Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator (NIUR) overruled objections from suppliers, network operators and consumers in its final decisions on a raft of gas distribution and consumer protection measures published last week.
The energy industry had attacked the Utility Regulator’s initial proposals as excessive, while users saw them as “disappointing”.
Phoenix Natural Gas Supply (since acquired by SSE) described the plans for implementing European legislation as “gold-plated” and going beyond Brussels’ wishes.
Those proposals, and others criticised by the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, on issues including debt recovery and affordability, remained unchanged.
A ruling on the price control for Phoenix Natural Gas has been delayed until November while the Competition Commission makes its final decision. It initially rejected NIUR’s Phoenix determination.
This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 21st September 2012.
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