GD17 Business Plan data template published

The Utility Regulator today publishes its Regulatory Instructions and Guidance for Business Plan Submissions to the next price control for Northern Ireland’s gas distribution network operators Phoenix Natural Gas Limited, firmus energy (Distribution) Limited and SGN Natural Gas Limited. This price control, referred to as GD17, is due to take effect from 1 January 2017 onwards.

The format for submission of the business plan data by the gas distribution network operators is contained in the Business Plan Data Templates.

On the 17 April 2015, the Utility Regulator published an Update on Our Overall Approach to the GD17 price control ,which provides more detail of the approach and timelines.

The price control process is necessary for us to review and set new limits on the revenue that the gas distribution network operators can recover from customers, in order to operate their businesses. The distribution costs make up 30-35% of customers final bill. The price control will also review the framework of incentives for the companies to invest and operate efficiently.

A Copy of the document will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of minority languages if required. Please contact Veronika Gallagher on 02890 316641 or veronika.gallagher@uregni.gov.uk to request this.