The Utility Regulator is urging any small business across Northern Ireland that is struggling to pay energy bills this January to reach out to their electricity or gas supplier for advice.
The regulator said that the recommendation comes during a time when bills and debt typically begin to mount up.
In October, the Utility Regulator announced the launch of Northern Ireland’s consumer energy charters for winter 2024/2025.
This means that extra support measures have been put in place for consumers until March 31, 2025.
Energy
The initiative has seen participating electricity and gas suppliers make a range of voluntary commitments.
This includes a Small Business Energy Charter, which has been introduced for the first time.
Suppliers participating in the charter have, amongst other commitments, agreed to engage with small business consumers who are in payment arrears and to consider reasonable repayment plan options.
The charter also includes a commitment that correspondence issued to consumers, particularly in relation to debt, will be written in a manner that is encouraging, that enables engagement and that demonstrates an openness to providing assistance.
Sinéad Dynan, the Utility Regulator’s head of consumer and business protection said:
“We understand that January will be a difficult month for small businesses across Northern Ireland as they navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis”.
She said that the Utility Regulator endeavours “to protect the short and long-term interests of all consumers of electricity, gas and water”.
She urged any small business owner who is struggling with their energy bills this winter to reach out to their supplier for advice on available support measures.
“If your business is struggling to make ends meet, you can also contact Advice NI for free debt advice,” Dynan added.
