved and agreed with NIE that the current interim market system and supporting arrangements for domestic electricity switching are capable of dealing with an increased number of switches (churn capacity) per month from the current limit of 7,500 to 10,000 (from 1st December 2011). The previous capacity had assumed that no more than 10% of customers switching would be keypad customers, however this too has been revised following an increase in resources and NIE call centre opening times. Depending on market activity the current limit of 10,000 will be split c.50:50 between keypad and credit customers. The overall switching limit ceiling capacity of 125,000 was also reviewed and it was agreed to increase this ceiling to 140,000 following improvements made to the system. This ceiling capacity is related to the system capacity currently in place for month-end bill processing and the increase in the ceiling is based on assumptions about (i) the introduction of continuous DUoS billing (by end February), (ii) the Enduring Solution Project go live date (May 2012) and (iii) suppliers working within their allocated capacity to ensure their allocations are not breached.
The recent review follows an Interim Market Arrangements paper (prepared in August 2009) in which we noted that when a new supplier entered the market, the switching limits would be kept under review to assess if there were any opportunities to increase the switching capacity.
The Utility Regulator and NIE will continue to review both the overall & monthly switching limits and also the allocation between keypad and credit switches (including apportionment of the available capacity among suppliers). The long-term solution (also known as the Enduring Solution), which is due to go-live in May 2012, will replace the current interim system and will deliver unconstrained domestic customer switching.
Consultation Paper on Mitigation Measures to Address Potential Capacity Constraints at Moffat
The Utility Regulator has published a consultation paper concerning potential capacity constraints that were identified in the Joint Gas Capacity Statement 2011.
The consultation paper considers whether or not regulatory intervention is required to mitigate this potential capacity constraint and puts forward potential mitigation measures.
Respondents are asked to submit their comments (preferably by email) by close of business on the 16th December 2011 to the following contacts
Jerry Mac Evilly
Commission for Energy Regulation
Gas Directorate
The Exchange
Belgard Square North
Tallaght
Dublin 24
OR
Richard Hume
Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
Gas Directorate
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required
Consultation Paper on Mitigation Measures to Address Potential Capacity Constraints at Moffat
[Download] Mitigation_Measures_to_address_potential_Moffat_capacity_constraints.pdf
EU Energy Consumer Checklist
[Download] EU_Consumer_Checklist.pdf
Section 9: Unfair Commercial Practices
Section 7: Consumer Representation
Section 8: Social Measures
Section 5: Connection to Network
Section 6: Complaint Handling
Section 4: Free Choice of Supplier
Section 3: Prices, Tariffs and Monitoring
Section 1: Information Obligations
Section 2: Contracts and Billing
Energy Consumer Checklist
Utility Regulator Publishes the Phoenix Supply Ltd Price Control Determination
The Utility Regulator publishes its determination paper on the Phoenix Supply Ltd price control. The determination paper details the treatment of each element of the Phoenix Supply Ltd tariff for the period of the control. The price control is to last for five years from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016.
This decision paper follows the publication of our minded to position in June 2011. Four responses were received to this paper from
A paper copy can be obtained from:
Lesley Robinson
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
Tel: 028 9031 1575
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email: lesley.robinson@uregni.gov.uk
Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required
Utility Regulator Publishes the Phoenix Supply Ltd Price Control Determination
[Download] PSL_PC03_Determined_to_Position.pdf
Consultation on Compliance Monitoring of TSOs against the Third Package Gas Transparency Requirement
The Third Package of energy measures has enhanced the transparency requirements on Transmission System Operators (TSOs). In order to assess compliance against the new transparency requirements, the Gas Regional Initiative North West (GRI NW) have requested all TSOs within the GRI NW region to complete a questionnaire to explain whether or not they publish information required by the new requirements and to provide a link to the relevant information. The Gas Regional Initiative are seeking stakeholder views on the content of the TSOs’ responses.
The consultation and responses may be accessed here.
The GRI NW welcome views by email to TransparencyNW@Acer.europa.eu by 20 January 2012.
Licence Consultation Opens
PUBLIC NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 10(4) OF THE ELECTRICITY (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1992 (the Order)
Pursuant to Article 10(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 10 (1) of the Order, to grant a licence to supply electricity to: LCC Power Limted, a limited company having its registered office at 16 Churchtown Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 9XD (the “Proposed Licensee”).
2 Such licence would enable the Proposed Licensee to supply the 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 protects the interests of consumers of electricity supplied by authorised suppliers, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition between persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with, the generation, transmission or supply of electricity.
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 of 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 Friday 16th December 2011.
6 A copy of the proposed licence can be obtained in electronic form using the link below, or in hard copy from the Authority using the contact details below:
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast BT1 6ER
Tel: 028 9031 6625
Fax: 028 9031 1740
Email: simon.scott@uregni.gov.uk
Web: www.uregni.gov.uk
Dated this 18th day of November 2011
Shane Lynch
For and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation
Proposed Electricity Supply Licence – LCC Power Ltd
159 Glen Road Maghera Dispute - Determination
The Utility Regulator today publishes its Determination of 26 October 2011 in respect of a formal complaint. The complaint was brought by the Rev. Seamus O’Connell PP V.F. against NIE Plc. It related to the costs charged by NIE to connect a 225kW wind turbine at 159 Glen Road, Maghera to the existing 11kV network.
[Download] GlenRd_Final_Determination_-_Issued.pdf
Date for stakeholder briefing on draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13 confirmed
The Utility Regulator published its draft Forward Work Plan (FWP) 2012-13 on 30 October.
A briefing on the draft FWP will take place on 9 December 2011, at 3.30 p.m., in the Conference Room, 4th Floor, Queens House.
This will be an opportunity to discuss the contents of the draft FWP.
Please, let us know before Friday 2 December , by contacting us (see below for details), if you wish to attend.
Elena Ardines
Strategy Branch
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
E-mail: elena.ardines@uregni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9031 6352
Determination on Northern Ireland Water’s Bid for Relevant Items
The Utility Regulator is today publishing its joint determination with the Department for Regional Development on NI Water’s bid for Relevant Items.
The Relevant Items approach was agreed by the Utility Regulator and Department for Regional Development as part of the Memorandum of Understanding. This approach provides a methodology for managing constraints in NI Water funding while it is treated as both a regulated utility and an NDPB (Non Departmental Public Body) for public expenditure purposes.
This is the first determination using the new process during PC10 and will be reviewed as part of discussions on PC13.
NI Water’s bid for Relevant Items
[Download] Relevant_Items_Bid.pdf
Joint Determination with DRD on NIW bid for Relevant Items
[Download] Relevant_Items_Determination_-_Signed.PDF
PC13 Technical Oversight Committee
[Download] 2011-10-28_PC13_Technical_Oversight_Committee_-_Condensed_with_page_numbers.pdf
The draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13 is published for consultation
The Utility Regulator publishes a a draft Forward Work Plan (FWP) for consultation.
The FWP sets out the projects that we propose to undertake during 2012-13, within the overall direction provided by our corporate strategy.
We have finite resources to carry out our work. The FWP prioritises those non-routine projects that we are able to undertake within existing resources.
The consultation on the draft Forward Work Programme 2012-13 will be for a period of 12 weeks.
In particular, we would like to receive stakeholder comments on:
(1) whether the projects we have outlined are appropriate;
(2) whether the balance of the projects, by corporate strategy theme, is appropriate.
We do of course also welcome comment on other aspects of the FWP.
We would like to hear what our stakeholders have to say. Please send your views by 20 January 2012 at the latest to elena.ardines@uregni.gov.uk.
We intend to hold a briefing during the consultation period, on the 9 December 2011 at our premises. This would be an opportunity to discuss the contents of the draft FWP. Please, let us know before Friday 2 December, by contacting us (see below for details), if you wish to attend.
A paper copy of the draft FWP can be obtained from:
Elena Ardines
Strategy Branch
The Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
E-mail: elena.ardines@uregni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9031 6352
After the consultation, we will publish a final FWP by 31 March 2012.
Copies of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.
Draft Forward Work Plan 2012-13
[Download] Draft_FWP_2012-13_final.pdf
Utility Regulator publishes its third annual Energy Retail Report
The Utility Regulator today publishes the third in its series of Annual Energy Retail reports.
The report details information on the regulated energy sectors in Northern Ireland.
Utility Regulator’s annual Energy Retail Reports
This series of annual reports details information and explains the regulated energy sectors in Northern Ireland. Every year we update and try to improve the data captured and the general usefulness of the report, based on our own necessities and on feedback from stakeholders and external parties.
We are extremely grateful to stakeholders, particularly in the regulated companies, who regularly provide information for these publications.
Each report is structured along the following lines:
Part One: Background, in which we cover general aspects of the Northern Ireland energy sector.
Part Two: Core retail information. In this section we present data that will provide information to those interested in Northern Ireland retail markets. They also help us to monitor the behaviour of main players and the functioning of the retail sectors as supply competition emerges. A quarterly update of this section can be found on our QUARTERLY TRANSPARENCY REPORTS.
Part Three: Key retail work areas, which gives a general overview of some key areas/projects we intend to progress.
We aim to gradually improve and extend of the information published in these reports. Therefore, we would welcome comments on the contents/structure of them. Please send comments or suggestions to:
Elena Ardines
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast
BT1 6ED
Please, note that 3rd ERR has been slightly updated
[Download] 1st_ERR_2009.pdf
[Download] 2nd_ERR_2010.pdf
[Download] 3rd_ERR_2011_final.pdf
Decision Paper for Power NI Price Control
[Download] Decision_Paper_for_Power_NI_Price_Control_V1_0.pdf
Power NI price control decision paper published
In May 2011, the Utility Regulator published the Power NI (formerly NIEES) Price Control 2011-2013 consultation. Seven responses were received to the consultation and these can be viewed below:
- Bryson Energy
- Consumer Council Northern Ireland
- Energy Savings Trust
- National Energy Action
- NI environment link
- Power NI
- Viridian Power & Energy
After carefully considering all the responses, today the Utility Regulator publishes its decision paper on a Price control for Power NI. The price control is to last for 24 months from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013.
Energy Savings Trust response - Power NI price control
[Download] EST_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
Viridian Power & Energy response - Power NI price control
[Download] Viridian_Power__Energy_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
NI environment link response - Power NI price control
[Download] NI_environment_link_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
Power NI response - Power NI price control
[Download] Power_NI_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
NEA response - Power NI Price Control
[Download] NEA_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
CCNI response - Power NI Price control
[Download] CCNI_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
Bryson Energy response - Power NI price control
[Download] Bryson_Energy_response_-_Power_NI_price_control.pdf
Board Minutes 6 September 2011
[Download] Board_minutes_6_September_2011.pdf
Board Minutes 5 August 2011
[Download] Board_minutes_5_August_2011.pdf
Utility Regulator welcomes Winter Awareness Campaign
The Utility Regulator today welcomes the launch of NI Water’s public information campaign, which provides advice to consumers on steps they can take to ensure a continuous water supply over the winter period.
Earlier this year, the Utility Regulator published a report into NI Water’s handling of the December 2010-January 2011 freeze/thaw incident’ which led to water supply disruptions for around 450,000 consumers. The report identified 56 actions which were assembled into a Recovery Action plan to mitigate against the impact of harsher winters in the future, and to improve the consumer experience of the service provided should such an incident happen again.
Utility Regulator Director of Water Jo Aston said,
“The freeze/thaw incident of last winter was a distressing time for many consumers and we have been working with NI Water to ensure the lessons learned have been acted upon, and recommendations in the Recovery Action plan implemented.
Our investigation established that some 80% of the additional demand arose from increased water usage/leakage by businesses and households. It is therefore important that consumers take measures to prevent frozen pipes and leakage in their own premises.
NI Water’s public information campaign is a positive step in ensuring consumers are given the necessary information to help take proactive steps to protecting their pipes over the winter months”.
For further information on the NI Water public information campaign, please click here.
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - Workshop comments
[Download] Mid_Term_Workshop_comments.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - SGI response
[Download] Mid_Term_SmartGridIreland.pdf
Utility Regulator publishes its response to the Mid-Term Corporate Strategy review
Following consultation, the Utility Regulator today publishes its response to the Mid-Term Corporate Strategy review.
The response outlines our consideration of, and response to, comments from a stakeholder workshop and written submissions from a range of organisations. A note of the stakeholder workshop and the written submissions are also published today (see below).
Overall, we note stakeholder support for the direction provided by the Corporate Strategy. Where specific issues have been identified by stakeholders, we have noted areas where we have already taken action, areas where we propose to take action, through our Forward Work Plan, and areas which require further consideration by us. Finally, we also note several specific issues which are outside our remit.
Comments received:
Mid-Term review workshop comments
Energia
BGE UK
Eirgrid
NEA
NIRIG
NI Water
Power NI
Smart Grid Ireland
NIE
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy -Power NI response
[Download] Mid_Term_Power_NI.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - NIW response
[Download] Mid_term_NI_Water.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - NIRIG response
[Download] Mid_Term_NIRIG.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - NEA response
[Download] Mid_Term_NEA.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - NIE response
[Download] Mid_Term___NIE.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - Energia response
[Download] Mid_Term_-_ENERGIA.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - Eirgrid response
[Download] Mid_Term_EirGrid.pdf
Mid Term review of Corporate Strategy - BGE UK response
[Download] Mid_Term_BGEUK.pdf
UR response to Mid Term Corporate Strategy review
[Download] Mid_Term_UR_response.pdf
Approach to PC13
[Download] Approach_to_PC13.pdf
Approval of the Publication of Capacity Statement for the Moyle Interconnector
[Download] Letter_of_approval_-_Moyle_capacity_statement.PDF