1. Mod 376: Increased Choice when Applying for Enduring NTS Exit Capacity Jeff Chandler - 5 th May 2011 Transmission Workgroup - Elexon 1

2. 2 To increase the level of choice available to Shippers when applying for Enduring Annual NTS Exit (flat) Capacity. To remove restrictions that can result in unnecessary cost and project risk. Exit capacity can be applied for during the Annual Application Window in July for an October year+3 start. Annual Application Window : October registered start date, –may force commissioning in Winter – volatile cashout prices. –may force Investment & purchase of capacity when not required. Rationale for Raising the Modification

3. 3 If the Annual Application Window does not meet the Shipper’s application date or first capacity date requirements then an ad-hoc process can be used However, the ad-hoc process: is restricted to Y+4, has a high trigger level of 10 Gwh/day for existing Exit points only has a reasonable endeavours obligation on National Grid (NG) to provide the capacity. Rationale for Raising the Modification

4. 4 Ad hoc application Process: - Extend the time for applications from Y+4 to Y+6. - Reduce the minimum threshold application from 10 Gwh/day to 100 Kwh/day. - Place best endeavours (or all reasonable endeavours) rather than reasonable endeavours on NG to make firm capacity available from the requested date when at least 38 months notice has been given. Annual Application Window: Allow applications made during the July Annual Application Window for Enduring Annual NTS Exit (flat) Capacity to have a registered holding date of the 1st of any month between October Y+4 and September Y+5 rather than just 1st October. Intended Outcome

5. 5 Is the modification clear? Is there an alternative means of delivering the objective? How the modification facilitates the achievement of the relevant objectives Impact on NG/Xoserve IS systems? Impact on ExCR? Specific Areas for Workgroup to Assess

6. 6 Enabling better facilitation of Relevant Objective (b), Co-ordinated, efficient & economic operation of the combined pipe-line system. Allow applications during the Annual Application Window for specified dates other than just 1st October. This is expected to result in more efficient investment by National Grid NTS and lower costs to customers. Because investment by National Grid NTS can be made on a more timely basis to meet the needs of the customer. Relevant Objectives

7. 7 Facilitate achievement of GT Licence obligations, enabling better facilitation of Relevant Objective (c). Extend the time for applications from Y+4 to Y+6. This is expected to give more advance notice to National Grid NTS of shippers’ intentions to give User commitment signals. This increased notice should allow National Grid NTS to plan and invest in the network in a more efficient manner. Relevant Objectives

8. 8 Enabling better facilitation of Relevant Objective (d), Securing of effective competition. Place best endeavours (or all reasonable endeavours) rather than reasonable endeavours on NG to make capacity available from the requested date when 38 months notice has been given. This is expected to increase certainty for the Shipper that NG will make capacity available for the date from which they applied to be registered as holding the capacity. This certainty is important as it reduces project risk for investment by new and existing market participants. The effect of lower risk might be an increased number of participants which will improve competition. Relevant Objectives

9. 9 Amend modification if any points require clarification National Grid NTS to provide legal text Completion of Workgroup Report Next Steps