A trading system for the privatised electricity business is to be
launched later this month, despite recurrent problems.
Paul DonovanEnergy minister Peter Hain has confirmed that the New
Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA), which provide a market for
electricity supply and distribution companies, will begin on 27
March.
The NETA system was originally due to go live on 21 November but
the launch was postponed for four months. Within the last month
there have been concerns about the readiness of the systems and the
functionality of the process for settling trades.
Commenting on the launch, Callum McCarthy, chief executive of
electricity regulator Ofgem, said. "There is still much to be done.
We know that issues will continue to arise both before and after
NETA Go Live. All concerned will be working hard to ensure that
NETA is implemented successfully."
A spokesman for Ofgem added: ”There are outstanding problems
over the resilience of the system and there were concerns last week
that it would not be available in time. However, the problem has
now been tackled.”
The NETA systems have been implemented by Logica which is being
paid £50m for its trouble.
A spokesperson for the Electricity Association, which represents
the private electricity companies, said: “Our views echo those of
Ofgem. There may be problems that need ironing out but our members
are committed to a 27 March launch date. Our members have said they
are ready to go.”