11.12.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L 319/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 8 July 1999 concerning the application of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for a transitional regime under Article 24 of Directive 96/92EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (notified under document number C(1999) 1551/1) (Only the English text is authentic) (1999/791/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Directive 96/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 1996 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (1), and in particular Article 24 thereof, Having informed the Member States of the application made by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Whereas: I. FACTS 1. Procedure (1) On 30 January 1998, representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry in the United Kingdom gave an initial presentation on the content of the application for a transitional regime for Northern Ireland to the Commission. (2) By letter of 18 February 1998, the United Kingdom Government applied for a transitional regime for Northern Ireland under Article 24 of the Directive. () OJ L 27, 30.1.1997, p. 20. (3) By letter of 16 October 1998, the United Kingdom Government submitted further information. 2. Structure of the electricity sector and the implementation of Directive 96/92/EC in Northern Ireland The present structure of the electricity sector in Northern Ireland stems from April 1992 when the electricity supply industry was restructured and privatised. The generation of electricity takes place mainly within four independent power producers organised as limited companies: Ballylumford Power Ltd, now Premier Power Ltd Belfast West Power Ltd Coolkeeragh Power Ltd Kilroot Power Ltd. The total capacity of these plants is 2 063 MW. Two of the four generators produce more than 82% of this power. In addition, there are some small generators producing electricity from renewable energy sources. A separate company, Northern Ireland Electricity plc (NIE) is responsible for operating the transmission and the distribution network, for supply and for power procurement. NIE is, through its responsibility for power procurement, obliged to purchase all electricity generated by the main independent power stations. NIE is price regulated, while the producers are not.