Utility Regulator

Who we are

The Utility Regulator is the economic regulator for electricity, gas, water and sewerage in Northern Ireland. We are the only multi-sectoral economic regulator in the UK, which covers both energy and water.

We are an independent non-ministerial government department, and our main duty is to promote and protect the short and long-term interests of consumers.

Our role is to make sure that the energy and water utility industries in Northern Ireland are regulated, and developed within ministerial policy, as set out in our statutory duties, which are to:

• protect the short and long-term interests of electricity, gas, water and sewerage consumers with regard to price and quality of service;

• promote a robust and efficient water and sewerage industry, where appropriate to deliver high quality services;

• promote competition, where appropriate, in the generation, transmission and supply of electricity; and

• promote the development and maintenance of an economic and coordinated natural gas industry.

We are governed by a Board of Directors, who are accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Facing the challenge of climate change head on

We are in a time of profound challenges for the energy and water sectors as they each address the impact of climate change and the other uncertainties that are with us now. In developing our plans for the next five years, we are determined that we and the enterprises we regulate will meet these challenges head on. As an organisation we are clear that now is not the time for a piecemeal approach to how we influence and regulate the energy and water sectors towards achieving the set goals.

Our new Corporate Strategy makes clear our commitment to supporting the delivery of net zero targets. We recognise that, in meeting net zero targets and moving to a low carbon future, that the transition must be just and fair to everyone, and ensure the protection of both current and future consumers.

Our vision is that Northern Ireland’s energy and water consumers deserve the best from the companies and enterprises that serve them. For us this means that all the regulated energy and water companies which serve consumers, and the associated markets, should compare favourably with the best enterprises anywhere in the world. Our mantra is “ever better”, whether in levels of service, compliance with requirements, standards, and codes of practice as well as in efficiency of service delivery.

These strategic aims are all underpinned by the need to ensure, particularly at a time of significant change, that homes and businesses continue to enjoy a secure energy and water supply.

Being an ambitious enabler

We recognise also that as Northern Ireland’s utility regulator, we have a vital role to play in ensuring the delivery of important strategic agendas. To do this our Corporate Strategy sets out an ambitious enabler role for us, requiring us to be a more pro-active and positive force, collaborating, partnering, and regulating to make sure that strategic aspirations are met. Given the amount of change that is underway to meet the net zero targets, we recognise that as a regulator we need to adapt and become more agile. The challenge will be to stay ahead of consumer expectations, and more generally anticipate the changes that are required. In practice, this will mean that we need to be more pragmatic, and focused, on achieving the best possible outcomes for Northern Ireland.

We need to support the development of world-class efficient electricity, gas, and water companies, that are focussed on providing the best levels of service to households and businesses. We want to optimise this opportunity to make a real and positive difference, whilst enabling the delivery of statutory and strategic targets. Protecting consumers and providing a long-term direction for the energy and water sectors, is an important responsibility for us. We aim to be fully transparent, and accountable, for our work, and we will look to constantly improve our own performance, to maximise the benefits to energy and water consumers.

John French

Chief Executive
Utility Regulator
Queens House
14 Queen Street
Belfast, BT1 6ED

T: +44 (0) 28 9031 1575
W: www.uregni.gov.uk
E: info@uregni.gov.uk