We have published our August newsletter, which provides an update on our work over the past month.
During August, we continued to advance key regulatory work across the electricity, gas and water sectors, while progressing a range of important projects and consumer-focused initiatives.
This month, our Chief Executive, John French, and other staff were pleased to meet with Christians Against Poverty in Bradford.
On 12 August, our Regulatory Manager, Mary Farrelly, joined senior business leaders from across Northern Ireland for a Business in the Community ‘Seeing is Believing’ visit, exploring how businesses can help protect and restore nature and biodiversity.
During August, we welcomed the appointment of two new members to our Board by Finance Minister, John O'Dowd.
Seán Hogan, who has extensive experience in utilities, water and public sector governance, commenced a seven-year term on 10 August 2026.
Paul Smith also commenced a seven-year term on 10 August 2026. Mr Smith has more than 20 years' experience in economic regulation, energy markets and consumer policy.
On 11 August, we invited organisations and individuals with relevant experience and expertise to join the Contestability Working Group (CWG). The Working Group will support the implementation of electricity transmission contestability in Northern Ireland.
Organisations and individuals interested in participating in the Working Group are invited to review the Expression of Participation document and submit an application for consideration before 5:00pm on 14 September 2026.
On 21 August, we published our decision on NI Water's allowed revenue and price limits for 2027/2028.
The decision provides for total allowed revenue of £693 million (nominal) for 2027/2028 and an overall K-factor price limit adjustment of 3.4% in real terms (excluding inflation).
NI Water's current price control, PC21, was originally due to run for six years from April 2021 to March 2027. However, PC21 has been extended by one year to provide stakeholders with additional time to prepare for the next price control.
As a result, we are required to determine NI Water's allowed revenue and associated price limits for the extension year.
On 28 August, we concluded our review of the regulated gas tariff for SSE Airtricity Gas Supply. An announcement on firmus energy’s regulated gas tariff is expected this week. Following our analysis, the tariff will increase by 19.2%, or £174 per year, for domestic and small business customers in the Greater Belfast and West gas areas from 1 October 2026. The increase is primarily driven by sustained rises in the wholesale cost of gas, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In this month’s edition, we’re spotlighting John Ewing, a Regulatory Associate Analyst in our Compliance and Enforcement team.
Further details on our consultations, recruitment and latest news can be found at: www.uregni.gov.uk.
We would be delighted to hear any feedback you have on our newsletter and any issues you would like to see covered in future editions, via info@uregni.gov.uk