The Utility Regulator has announced the launch of Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025. These include a new Small Business Energy Charter and the implementation of the Domestic Consumer Energy Charter for a third year.
The initiative will see extra measures put in place to support consumers across Northern Ireland this winter.
Voluntary commitments to support consumers have been made within each charter by all relevant gas and electricity suppliers.
The development of the charters is a collaborative project led by the Utility Regulator, in partnership with gas and electricity supply companies, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy.
Suppliers who have signed up to the Small Business Energy Charter have, amongst other commitments, agreed to engage with small business consumers who are in payment arrears and to consider reasonable repayment plan options.
They have also committed to engaging with consumers to discuss alternative options before issuing letters referencing disconnection during the charter period.
Suppliers signing up to the Domestic Consumer Energy Charter have made commitments that include contributing to hardship funds and putting additional protections in place for consumers in debt.
Alongside the voluntary commitments, suppliers will continue to provide the support measures already offered to consumers year-round, as outlined in their Codes of Practice.
Commenting on the launch, John French, Chief Executive at the Utility Regulator, says, “We are delighted to introduce Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025 in collaboration with the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, local energy suppliers, the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities.
“Consumer protection lies at the very heart of the Utility Regulator’s work. We understand that many domestic consumers across Northern Ireland are still struggling to pay their energy costs, and we know that in the non-domestic sector small businesses are particularly vulnerable to high energy prices.
“With this in mind, we have introduced a new Small Business Energy Charter for this winter and have implemented our Domestic Consumer Energy Charter for a third year.
“We hope that small businesses will be reassured by these new support measures and would urge any consumer who is struggling to reach out and avail of the support offered by suppliers.”
The commitments from Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters will be in place from 1 November 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Karen Smyth, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, adds, “Things are still tough for consumers. Although energy prices are lower than last winter, they are still higher than they were pre-pandemic.
“The Consumer Council is grateful to the local energy suppliers who have voluntarily agreed to offer extra support this winter and would urge any consumer who is struggling to pay their energy bills to reach out to their supplier.
“We will liaise with suppliers to ensure these commitments are delivered and will continue to work closely with the Utility Regulator to enhance consumer protection.”
Find out more about Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/25 here.
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