Call for evidence Regulatory Approach to Future Electricity Network Price Controls

The Utility Regulator has launched a call for evidence to gather stakeholder views on the current electricity network price control, RP7 to help inform and shape the approach to the development of the next electricity networks price control, RP8. 

RP7 is the seventh and current regulatory price control for NIE Networks. The RP7 price control began in April 2025 and will run until March 2031. The price control allows for £2.23 billion of expenditure and will ensure that NIE Networks is able to support Northern Ireland’s energy transition.

Within the call for evidence, we are conducting a lessons learned review of the RP7 price control and seeking stakeholder feedback on resources, engagement and process design. Views are invited on the effectiveness of RP7, improvements for RP8 and future initiatives such as smart metering and connection cost policy. 

Stakeholder input will help to shape a draft timetable and ensure a robust and transparent price control framework that supports Northern Ireland’s energy transition.

The call for evidence will be of interest to electricity transmission and distribution companies, electricity suppliers, government departments, energy charities, environmental bodies, and customer groups or organisations which represent customer interests.

Response to the call for evidence  may be made on or before 5pm on 23 January 2026. Our preference is for responses to be submitted by email to:

alan.craig@uregni.gov.uk and copy to electricity_networks_responses@uregni.gov.uk.

Ways to respond