**Energy Bill Assistance: Support for Households and Small Businesses in Northern Ireland**
Households and small businesses in Northern Ireland facing challenges with paying their energy bills are being encouraged to seek assistance from their energy suppliers. The Utility Regulator has announced the launch of the Northern Ireland Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025, introducing additional support measures for electricity and gas consumers until March 31, 2025.
**New Support Measures for Consumers**
Participating electricity and gas suppliers have made voluntary commitments under the initiative, including the introduction of a Small Business Energy Charter for the first time and the implementation of a Domestic Consumer Energy Charter for the third year. Suppliers who have pledged to the Domestic Consumer Energy Charter are expected to contribute to external hardship funds and provide enhanced protections for consumers facing debt or payment difficulties.
**Support for Small Businesses**
Businesses participating in the Small Business Energy Charter have agreed to engage with small business consumers in payment arrears and offer reasonable repayment plan options. In addition to these measures, electricity, gas, and water suppliers in Northern Ireland maintain customer care registers and provide various free additional services for domestic consumers with special requirements throughout the year.
**Extra Support Services for Consumers**
NIE Networks maintains a Medical Customer Care Register to offer additional support during electricity outages, while NI Water provides free additional services for consumers in need of assistance. Consumers who believe they may qualify for inclusion in these customer care registers are encouraged to reach out to their supplier, NIE Networks, or NI Water for more information.
**Message from the Utility Regulator**
Sinéad Dynan, the Utility Regulator’s Head of Consumer and Business Protection, acknowledges the challenges faced by energy consumers in January amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out to suppliers for advice if struggling with energy bills and highlights the continued provision of free, additional support measures outlined in suppliers’ Codes of Practice.
For more information on available support services, how to join your supplier’s customer care register, or details on Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters for winter 2024/2025, visit www.uregni.gov.uk.
Remember, help is available for those in need during these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your energy supplier to navigate through financial difficulties and ensure access to essential energy services.
