Northern Ireland utility regulator launches consultation on NIE Networks charges

The Utility Regulator has launched a consultation into the price controls for NIE Networks which could affect how much people pay for their power.

It is looking at how much NIE Networks can receive in income to use for investment and maintenance in its infrastructure.

The regulator said the move will create the foundation for Northern Ireland’s "journey towards net zero".

It is estimated that small businesses will see a 3%-9% increase, in the network element of their bill, while large energy users will see an 11%-19% increase in the network element of their bill.

For households, the regulator says any price changes will depend on their use of new technologies. It said electricity costs will increase if people charge electric cars at home or use heat pumps, but those increases will be off-set by reduction in transport and heating costs.

Peter McClenaghen from the Consumer Council explained what the regulator is considering and why it could impact people in Northern Ireland.

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