The Utility Regulator has an ongoing responsibility to review the impact of contestability in Northern Ireland.
In July 2021, we published a paper which confirmed the next steps in taking forward contestability of electricity connections.
The paper specified that low voltage final connections to the distribution system would form part of the contestable works to be undertaken by Independent Connection Providers (ICPs).
Since the publication of the next steps document, we have been working alongside the contestability working group with the aim of establishing further contestability for low voltage final connections at distribution level in Northern Ireland.
Today, the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS NI) has been amended and published on assurance provider LRQA’s website to allow ICPs to apply to become accredited for additional scope of works at low voltage final connections at distribution level.
These additional scopes include overhead, cable and plant low voltage final connections at distribution level and can be found in more detail in the NERS NI document.