The Utility Regulator (UR) has undertaken a lessons learned exercise to gather stakeholder views on process and associated commitments in relation to RP7, the latest NIE Networks price control. This will help inform and shape the approach to the development of the next electricity network price control, RP8.
The purpose of the call for evidence consultation was to identify what worked well, highlight areas for improvement and opportunities to refine future regulatory approaches.
This 'Findings and next steps' document summarises stakeholder feedback on lessons learnt from the current NIE Networks price control process, RP7.
We received three responses to the call for evidence, from NIE Networks, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) and RenewableNI.
Overall, respondents considered the RP7 process to have been effective, with strong engagement between UR and stakeholders, clear governance and a robust framework for business plan assessment.
NIE Networks and CCNI highlighted the value of structured engagement, including senior-level interactions and the role of the Consumer Engagement Advisory Panel, while also recognising ongoing challenges in directly engaging a broad and diverse consumer base.
The consultation respondents identified opportunities to refine future price control processes, including considering whether timelines could be shortened, ensuring access to specialist expertise, strengthening and evolving incentive mechanisms and maintaining a clear focus on consumer outcomes, particularly for vulnerable customers.
Respondents also emphasised the importance of delivery credibility, resilience, flexibility, and value for money in the context of uncertainty around demand growth, supply chains, workforce constraints, and the pace of the energy transition.
We will now use these findings to help inform and shape the approach to the development of the next NIE Networks’ price control, RP8
Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.