Northern Ireland regulator launches consultation on utility best practice for vulnerable customers

Northern Ireland’s utility watchdog, Utility Regulator (UR), has opened a consultation its approach to best practice under a framework programme to identify and establish best practice for vulnerable gas, power and water customers.

In its consultation document UR has proposed that a mandatory code of practice for vulnerable consumers should be developed in vulnerable circumstances which will apply to regulated utility supply and network companies.

The UR said its proposed code of practice will “address the gaps and inconsistencies in the regulatory frameworks between network companies and suppliers in Northern Ireland, and the inconsistencies in the supports available.”

UR said its would draw up a draft code based on responses to the consultation, to be included in a further consultation paper scheduled for spring 2022.