The Utility Regulator has published its first newsletter of 2026, which provides an update on its work during January.
Starting the new year with renewed momentum, in addition to its day-to-day operations, the Utility Regulator has been out and about, engaging with stakeholders and contributing to discussions across key industry forums.
On 8 January, the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team met with Ofgem in London to discuss areas of common interest.
On the same date, Consumer Protection Manager, Colin Magee, met with the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s Rural Enterprise Committee to outline some of the work that the Utility Regulator is undertaking as part of its Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029.
The organisation’s Networks Manager, Jody O’Boyle, was pleased to attend a breakfast briefing by Tughans LLP on 9 January. The session focused on understanding the new Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy.
On 12 January, the Utility Regulator was delighted to host an information session for MLAs at Stormont, during which the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team outlined its work and discussed its role in regulating Northern Ireland’s electricity, gas and water sectors.
On the same date, the Utility Regulator welcomed the Economy Minister’s announcement of a £2.17 million funding boost for the NI Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP), which is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust on the Utility Regulator’s behalf.
On 20 January, the organisation was pleased to host a stakeholder workshop at its Belfast office. The session provided an opportunity to outline the Utility Regulator’s draft Forward Work Programme (FWP) 2026/2027, now open for public consultation, and to hear stakeholders’ views.
Throughout the month, the Utility Regulator has published a number of important documents. These include: ·
- Guidance to aid the digitalisation of data between NIE Networks’ Transmission and Distribution licence and SONI’s electricity license. (15 January.)
- A consultation on licence modifications to NIE Networks’ Distribution Licence (15 January.)
In this edition, the Utility Regulator is spotlighting its Regulatory Analyst, Fiona Gallen and Associate Regulatory Analyst, Fiona Gracey, both of whom support the organisation’s oversight and governance of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme.
The Utility Regulator is also recruiting for a number of exciting opportunities across the organisation, including:
- Head of Function – various roles, closing on 6 February.
- Associate Regulatory Analysts, closing on 18 February.
Further details on consultations, recruitment, and latest news can be found at: www.uregni.gov.uk.
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