The Utility Regulator has published its final newsletter for 2025, which provides an update on its work during December.
As the year draws to a close, the organisation is looking ahead to its next annual business planning cycle with the publication of its draft Forward Work Programme (FWP) for 2026/2027 for consultation.
This draft FWP is the Utility Regulator’s annual business plan that lists the projects that it proposes to undertake during 2026/2027. The organisation welcomes views from all stakeholders.
In this final month of the year, the Utility Regulator has also been engaging with stakeholders and contributing to discussions across industry forums.
On Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December, the organisation’s Head of Networks, Jillian Ferris, was pleased to attend the Future of Utilities: Smart Energy conference in London.
During the event, Jillian heard from and exchanged knowledge with other innovators who are working to build a more efficient and effective energy sector.
On 17 December, the Utility Regulator published its latest Quarterly Retail Energy Market Monitoring Report for Q3, which covers the period from July to September 2025.
On 18 December, the organisation published a decision document setting out its approach to its fifth price control for NI Water.
This price control, referred to as PC28, covers the period 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2033.
Throughout the month, the Utility Regulator has also published a number of other important documents. These include:
- A Cost and Performance Report for electricity transmission services in Northern Ireland. Covering the period from October 2020 – September 2024, this report provides an assessment of SONI’s (System Operator for Northern Ireland) performance during the first four years of their current price control, which is referred to as SRP20 (2 December).
- A consultation document setting out the proposed approach for an ‘Assessment on the Need for a Regulated Operating Revenue Regime for Future Interconnection’ (3 December).
- A Decision on Market Change Request – MCR 5005(15 December).
In this edition, the Utility Regulator is spotlighting its Project Management and Quality Assurance Manager, Debbie Quinn, and Project Management and Quality Assurance Analyst, Lisa Birt, both of whom contributed to the development of the organisation’s draft Forward Work Programme for 2026/2027.
The Utility Regulator is also recruiting for a number of exciting opportunities, including:
- Student Placement 2026/2027, closing on 09 January 2026.
- Finance Officer, closing on 09 January 2026.
- Regulatory Managers – Price Controls, closing on 12 January 2026.
- Communications and Engagement Analyst, closing on 13 January 2026.
- Communications Officer, closing on 19 January 2026.
- Associate Regulatory Analysts, closing on 18 February 2026.
Further details on the organisation’s consultations, recruitment, and latest news can be found at: www.uregni.gov.uk.
The Utility Regulator would be delighted to hear any feedback you have on its newsletter and any issues you would like to see covered in future editions, via info@uregni.gov.uk.
