The Utility Regulator has published a Decision Paper on licence modifications to NIE Networks' Distribution Licence. The modifications are required to give effect and adopt the Department for Economy’s 'Decision on Fairer Grid Connection Costs'.
The licence modifications decision facilitates the implementation of increasing the socialisation of connection reinforcement costs of the electricity distribution network. This results in the shifting of responsibility for covering the costs of reinforcing the network from the individual connecting customer to the wider Northern Ireland customer base.
On 15 January 2026, we published a consultation and notice under Article 14 of the Electricity (NI) Order 1992 on proposed modifications to NIE Networks’ Distribution Licence. The consultation closed on 17 February 2026.
We received one response to our consultation, which is available below in Annex C.
We include our respective decision within the decision paper. The decision paper on licence modifications is complemented by three Annexes:
Annex A – Article 14(8) Notice
Annex B – NIE Networks Licence Modifications
Annex C -NIE Networks response
This licence modification is scheduled to become effective from 18 May 2026.
Any comments or queries in relation to this publication may be addressed to:
Kenny McPartland, Utility Regulator, Millennium House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AQ.
Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.