Consultation on approach to next gas distribution price controls

We have published an Approach Consultation Paper for our next price control for the gas distribution network licence holders, that we refer to as GD29. 

Through the GD29 price control, we will determine the level of revenue and allowances for the gas distribution network operators that will enable them to continue operating the gas network safely and efficiently, as well as supporting government decarbonisation goals.

The consultation outlines our approach for the GD29 gas distribution network price control, setting out how we will regulate costs, performance and investment for Northern Ireland’s gas networks from 2029.

GD29 focuses on maintaining safe, efficient and consumer‑focused services while adapting to uncertainty around future gas demand and the transition to net zero.

This includes the use of flexible regulatory mechanisms, improved data and planning, and balanced incentives to protect consumers and support sustainable network development. 

The consultation paper sets out a timetable for the process of reaching a determination and proposes an approach for the areas that will be covered within the process.

The consultation also seeks views on our proposed treatment of corporation tax for GD29. It further proposes an evidence‑gathering exercise to inform our approach and invites stakeholder feedback.

Responses should be received on or before 5:00pm on Wednesday 23 September 2026. 

Our preference would be for responses to be submitted by email to gas_networks_responses@uregni.gov.uk and cc'd to Ciaran.McSherry@uregni.gov.uk. 

Additional information:

• Your response may be made public by the Utility Regulator. If you do not want all or part of your response or name made public, please state this clearly in the response by marking your response as ‘CONFIDENTIAL’.
• If you want other information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please be aware that, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, there is a statutory Code of Practice with which public authorities must comply and which deals, amongst other things, with obligations of confidence. In view of this, it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the information you have provided as confidential.

• Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure in accordance with the access to information regimes (these are primarily the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 2018).

• As stated in the GDPR Privacy Statement for consumers and stakeholders, any personal data contained within your response will be deleted once the matter being consulted on has been concluded, though the substance of the response may be retained. 

Ways to respond