The 2022 Northern Ireland Climate Change Act set a legal target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with at least a 48% reduction by 2030. We recognise that, in meeting net zero targets and moving to a low carbon future, we need a Just Transition that meets the needs of current and future consumers.
In our Consumer Protection Programme, we committed to supporting a Just Transition to net zero and to understanding consumer expectations, the role UR can play in embedding Just Transition principles and potential new vulnerabilities for consumers that might arise as part of the energy transition.
To help us do this, we need to listen to consumers who pay for and use the life essential services we regulate.
We held a day-long workshop with consumers to discuss their understanding, expectations and concerns about the transition to net zero. For this work, we took a deliberative research approach which supports the development of informed opinions, uncovers what underpins people’s views, and demonstrates how views may change over time and in response to new information.
Today we have published a summary report of our findings alongside a full research report prepared by Ipsos.
Key findings
The research showed us:
- Consumers are concerned about the cost, practicalities and lack of information about the changes required, and the options available to them;
- There is a lack of trust in government, and a need for greater transparency in the decisions being taken and what the changes might mean;
- The benefits of the transition were not always clear and there was a sense the transition was being “done to” consumers;
- Protecting the most vulnerable householders is key and, as a minimum, financial support should be provided to those least able to afford to make changes themselves; and
- Independent and accessible information to help make informed decisions was crucial.
We will use this research to inform how we regulate energy and water to protect consumers in supporting the delivery of government’s Just Transition objectives.
This forms part of our wider Consumer Protection Programme (CPP24). More information on CPP24 can be found on our website.
We would like to extend our thanks to all who took part in the research, and Ipsos who conducted the research for us.
Copies of the reports can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of minority languages if required.