The Utility Regulator has published its ‘Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience’ position paper*, which aims to enhance protections for Northern Ireland’s non-domestic consumers of electricity and gas.
Within the paper, the regulator proposes the implementation of a number of changes to the current regulatory framework.
The paper has been published following consideration of the responses to the Utility Regulator’s consultation on ‘Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience,’ which was published in October 2024.
As the implementation of three of the measures outlined within the position paper will require formal gas and electricity supply licence modifications, the Utility Regulator has also published consultations** on the proposed licence modifications, or ‘Article 14 notices,’ which reflect the suggested measures laid out in the paper.
The proposed modifications include the introduction of a new requirement for electricity and gas suppliers to provide transparent price information for small business consumers on their websites.
A second licence modification proposes a requirement for suppliers to identify whether there are alternative options to requesting a security deposit from small business consumers, and a requirement to provide these consumers with clear information about when their security deposit will be returned.
The third licence modification proposal is the implementation of a requirement specifying that a deemed contract for non-domestic customers must not require the customer to give any form of notice before changing supplier.
Other proposed changes within the position paper include a requirement for suppliers to publish information signposting to customer support services. This is to be introduced via a new ‘Non-domestic Code of Practice on minimum standards on Payment of Bills’. A draft Code of Practice is expected to be consulted upon in Autumn 2025.
Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator says: “Protecting the interests of Northern Ireland’s consumers of electricity, gas and water lies at the heart of our work here at the Utility Regulator.
“We understand that rising energy costs are an ongoing challenge for small business consumers across Northern Ireland and as such, are delighted to introduce our ‘Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience’ position paper.
“It is hoped that modifications to the regulatory framework proposed within will lead to increased protections for non-domestic energy consumers.
“We welcome responses to the associated licence modification consultations and hope that implementation of the proposed changes will improve the retail energy market for non-domestic consumers.”
Responses to the consultations on the proposed licence modifications should be submitted by 5:00pm on 4 August 2025.
To find out more about the ‘Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience’ position paper and how to respond to the consultations, visit: www.uregni.gov.uk