Extension/Amendment of Communication & Instrumentation Panel Service Provider ("CIPSP") Contract

In 2017, after a competitive tender, Interconnector Services Limited ("ISL") entered into a contract for a Communication & Instrumentation Panel Service Provider ("CIPSP") with Cetix Limited ("Cetix") for an initial mobilisation period of 1 year, followed by a term of 6 years and 3 months, with an option to extend by a maximum of two years. ISL exercised that option and the CIPSP contract is now due to expire on 31st March 2026.

We have a current requirement to upgrade the metering systems on a number of gas sites which will be a complex and substantial piece of work that the CIPSP provider is best placed to deliver. A number of technical and regulatory drivers are now expediting the requirement to deliver these upgrade works.

Whilst the CIPSP contract covers metering flow computers and Chromatograph services, and because the metering upgrades have been expedited, a meter system change out was not envisaged at the time of the original tender, so is not explicitly mentioned in the contract services. It is anticipated that all replacement works would be completed by September 2027 at the latest.

For this reason we are planning to vary the current contract in order for the required work to be carried out and completed. As outlined further below, we believe that the variation benefits from the exemption in Reg. 88(1)(b) UCR.