The Utility Regulator has published a ‘Call for Information’ to ask stakeholders for their views on our future gas distribution and transmission price controls in Northern Ireland.
It is intended that this Call for Information will act as a pre-curser to better inform future price control processes.
We are planning our future gas network price controls - GT27 for gas transmission and GD29 for gas distribution. These price controls are likely to run into the early-to-mid-2030s. The development of the frameworks for gas transmission and distribution network price controls takes time. We are conscious that these future price controls may cover an important period of change as decarbonisation unfolds.
The intent of this Call for Information is not to make decisions, or pre-empt decisions made by others which are outside of our control (e.g. Government policy). It is to begin to develop a picture of how energy transition issues may affect our price controls; and to ensure that our price controls can further meet the consumer interest whilst working coherently alongside wider developments which may take place.
Considering the potential issues affecting the future development of our gas networks, we want to ensure that we take proper account of the relevant strategic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at an early point in the price control process.
We welcome feedback on the issues outlined in the paper and any other relevant concerns, emphasising their commitment to protecting consumer interests while adapting to future changes.
We intend to host an online stakeholder event on 24 June at 11:00am that is aimed at providing a high-level overview of the Call for Information and to answer any initial questions.
To register your interest in attending the online event, please respond by email to Gas_networks_responses@uregni.gov.uk by 5:00pm on Friday 20 June.
For further information on the consultation, including details on how to respond, please visit our consultation section.
Copies of the documents will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.