Utility Regulator begins formal review of regulated gas prices in Northern Ireland

The Utility Regulator has confirmed that a formal review of regulated gas tariffs in Northern Ireland is now under way, covering domestic and small business customers supplied by SSE Airtricity Gas Supply and Firmus Energy, while electricity prices for Power NI customers remain under ongoing monitoring.

The review applies to customers in the Greater Belfast and West gas areas, supplied by SSE Airtricity Gas Supply, and the Ten Towns area, supplied by Firmus Energy.

The regulator said the process will examine the components that make up regulated tariffs, with a view to approving any changes where necessary.

Regulated gas tariffs under review

The Utility Regulator is responsible for regulating gas prices for domestic and small business customers of SSE Airtricity Gas Supply and Firmus Energy, as well as electricity prices for Power NI’s domestic customers.

In a statement, the regulator said:

“This means that we continuously monitor the components that make up these regulated tariffs and then approve any resulting change when necessary.”

It confirmed that a formal review of the regulated gas tariffs has now commenced, adding that the process is already under way.

Review expected to conclude by end of February

The Utility Regulator indicated that the review process is expected to move quickly, with a clear timeline provided for customers awaiting potential price changes.

The statement continued:

“It is expected that the tariff reviews will conclude by end of February and announcements on the outcome will follow soon after.”

The outcome of the review will be of significant interest to households and small businesses across Northern Ireland, particularly amid ongoing concerns about energy affordability and household budgets.

Power NI electricity prices not currently under formal review

While the gas tariff review is now formally under way, the Utility Regulator confirmed that Power NI’s domestic electricity tariff is not currently under formal review.

However, the regulator stressed that electricity prices remain under active oversight.

It said:

“A review of Power NI’s domestic tariff is not currently under formal review at this time, however, we will continue to monitor this.”

Impact on households and small businesses

The review has direct implications for families, vulnerable customers and small businesses, many of whom continue to face cost-of-living pressures. Any approved changes to regulated tariffs could affect monthly energy bills across large parts of Northern Ireland.

Customers are now awaiting the regulator’s decision, with further announcements expected once the review process concludes later this month.