The Utility Regulator has announced the closure of our formal investigation into whether the electricity supply company, ESB Independent Energy (NI) Limited, trading as Electric Ireland, has failed to meet the obligations of its licence to supply electricity.
This marks the culmination of a long investigation, spanning over three years.
As a result of our investigation, Electric Ireland has paid £750,000 to local charities. The company has also signed up to a range of assurances and commitments in a number of key areas, all of which Electric Ireland will report upon to the Utility Regulator. This will help to reinforce the steps already taken by the company to address the issues under investigation.
Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator, John French, said:
“A core part of our regulatory role is to hold regulated companies to account where they fail to meet the standards required of them. Consumers are entitled to clear information, effective complaints handling and the protections set out in each company’s licence.
“We have completed a thorough investigation into Electric Ireland’s compliance with its electricity supply licence, including its obligations on providing information to domestic consumers, marketing electricity to domestic consumers and complaints handling.
“Where we identify failings, we expect companies to take prompt and effective action to put matters right and prevent recurrence. Electric Ireland was required to address the issues identified and strengthen its licence compliance arrangements. In addition, payments totalling £750,000 have been made to local charities.
“Although the investigation has now concluded, we will continue to monitor implementation closely and will consider further regulatory action if the commitments are not met. Electric Ireland has left the domestic electricity market, but it continues to serve non-domestic customers. Its commitments remain binding despite its exit from the domestic market.”
The Utility Regulator is empowered to protect consumer interests, and this investigation was carried out in accordance with our published Enforcement Policy Approach and Procedure, available on our website.
Further details of the closing of the formal investigation can be found on our website using the link below:
ESB Independent Energy (NI) Limited TA Electric Ireland - Closure of Compliance Investigation.