Latest quarterly transparency report on NI’s retail energy market published

The Utility Regulator today publishes its latest Quarterly Transparency Report (QTR) for Quarter 4 (October to December 2016).

We publish retail market Quarterly  Transparency Reports at the end of February, May, August and November each year.  The reports provide a range of information about the electricity and gas energy supply markets in Northern Ireland. The QTR presents data collected by the UR as part of the Retail Energy Market Monitoring (REMM) framework. REMM requires network companies and suppliers to submit data on a range of indicators to allow UR transparency on market behaviours and ensure regulatory compliance.  EU pricing comparative data within the report is sourced from Eurostat.

We use the information outlined in the report to review the progress and impact of supply competition; build knowledge for regulatory decisions; comply with EU Third Package mandatory requirements on market monitoring; allow other interested stakeholders to understand more readily the activity within our energy markets; and to help promote the interests of consumers.

Market activity in the electricity domestic and I&C sectors continues to illustrate a change in the market dynamics. Power NI (the incumbent price controlled electricity supplier) retain their dominant position with 61.5% of the domestic market. Electric Ireland have made considerable domestic gains this quarter and their market share has increased from 19,863 to 30,413 connections. Open Electric’s electricity supply licence was revoked on 18th December 2016 and they ceased supplying electricity customers in NI at that date.

In the gas sector, switching activity in the Greater Belfast domestic and I&C markets remained relatively unchanged this quarter. I&C market activity in the Ten Towns has decreased quarter on quarter to 2.9%, but increased when reviewed against the same period in 2015 when it was 2.0%. 

Any comments or queries in relation to this paper should be made to:

Sean.Murphy@uregni.gov.uk   

Direct Tel: +44 (0) 28 9031 6332

Copies of all documents can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.