Contestability in Connections
The Utility Regulator has a statutory duty to promote competition, where appropriate, in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity. Our Forward Work Program 2014-15 has identified the introduction of contestability in the electricity connections market as an area where competition can be established. This will allow choice in who carries out the work associated with connecting to the electricity network in Northern Ireland.
The Utility Regulator will consult on the introduction of competition for electricity connections, with the aim of implementation in Northern Ireland in 2015.
An initial contestability workshop was held in October 2014 with stakeholders. The slides used for this event are available below.
The Contestability Working Group convened in January 2015 and will meet every month to consider the issues surrounding the introduction of competition. A copy of the terms of reference for the group is available using the link below:
Contestability Working Group terms of reference
To provide transparency to all stakeholders, the minutes of the meetings will be published. We will also publish any presentations from our workshops and stakeholder engagement events.
Meeting minutes and other documents by date:
3/6/16
Update note on contestability in connections
17 May 2016 – ICP Workshop Invitation
On 30 June 2016, SONI issued a consultation on the charging methodology for electricity transmission connections .
19/04/16
Minutes not yet approved.
25/3/16
Contestability guidelines cover note
Contestability guidelines
Contestability guidelines consultation report
26/01/16
Minutes
UR presentation
NIE Networks / SONI joint presentation
09/09/15
Minutes
Presentation
04/08/15
Minutes
31/07/15
Final Decision Paper
30/06/15
Minutes
02/06/15
Minutes
12/05/15
Minutes
11/05/15
Next Steps Paper
05/03/15
Minutes
12/02/15
Minutes
28/01/15
Minutes
16/01/15
Minutes
02/12/14
UR consultation on contestability
Consultation responses:
ABO Wind NI Ltd
CCNI
Energia
NIRIG
NIE Ltd
PowerCon (UK) Ltd
RES Ltd
Simple Power
SONI Ltd
SSE
Telestructure International Ltd
UFU
Windyfields
29/10/14 - Initial workshop
UR presentation
NIE presentation
SSE presentation
NIRIG presentation
09/09/14
UR call for evidence
Responses to our call for evidence:
1. ABO Wind NI Ltd - covering letter
ABO Wind NI Ltd - questionnaire return
3. Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited
4. NIE - cover letter
NIE - questionnaire return