The energy sector is an area where there has for some time been active co-operation between the administrations North and South.
In both jurisdictions there exists top level political commitment to the development of competition in the energy sectors in the interests of delivering improved services and economic benefits to customers.
There is recognition that competition on an island-wide basis is likely to increase the choices available to customers and to support continued economic growth North and South.
Co-operation between the North and South on energy matters takes place under the auspices of a Joint Steering Group (JSG) established by Ministers Ahern and Pearson in July 2003. The group comprises of senior officials from the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources and NI Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the offices of the two Regulatory Authorities (Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in the South and Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAER) in the North).
Single Electricity Market (SEM)
The Single Electricity Market (SEM) commenced on 1st November 2007. SEM is a single wholesale market for electricity on the island of Ireland.
Legislation has been enacted in both jurisdictions. In the South, the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 was signed into law on the 5th of March 2007. The SEM Act amends the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to provide for the establishment and operation of a single competitive wholesale electricity market on the island of Ireland.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007
S.I. No. 5 of 2007
The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 provides the legal framework for the establishment and operation of a single wholesale electricity market (SEM) on the island of Ireland.
Among its main provisions are the establishment of a Single Electricity Market (SEM) Committee which will carry out the regulatory functions of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in respect of the SEM.
The principle objectives of the Minister, the CER and the SEM Committee in carrying out their functions in relation to the SEM are set out in this Act. There is also provision for the establishment of a SEM Operator to carry out the trading and settlement of the new market. Licensing arrangements for the SEM, including licence modifications are also set out.
The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 was signed into law on 5 March 2007. Similar legislation providing a legal framework for the establishment and operation of the SEM in Northern Ireland was signed into law on 21 March 2007.
Energy Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2007
S.I . No. 287 of 2007
On June 13 2007, the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources signed into law the above Order, in exercise of powers conferred on him by section 1(2) of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 (No. 5 of 2007).
The Order appoints the 18th of June 2007 as the day bringing into operation the provisions of sections, 1,2,3,6,7,8,12,13,16 and 20 of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007.
Sections 9 and 10 other than as these sections relate to the SEM Committee shall also come into operation on 18 June 2007.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 (Commencement of Remaining Provisions) Order 2007
S.I . No. 731 of 2007
On October 23 2007, the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources signed into law the above Order, in exercise of powers conferred on him by section 1(2) of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 ( No. 5 of 2007).
The Order commences the remaining provisions of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007.
It appoints the 1st of November 2007 as the day of bringing into operation the provisions of sections, 4, 5, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19 of the Act and the Schedule to Act.
It also commences the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of the Act not already commenced by the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 (Commencement of Central Provisions) Order S.I. No. 287 of 2007.
Memorandum of Understanding
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland on the Single Electricity Market (SEM) Arrangements.
All-Island Energy Market Development Framework
The All-Island Energy Market Development Framework was published in November 2004.
The Framework, which was produced in consultation with the industry, sets out a blueprint for an all-island energy market.