The Networks Stakeholder Engagement Evaluation (NSEE) Panel has been set up by the CRU, in accordance with CER/18/087, and is composed by a wide range of stakeholders. The function of the Panel is to assess and score the System Operators (SOs), EirGrid TSO and ESBN DSO, on their performance in relation to stakeholder engagement. The final score for each SO, agreed by consensus by the Panel, is linked to a financial incentive that feeds into the annual allowed electricity network revenues.
CER/18/087 requires the SOs to publish for consultation, by the 31 March each year, a report on the effectiveness of their stakeholder engagement strategies over the previous calendar year.
In 2020, for the assessment and scoring exercises of the SOs’ performance during 2019, the Panel met twice. The first meeting took place on the 15th of May 2020; the Panel discussed their initial views on the stakeholder engagement performance of ESBN and EirGrid. Both companies then gave a presentation to the Panel, providing an overview of their stakeholder engagement submission and addressing comments received from the consultation process. The second meeting took place on the 22nd of May 2020; the Panel agreed on the final scores for both SOs, conclusions and recommendations.
The NSEE Close-out Report 2019 details the Panel’s discussions, the scores given to the SOs, the conclusions and recommendations. Also, the Panel members recommendations on the process itself are included. The Report does not capture the CRU’s views.
Background:
In May 2018, the CRU published its Decision on Reporting and Incentives Framework under PR4, CER/18/087, establishing a new reporting and incentive framework. One of the new incentives is in relation to the stakeholder engagement practices of EirGrid TSO and ESBN DSO.
CER/18/087 also provided for the establishment of a panel to assess and score the SOs on the quality, implementation and effectiveness of their stakeholder engagement strategies during the previous year. It is intended that this will assist the SOs in putting customers at the centre of what they do by understanding and addressing the needs of their stakeholders.
