The Utility Regulator has published its May newsletter, which provides an update on its work over the past month.
Alongside progressing its key regulatory priorities, this month the Utility Regulator also spent time outside the office, engaging with stakeholders and participating in a range of industry events.
The organisation’s Chief Executive, John French, was pleased to attend the Power Europe Congress 2026 conference in Amsterdam from 6-8 May.
On 6 May, the Utility Regulator noted SONI’s publication of its mid-year performance review report, following on from its Forward Work Plan 2025/2026.
On 11 May, the organisation’s Director of Consumer Protection and Enforcement, Barbara Cantley and Head of Consumer and Business Protection, Sinéad Dynan, attended a meeting of the All-Party Group on Fuel Poverty.
The Utility Regulator was delighted to exhibit at the Balmoral Show for the first time from 13–16 May. During the event, the organisation engaged with elected representatives and members of the public, answering questions and sharing how it protects electricity, gas and water consumers.
On 14 May, the Utility Regulator published a position paper on Third Party Intermediaries in the Energy Market along with consultations on the proposed supply licence modifications.
On 19 May, John French attended Utility Week Live 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham alongside the Utility Regulator’s Chair, Rosamund Blomfield-Smith. The event saw more than 4,000 industry professionals gather to share case studies and best practices in tackling the sector’s biggest challenges.
On 29 May, the Utility Regulator concluded its 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.
On the same date, the organisation’s staff enjoyed taking over the Cancer Focus store in Holywood for the day and competed with other organisations across the island of Ireland to fundraise as part of this year’s Business in the Community Charity Shop Challenge.
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, the Utility Regulator held a number of wellbeing activities for staff this month.
Throughout May, the organisation also published several other important documents, including:
- A decision published in relation to NIE Networks’ Forward Work Plan 2026/2027 (7 May).
- A 2025 Annual Compliance Audit Report (14 May).
- A decision to grant an electricity generation and electricity supply licence for Durham Street Energy Limited (18 May).
- A decision on Seasonal Multiplier Factors for gas transmission published (28 May).
In this edition, the Utility Regulator is spotlighting Communications and Stakeholder Manager, Emma Martin and Communications and Engagement Analyst, Michelle Flanagan, both of whom supported its recent presence at the Balmoral Show.
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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