Commission for Energy Regulation

Introduction

The regulator for the electricity and natural gas markets in Ireland is the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). It was initially established in 1999 under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Since then it has had additional functions added to it under other legislation, such as under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.

Role of CER

CER promotes competition in the electricity and natural gas sectors. It also protects the interests of customers, especially the disadvantaged and the elderly, by ensuring that standards of services are set and codes of practices are in place.

CER licences electricity and natural gas companies and sets performance standards which it enforces. It tries to ensure that the supply of natural gas and electricity to customers is safe, secure and reliable.

Along with the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR) CER runs the All-Island Project, the aim of which is to create a single market for natural gas and electricity on the island of Ireland.

Consumer complaints

The CER has established an Energy Customers Team to assist customers who are having issues with their supplier or network operator. The Energy Customers Team provides an independent complaints resolution service for customers who have used their supplier or network operator’s complaints handling process and are not satisfied with the outcome.

More information can be found on the Commission’s consumer website www.energycustomers.ie.

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