Call for Evidence on the treatment of corporation tax for gas distribution network price controls in Northern Ireland

The Utility Regulator has published a Call for Evidence on the treatment of corporation tax for Kinecx Energy (formally known as firmus energy (Distribution) Limited) and Phoenix Energy. 

We are assessing whether the historical approach to the treatment of corporation tax for these companies remains fit for purpose, particularly in light of:

• Increasing corporation tax liabilities that now exceed the implicit allowances.

• Concerns about financeability and credit ratings, especially for Phoenix Energy.

• The potential for consumers to pay twice if a transition to a post-tax approach is not carefully managed.

Stakeholder engagement plays an important part in our regulation process, and we encourage you to become part of this.

 All stakeholders, including regulated companies, consumer bodies, and government departments are invited to provide evidence and views on:

• Corporation tax historical allowances and corporation tax liabilities.

• The implications of changing the regulatory approach to corporation tax.

• Debt financeability metrics.

The responses received will inform a further consultation in 2026, leading to a final policy position ahead of the GD29 price control determinations. 

Responses should be received on or before 5:00pm on Friday 13 February 2026 and should be addressed to: 

Dwayne Boyle, Utility Regulator, Millennium House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AQ

Email: gas_networks_responses@uregni.gov.uk with cc to dwayne.boyle@uregni.gov.uk

Our preference would be for responses to be submitted by email.

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.