Utility Regulator Northern Ireland

Utility Regulator Northern Ireland We regulate the energy and water industries in Northern Ireland. This page is monitored 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.

As an economic regulator, our role is to enable, incentivise, and hold electricity, gas, and water companies to account, to protect the interests of consumers. While we won’t respond directly to comments or posts, if you have any queries, please contact us on [email protected]. You’ll also find lots more information about our work at www.uregni.gov.uk.

As a signatory of Translink's Better on Board Charter, we’re proud to be taking part in the Active Travel Challenge this...
04/06/2026

As a signatory of Translink's Better on Board Charter, we’re proud to be taking part in the Active Travel Challenge this June.

This is a great opportunity to encourage more active and sustainable journeys and support the NI Climate Change Act’s decarbonisation targets.

Colleagues from our Consumer Protection Team recently attended a Trussell Trust event, focussed on finding solutions to ...
03/06/2026

Colleagues from our Consumer Protection Team recently attended a Trussell Trust event, focussed on finding solutions to ending the need for food banks in Northern Ireland.

The event brought together passionate organisations who dedicate themselves to supporting individuals facing hardship. These organisations play a vital role in making positive changes for those in poverty, with the shared aim that ‘Everyone in Northern Ireland deserves access to a warm, safe, sustainable home; affordable, nutritious food for themselves and their families; and enough money to guarantee their essentials.’

At the event, we had the opportunity to meet these organisations, hear from experts by experience of the impacts of food poverty, listen to research presentations and attend workshops to share information.

The work of the Utility Regulator is focussed on protecting consumers, with a particular focus on those in vulnerable circumstances. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our impact in helping Northern Ireland consumers.

We have published a consultation on our Draft Determination for firmus energy Supply’s Price Control, that we refer to a...
02/06/2026

We have published a consultation on our Draft Determination for firmus energy Supply’s Price Control, that we refer to as SPC27.

Setting price controls is one of the most significant activities carried out by an economic regulator. Price controls are generally used for a company that is in a monopoly position and therefore acts to protect consumers and ensures they get the best value for money from the services provided.

In the case of SPC27, the price control will set an efficient level of revenue for Firmus Energy Supply to run its business. They then collect this revenue from their customers in the Ten Towns area, through regulated gas tariffs.

Over the four-year price control period we are proposing an allowance of £24 million in operating costs and a margin that is equivalent to 2% of turnover. The allowances we are proposing make up around 10% of a typical domestic customer’s bill (as of the 1 July 2026 tariff rate).

Stakeholder engagement plays an important part in our price control process, and we encourage you to become part of this.

Further information about the consultation and details on how to respond can be found on our website: tinyurl.com/356wjfv4

We’ve published our May newsletter, where you’ll find an update on our work, including: 🟢 Our first time exhibiting ...
01/06/2026

We’ve published our May newsletter, where you’ll find an update on our work, including:

🟢 Our first time exhibiting at the Balmoral Show

🟢 The conclusion of our review of the regulated tariffs for Power NI and firmus energy (Ten Towns area).

🟢 Our publication of a Position Paper and Article 14 Notices on Third Party Intermediaries in the Energy Market.

Find out more and read the full newsletter on our website 👇

https://tinyurl.com/56r8pbpb

We are proud to host a fundraising Vulnerability Charity Walk in Belfast on 12 June 2026, as part of the Collaboration N...
01/06/2026

We are proud to host a fundraising Vulnerability Charity Walk in Belfast on 12 June 2026, as part of the Collaboration Network’s Vulnerability Week, in aid of Alzheimer's Society 💙

As part of this UK-wide initiative, the Utility Regulator will lead a 12.3-mile walk in Belfast, contributing to a collective 98.2 miles across eight regions, representing the 982,000 people living with dementia.

Collectively across the UK, we are aiming to raise £19,000, and every donation makes a difference.

👉 If you would like to support this initiative, donations can be made via JustGiving: https://tinyurl.com/57rs74r2

Our team has been taking part in this year’s Charity Shop Challenge in partnership with Business in the Community Northe...
29/05/2026

Our team has been taking part in this year’s Charity Shop Challenge in partnership with Business in the Community Northern Ireland - all in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland 💛

We’ve taken over the Holywood shop - Cancer Focus NI today!

Come along, grab a bargain, and help us raise vital funds - every purchase makes a difference!

You can find us at:
📍 66 High St, Holywood
📅 Friday 29 May
⏰ 10am – 4pm

Can’t make it? You can still show your support by donating here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/7yysskar

Thank you so much for helping us make a difference 💛

We have concluded our review of the regulated tariffs for Power NI and firmus energy (Ten Towns area). The changes to th...
29/05/2026

We have concluded our review of the regulated tariffs for Power NI and firmus energy (Ten Towns area). The changes to the regulated tariffs will come into effect on 1 July 2026.

Our analysis has resulted in the following changes:
🔷Power NI’s domestic electricity tariff will increase by 6.2% or £64 a year.
🔷Firmus Energy’s tariff for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns area will increase by 15.7% or £132 a year.

From 1 July 2026, the combined regulated electricity and gas tariffs will be lower than the price cap in Great Britain and tariffs in Ireland.

We understand this increase in energy costs is not welcome news for consumers. Unfortunately, the impact of continued and sustained rises in the wholesale cost of energy, caused by the conflict in the Middle East, has resulted in these increases. The conflict has impacted energy prices globally, and has already affected home heating oil, petrol and diesel prices.

If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, there is help available. We would encourage you to contact your supplier in the first instance, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available. In addition, there are a number of agencies who can provide free and independent advice to households, including Advice NI, CAP - Christians Against Poverty UK, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and Money and Pensions Service’s MoneyHelper.

More information on our review is available on our website:
tinyurl.com/5b5yerae

We’re delighted to be part of this year’s Charity Shop Challenge in partnership with Business in the Community Northern ...
27/05/2026

We’re delighted to be part of this year’s Charity Shop Challenge in partnership with Business in the Community Northern Ireland, all in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

This Friday, 29 May, we’re taking over the Holywood shop - Cancer Focus NI for a day filled with style, sustainability and community spirit! Expect great finds, feel-good fashion, and plenty of opportunities to support an incredible cause.

Come along, grab a bargain, and help us raise vital funds - every purchase makes a difference!

📍 66 High St, Holywood
📅 Friday 29 May
⏰ 10am – 4pm

Can’t make it? You can still show your support by donating here 👉
https://www.justgiving.com/page/charityshopchallenge

Thank you so much for helping us make a difference.

27/05/2026

Ofgem have announced the latest price cap for GB, which doesn’t apply to Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, we regulate the gas prices that firmus energy Supply (Ten Towns area) and SSE Airtricity (Greater Belfast and Western areas) charge to households and small businesses, and the electricity tariff Power NI charges to households. We scrutinise the costs incurred and cap the profits for these companies.

In early May, we announced a review of Firmus Energy Supply and Power NI’s prices. We expect to make an announcement on the outcome of these reviews in the coming days.

Our short video explains how we regulate energy prices in Northern Ireland. You’ll also find more information on how we regulate electricity and gas prices on our website:

Electricity - tinyurl.com/5fjpt3hs
Gas - tinyurl.com/372zu8pd

26/05/2026

Did you know you could save money on your electricity bills by switching supplier, billing method or tariff? 💷

With five electricity providers in Northern Ireland, it pays to shop around and find the best deal for you ⚡

Our free electricity comparison tool makes it quick and easy to compare prices, helping you to save money ✅

Read more about the free tools available on our website in this month’s Consumer Watch newsletter: https://bit.ly/48yCNOJ

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