Project TransmiT: 2 week extension for responses to our consultation on CUSC modification proposal 213

Correspondence and other

Publication date

Industry sector

Transmission Network

Dear Stakeholders,

Project TransmiT: 2 week extension for responses to our consultation on CUSC modification proposal 213

On 1 August 2013 we published a consultation and impact assessment on the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) modification proposal 213 (CMP213) which included an 8 week consultation period.1  This modification proposes change to the current electricity transmission charging methodology.

We have subsequently received a request from a stakeholder for a 6 week extension to the deadline for submitting responses to our consultation on the basis that it considers that it needs additional time to consider the analysis presented in our consultation.   It also believes that such an approach would be more consistent with Ofgem’s stated policy on consultations.

In setting an 8 week consultation period for the impact assessment, we have been mindful of our duties as regards best regulatory practice and the importance to stakeholders both to have adequate opportunity to engage fully in all aspects of the process and to have timely resolution of the issues being addressed by Project TransmiT. We still consider that 8 weeks was an appropriate length for the consultation because:

• Project TransmiT has been a long running process during which there has been extensive consultation both by us and through the CUSC governance process.  This has enabled stakeholders to provide their views on a wide range of issues including key principles during the course of these exchanges.
• Whilst we recognise that there was new information in our August consultation that was not part of the prior CUSC consultations, we consider that 8 weeks provided sufficient time for the new information to be analysed and responded to meaningfully by stakeholders.
• We do not consider this is inconsistent with our consultation guidance in particular since there has been earlier consultation and stakeholder engagement.1 
• It maintains the option of implementation in April 2014 which is an important issue for a number of stakeholders.

However, notwithstanding these points we have decided that it would be proportionate to extend the consultation period by 2 weeks to assist stakeholders who consider that they need additional time to make their responses.  This extension would still allow time for Ofgem to properly consider responses and retain the option of implementation in April 2014, if we concluded that one of the proposals should be adopted.  Following the consultation and our consideration of responses, we plan to publish a final decision by the end of the year.

Our consultation on our impact assessment of industry’s proposals (CMP213) to change the electricity charging methodology will therefore close on Thursday, 10 October 2013.

If you have any further questions relating to this decision please contact Anthony Mungall on 0141 331 6010 or email the policy team at project.transmit@ofgem.gov.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Marlee
Senior Partner, SG&G Transmission

The guidance states that in principle where there has been earlier consultation the default period for consultation is four weeks.