UR/DETI – Structure and Systems of the Gas Network Consultancy Support.

Descriptions

The Utility Regulator's primary statutory duty (Energy Order Article 14) is to promote the development of the gas industry in an economically efficient manner. In addition the Utility Regulator has a duty to protect consumers, while ensuring the financial viability of licence holders. In order to deliver on these duties, extensive engineering and regulatory consultancy support is required especially in areas such as price controls for regulated companies or for any additional network extensions. Therefore engineering expertise must be available to advise the Utility Regulator on several substantial projects as identified under technical support and also as and when the need arises.The Framework will provide the Utility Regulator with specialist expertise regarding matters associated with the gas industry in Northern Ireland. External technical advisers will provide strategic and operational gas engineering advice for every aspect of gas network and storage systems.Technical support and advice will be required on areas such as regulatory price controls, operational systems, safety governance and benchmarking methods. In addition, the consultants will advise and provide an insight on relevant economic issues pertaining to the establishment and modification of network codes and licences. Technical analysis will be required on areas such as policies, management & operational procedures and advising on industry's best practice.The Utility Regulator's statutory duties extend solely to those of an economic regulator. It has no statutory duties or responsibilities with regard to Health and Safety or to any other matters relating to the physical construction or operation of has networks. However in order to assist the Utility Regulator in carrying outs its duties effectively it will require from time to time advice on engineering matters from specialist advisers.Responsibility for building and operating physical assets resides with the companies licenced by the Utility Regulator. While the Utility Regulator sets the financial allowances that the licence holder receives for carrying out its activities it does not direct the licence holder as to how these should be carried out. Any engineering advice received will therefore be purely for the purpose of economic regulation and not physical operation or construction.The Utility Regulator requires a contractor(s) to provide engineering and regulatory consultancy support and advice on Natural Gas industry regulation to the Utility Regulator's Networks/Gas Directorate. These services are required to help the Utility Regulator discharge its duties in relation to the regulated Energy industry in Northern Ireland.DETI may be required to call off the services of an energy consultant, if required, to undertake an assessment and technical verification of the new higher pressure gas pipeline(s) which are to receive up to GBP 32,5m grant assistance to provide natural gas to 7 towns in the West of Northern Ireland.