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Utility Regulator strengthens energy protections for Northern Ireland’s small businesses

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read
Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator

Pictured: Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator


New electricity and gas licence rules come into force to improve transparency, fairness and switching rights


The Utility Regulator has introduced new licence measures to strengthen protections for Northern Ireland’s small business electricity and gas consumers, with changes taking effect from 4 February 2026, aimed at improving transparency, fairness and engagement in the non-domestic energy market.


The measures apply to electricity and gas suppliers operating in Northern Ireland and are designed to deliver clearer pricing information, fairer treatment around security deposits, and easier switching for small business customers.



New energy licence requirements now in force


Under the updated licence conditions, electricity and gas suppliers are now required to:


  • Provide transparent price information for small business consumers on their websites


  • Identify alternatives to security deposits, where possible, and clearly explain when deposits will be returned


  • Ensure deemed contracts do not require notice before a customer can change supplier



The Utility Regulator said the changes are intended to address long-standing concerns raised by small businesses about complexity, lack of clarity, and barriers to switching in the energy market.


Part of wider consumer protection programme


The new measures form part of the Utility Regulator’s Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029, which aims to ensure fair engagement and outcomes for non-domestic consumers across Northern Ireland’s retail energy sector.


They follow the publication in July 2025 of the Utility Regulator’s Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience position paper, which proposed reforms to the regulatory framework after identifying gaps in protections for business customers.



That position paper was produced as part of the regulator’s wider Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience project, designed to strengthen safeguards and improve market outcomes for non-domestic consumers.


Clarity and confidence for small businesses


Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator, said the new protections respond directly to feedback from Northern Ireland’s business community.


“These new protections come at an important time for Northern Ireland’s business community. Our engagement has shown us that small businesses want clearer information, fairer treatment, and more straightforward processes when engaging with the energy market.”



He added:


“The measures being introduced will help improve transparency around pricing, strengthen safeguards around security deposits, and make it easier for businesses to switch supplier. Together, they will help businesses to make more informed choices and engage with confidence in the market.”


Mr Magee said the regulator would continue working with stakeholders to improve outcomes for business consumers:


“Through our Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029, we will continue to work with consumers, suppliers, and wider stakeholders to support a market that delivers fair outcomes for non-domestic consumers across Northern Ireland.”



Further information


More information on the Improving the Non-domestic Consumer Experience position paper is available at:

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