Northern Ireland electricity market

In 1992, the four Northern Ireland power stations were sold with power purchase agreements (PPAs) put in place for each station generating unit for periods ranging between 5 and 18 years. This paper describes how the main elements of the PPAs are: fuel cost pass through; and (ii) availability payments which (a) generate profit element of the income stream for generators; and (b) provide for system support services to enable the power system operator to meet his licence requirements