The Utility Regulator has published a combined consultation that represents a further consultation on the Provision of Information (POI) licence modifications. The objective of this licence modification is the facilitation of access to a wider set of information to electricity and gas consumers.
Having listened to respondents’ concerns raised and taken their views into account, we have decided to have a further consultation combining all relevant effected licences. This combined consultation seeks to provide (where possible) more information to help alleviate respondents concerns and expectations.
In late 2024 we brought forward two separate licence modification consultations on the ‘Provision of Information’ licence condition.
This first consultation ‘Notice and consultation on licence modification for ‘Provision of Information’, related to electricity and gas supply licences only and closed on 18 November 2024. The second consultation ‘Additional Notice and Consultation on licence modification for Provision of Information (excluding Supply Licences)’ closed on 7 January 2025 and related to gas conveyance, electricity transmission, distribution, and interconnector licences together with the SEM Operator licence.
The current 'Provision of Information to the Authority' licence condition effectively provides that we may not request information from the licence holder for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under Article 7 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
Article 7 of the Energy Order provides that where it appears us that the publication of any advice and information would promote the interests of consumers, we may publish that advice and information in such manner as we see fit.
The purpose of these proposed licence modifications is to resolve the tension between the POI licence condition and Article 7 of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. This licence change will support the maintenance and ongoing development of key publications that provide valuable insights for consumers and stakeholders in the Northern Ireland energy market.
Having listened to respondents’ concerns raised in the two 2024 consultations and taken their views into account, we have decided to have a further consultation combining all relevant effected licences.
For more information on the consultation and how to respond, please visit our consultation section.
Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.