NI Utility Regulator launches winter charters to help energy customers
Consumer energy charters have been launched by the Utility Regulator in Northern Ireland that will see measures put in place to support businsses and homes this winter.
Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025 will see energy suppilers make voluntary commitments to their customers in order to help them until March 2025 if they are having difficulties paying their bills or are in debt.
They have been set-up by the Utility Regulator in partnership with the Consumer Council, local energy suppliers, the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities.
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Suppliers who have joined the Domestic Consumer Energy Charter have made commitments that include contributing to hardship funds and putting additional protections in place for consumers in debt.
Those who have signed up for the Small Business Energy Charter have agreed to engage with small business consumers who are in payment arrears and to consider reasonable repayment plan options.
They have also committed to engaging with consumers to discuss alternative options before issuing letters referencing disconnection during the charter period from November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
John French, Chief Executive at the Utility Regulator, said: “We are delighted to introduce Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025 in collaboration with the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, local energy suppliers, the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities.
“Consumer protection lies at the very heart of the Utility Regulator’s work. We understand that many domestic consumers across Northern Ireland are still struggling to pay their energy costs, and we know that in the non-domestic sector small businesses are particularly vulnerable to high energy prices.
“With this in mind, we have introduced a new Small Business Energy Charter for this winter and have implemented our Domestic Consumer Energy Charter for a third year.
“We hope that small businesses will be reassured by these new support measures and would urge any consumer who is struggling to reach out and avail of the support offered by suppliers.”
Karen Smyth, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, adds, “Things are still tough for consumers. Although energy prices are lower than last winter, they are still higher than they were pre-pandemic.
“The Consumer Council is grateful to the local energy suppliers who have voluntarily agreed to offer extra support this winter and would urge any consumer who is struggling to pay their energy bills to reach out to their supplier.
“We will liaise with suppliers to ensure these commitments are delivered and will continue to work closely with the Utility Regulator to enhance consumer protection.”
To find out more about Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/25, visit: www.uregni.gov.uk
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