The Utility Regulator has published its February newsletter which provides an update on the organisation’s work over the past month.
In addition to its daily operations, this month has seen the Utility Regulator spending time out of the office engaging directly with stakeholders.
On Tuesday 3 February, the organisation’s Chief Executive, John French, visited Parliament Buildings at Stormont with Executive Director of Price Controls, Networks and Energy Futures, Peter Russell, and Executive Director of Markets, Consumer Protection and Enforcement, Kevin Shiels.
Together, they met with MLAs from several parties to brief them on the latest developments in the Utility Regulator’s work.
On 4 February, the Utility Regulator introduced new measures to strengthen protections for Northern Ireland’s non‑domestic electricity and gas consumers.
The organisation commenced a formal review of the gas tariffs for domestic and small business customers of SSE Airtricity Gas Supply (Greater Belfast and West areas) and Firmus Energy (Ten Towns area) on 5 February.
On the same date, the Utility Regulator welcomed the launch of the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy by Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons.
The organisation’s Markets Monitoring Analysis Manager, Owen Kearns, and Financial Technology Higher Level Apprentice, Josh Blair, attended the E-world Energy and Water 2026 trade fair in Essen, Germany on 10 and 11 February.
On 17 and 18 February, the Utility Regulator was pleased to host the UK Regulators’ Network (UKRN) at its office in Belfast. During the visit, the UKRN was briefed on the Utility Regulator’s work across electricity, gas and water regulation.
The Utility Regulator’s Director of Networks and Energy Futures, Brian Mulhern, and Markets Director, Colin Broomfield, attended an industry roundtable on 18 February.
Hosted by the Department for the Economy, the session focused on energy costs for energy intensive and high growth sectors.
This month, the organisation also welcomed the introduction of NIE Networks’ Vulnerable Customer Strategy 2026–2028, which builds on existing services and introduces enhanced measures to ensure that every customer, regardless of age, ability, health, or personal circumstances receives a little extra support if they need it.
Throughout February, the Utility Regulator published other important documents.
These include:
- A determination on the financial incentive for SONI’s Annual Forward Plan 2025/2026 (4 February.)
- Stakeholder responses to the SONI Evaluative Performance Framework: Annual Performance Report 2024/2025 (12 February.)
In this edition, the Utility Regulator is spotlighting its Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager, Colin Magee, and Regulatory Analyst, Lauren Skillen-Baine, both of whom have supported the recent implementation of key licence modifications to improve protections for non‑domestic electricity and gas consumers in Northern Ireland.
The organisation is recruiting for a number of exciting opportunities, including:
- Finance Officer – closing on 3 March.
Further details on 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.
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