06/07/2001
EMPEY WELCOMES NIE’S POWER DISRUPTION MEASURES
THE Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has announced the result of his review of NIE’s response to the widespread power disruptions caused by the severe snow storms in late February.
Sir Reg Empey said: "Overall NIE staff are to be congratulated for their efforts in restoring supplies in very hazardous weather conditions. Not everything went entirely to plan or as customers might have wished.
NIE, have welcomed the review’s conclusions, and has drawn up a detailed Action Plan with the aim of further improving its response arrangements for dealing with weather related disruptions. The Regulator intends to monitor the implementation of the Action Plan.
As part of the review the Minister visited the NIE Incident Centre in Craigavon on March 28 where he met the Duty Incident Team, call handlers and repair engineers involved in the restoration of supplies to customers. Sir Reg also met with NIE senior management, the electricity Regulator and the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Consumer Committee for Electricity (NICCE) on June 26 to examine in detail the conclusions and recommendations contained both in NIE’s own report and that of the Regulator.
The June 26 meeting covered a number of aspects, including customer communications and public relations; network performance and damage; special arrangements for critical care customers; goodwill payments; NIE resources for dealing with future emergency situations and external support available to assist NIE in such situations.
The conclusion of the discussions was that the additional measures put in place by NIE following the last major power disruptions in December 1998 had resulted in a marked improvement in the company’s performance in restoring supplies.
However there were a number of areas – particularly in the provision of accurate and timely information to customers – where the company has identified the need for further improvements.
Sir Reg added: "I welcome the further measures planned by NIE. I have asked the Regulator to keep me informed of progress."
(SP)
Sir Reg Empey said: "Overall NIE staff are to be congratulated for their efforts in restoring supplies in very hazardous weather conditions. Not everything went entirely to plan or as customers might have wished.
NIE, have welcomed the review’s conclusions, and has drawn up a detailed Action Plan with the aim of further improving its response arrangements for dealing with weather related disruptions. The Regulator intends to monitor the implementation of the Action Plan.
As part of the review the Minister visited the NIE Incident Centre in Craigavon on March 28 where he met the Duty Incident Team, call handlers and repair engineers involved in the restoration of supplies to customers. Sir Reg also met with NIE senior management, the electricity Regulator and the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Consumer Committee for Electricity (NICCE) on June 26 to examine in detail the conclusions and recommendations contained both in NIE’s own report and that of the Regulator.
The June 26 meeting covered a number of aspects, including customer communications and public relations; network performance and damage; special arrangements for critical care customers; goodwill payments; NIE resources for dealing with future emergency situations and external support available to assist NIE in such situations.
The conclusion of the discussions was that the additional measures put in place by NIE following the last major power disruptions in December 1998 had resulted in a marked improvement in the company’s performance in restoring supplies.
However there were a number of areas – particularly in the provision of accurate and timely information to customers – where the company has identified the need for further improvements.
Sir Reg added: "I welcome the further measures planned by NIE. I have asked the Regulator to keep me informed of progress."
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2002
Electricity regulator criticised for ‘failing’ customers
Energy regulator Ofgem has come under attack for ‘failing’ to look after the interests of customers in the domestic electricity market. A new report from the House of Commons’ public accounts committee (PAC) has criticised Ofgem for not doing enough to ensure that customers can avail of the best methods of paying for their electricity.
Electricity regulator criticised for ‘failing’ customers
Energy regulator Ofgem has come under attack for ‘failing’ to look after the interests of customers in the domestic electricity market. A new report from the House of Commons’ public accounts committee (PAC) has criticised Ofgem for not doing enough to ensure that customers can avail of the best methods of paying for their electricity.
04 April 2016
Water And Sewerage Charges Frozen
Water and sewerage charges are to be held at the 2015/16 levels from the beginning of April, NI Water has announced. The decision to freeze measured and non-domestic unmeasured tariffs will mean nearly 80,000 non-domestic customers will benefit from a 'real' reduction to their water and sewerage charge.
Water And Sewerage Charges Frozen
Water and sewerage charges are to be held at the 2015/16 levels from the beginning of April, NI Water has announced. The decision to freeze measured and non-domestic unmeasured tariffs will mean nearly 80,000 non-domestic customers will benefit from a 'real' reduction to their water and sewerage charge.
28 March 2002
'Green' electricity provider welcomed by NIE
Up to 50 jobs may be created in Northern Ireland by Dublin based Airtricity, who plan to build environmentally friendly electricity windfarms in Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone. The jobs should come over a three-year expansion period.
'Green' electricity provider welcomed by NIE
Up to 50 jobs may be created in Northern Ireland by Dublin based Airtricity, who plan to build environmentally friendly electricity windfarms in Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone. The jobs should come over a three-year expansion period.
14 September 2001
NIE ‘cleans up’ with environmental award
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has become one of Ireland’s largest organisations to achieve a prestigious international environmental award for outstanding environmental work.
NIE ‘cleans up’ with environmental award
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has become one of Ireland’s largest organisations to achieve a prestigious international environmental award for outstanding environmental work.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.