NIE Networks has launched a consultation on its Network Development Plan at the NI Energy Forum, outlining the company’s strategy for Northern Ireland's electricity network over the next decade.

The plan, which spans from now until 2035, identifies forecasted constraints on the primary network and sets out proposed interventions to address them. It details committed projects under the current RP7 price control period, which runs until 2031, as well as forecasted interventions for the upcoming RP8 period, which is yet to be agreed.

As Northern Ireland's energy system undergoes rapid transformation, NIE Networks said the plan represents a key milestone in its commitment to providing a secure, sustainable, and inclusive electricity network capable of meeting the region’s evolving energy needs.

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Roger Henderson, Network Assets and Investment Director for NIE Networks, encouraged stakeholders to engage with the plan: "Our goal is to ensure that the electricity distribution system is net-zero ready by 2050, enabling customers, communities and businesses to actively participate in the energy transition. We welcome views on our methodology, assumptions and the clarity of the information provided. Following the consultation period we will update the plan to include all forecasted works and current interventions that fall within the criteria before publishing our final version in 2026."

To facilitate stakeholder feedback, the plan includes a sample of the full list of interventions and forecasts to ensure that the structure and content meets the needs of the wider energy community in Northern Ireland. It builds upon intensive analysis of the approaches taken by other DNOs and incorporates external forecasting experts to ensure planning is robust, data-driven and future-proofed.