The Utility Regulator has launched a consultation on reforming the structure of electricity network use of system charges in Northern Ireland.

The regulator says current tariff structures were developed in a different energy context and may no longer reflect how users impose costs on the network. The review aims to ensure charges are cost-reflective and support efficient network use.

Northern Ireland's electricity system is changing, with increased electrification of transport and heat, growth in distributed generation, and policy reforms to connection charging.

The planned rollout of smart meters is a key enabler of tariff reform, allowing more granular consumption data and time-of-use or dynamic tariffs.

The regulator notes that network charges are only one component of electricity bills, alongside wholesale and supplier costs. It says the review will consider how network tariff signals interact with other pricing elements and affect consumer behaviour.

The four-year project is part of the regulator's Forward Work Programme for 2026/2027 and aims to support a just transition to net zero.

The consultation is open for responses, with details available on the regulator's website.