We have launched a consultation on our review of the Electricity Guaranteed Standards of Service (GSS) and Overall Standards of Performance (OSP).
The Electricity GSS set out prescribed service levels which domestic and non-domestic consumers can expect from the electricity distributor and their electricity supplier. They include payments when the company has failed to adhere to the standards that it is reasonably expected to meet (subject to certain exemptions). GSS aims to acknowledge the inconvenience caused to the consumer when a company’s performance falls below the prescribed level.
Overall Standards of Performance set out general required standards that are not individual consumer specific and do not carry a payment to consumers if breached.
The purpose of this review is to update the current electricity GSS Regulations and OSP Determinations for the electricity distributor and electricity supply companies in Northern Ireland, to ensure that the GSS and OSP provisions are fit for purpose and provide an enhanced level of consumer protection to Northern Ireland consumers.
The consultation seeks stakeholder views on the proposed GSS and OSP standards for metering activities, on introducing a GSS standard for supply restoration in severe weather conditions and on introducing inflationary uplifts to GSS payments. The paper also provides clarification on current GSS responsibilities for the electricity distributor and electricity supplier.
We invite comment on any or all of the proposals set out in the paper.
For further information on the consultation, including details of how to response, please visit our consultation section
Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.