We have published our first newsletter of 2026, which provides an update on our work during January.
As we start the new year with renewed momentum, we’ve not only been focused on our day‑to‑day operations but have also been out and about this month, engaging with stakeholders and contributing to discussions across key industry forums.
On 8 January, our Senior Leadership Team met with Ofgem in London to discuss areas of common interest.
On the same date, our Consumer Protection Manager, Colin Magee, met with the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s Rural Enterprise Committee to outline some of the work that we’re undertaking as part of our Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029.
Our Networks Manager, Jody O’Boyle, was pleased to attend a breakfast briefing by Tughans LLP on 9 January. The session focused on understanding the new Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy.
On 12 January, we were delighted to host an information session for MLAs at Stormont, during which our Senior Leadership Team outlined our work and discussed our role in regulating Northern Ireland’s electricity, gas and water sectors.
On the same date we welcomed the Economy Minister’s announcement of a £2.17 million funding boost for the NI Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP), which is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust on our behalf.
On 20 January, we were pleased to host a stakeholder workshop at our Belfast office. The session provided an opportunity to outline our draft Forward Work Programme (FWP) 2026/2027, now open for public consultation, and to hear stakeholders’ views.
Throughout the month, we have published a number of important documents. These include:
- Guidance to aid the digitalisation of data between NIE Networks’ Transmission and Distribution licence and SONI’s electricity license. (15 January.)
- A consultation on licence modifications to NIE Networks' Distribution Licence (15 January.)
In this edition, we’re spotlighting our Regulatory Analyst, Fiona Gallen and Associate Regulatory Analyst, Fiona Gracey, both of whom support our oversight and governance of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme.
We are also recruiting for a number of exciting opportunities across the organisation, including:
Head of Function - various roles, closing on 6 February.
Associate Regulatory Analysts, closing on 18 February.
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.