Regulator Advances Gas Price Controls and Electricity Market Evidence
The Utility Regulator has published its draft determination for the next price control of firmus energy (Supply) Limited. The control, designated SPC27, covers the period from January 2027 to December 2030.
On 25 June, a consultation opened on the regulator's approach to the future gas distribution network price control, known as GD29. The documents are part of a series of decisions shaping Northern Ireland's energy costs.
Senior officials appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly's Economy Committee on 10 June. Chief Executive John French, Markets Director Colin Broomfield, Head of Market Operations Marie-Therese Campbell and Head of Market Monitoring and Analysis Jean Pierre Miura gave oral and written evidence on decoupling of the Single Electricity Market and the impact on consumer bills.
An information paper on regulatory financing models for future interconnection was issued on 3 June, alongside a summary of consultation responses. The Quarterly Retail Energy Market Monitoring Report for the first quarter of 2026 followed on 17 June, providing an overview of Northern Ireland's retail energy market.
Other decisions included a 16 June consultation on Northern Ireland Water's allowed revenue for the PC21 price control extension year. A decision on SONI's evaluative performance framework financial incentive for 2024/2025 was released on 18 June, and on 24 June a decision amended SONI's licence revenue formula to accommodate Clean Energy Package costs and k-factor changes.
A charity walk in Belfast on 12 June, part of the Collaboration Network's Vulnerability Week, raised more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer's Society. The event involved sector partners including the Consumer Council and Power NI.