Consultation on approach to PC28, NI Water’s next price control

Our Approach Consultation is the first phase in our next price control review for NI Water, PC28, which will begin on 1 April 2028. It sets out our proposed approach to the development of the next water and sewerage service price control. 

PC28 will determine outputs and set a regulatory allowance which will be sufficient to allow NI Water to fulfil its statutory obligations. This approach document sets out the background and context of the price control process and considers key issues which we aim to address, including how we will work with stakeholders to determine an efficient, consumer-focused package of outputs. It includes a timetable for the development of the price control, which concludes in the intended publication of a final determination document in January 2028. 

The approach we are taking to PC28 is of particular relevance to stakeholders across the water and sewerage services sector, including consumers and those with responsibilities or interests in water or wastewater regulation in Northern Ireland. Our objective is to ensure inclusive engagement and transparency throughout the process.

This Approach Consultation is published as an open document. We have posed specific questions to help us to define the Approach Decision, however consumers and stakeholders are welcome to express views on any particular aspect of the approach that they wish to.

Our preference is for responses to be submitted by email to UREGNI_Water_Responses@uregni.gov.uk and copied to rita.bailie@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. 

• Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.

Ways to respond