Small businesses struggling with energy costs around the north are being urged to reach out to their electricity or gas supplier.
The Utility Regulator said a number of suppliers have agreed to a new voluntary code for engaging with firms facing mounting bills and debt, particularly in the new year.
The regulator said the extra support measures are in place for energy consumers until March 31.
It follows the launch of Northern Ireland’s Consumer Energy Charters over the winter period.
As part of the initiative, participating electricity and gas suppliers have agreed a range of voluntary commitments.
It 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.
Suppliers signed up to the charter include Budget Energy, Click Energy, Electric Ireland, Firmus, Power NI, Share Energy, Go Power and SSE Airtricity.
The Utility Regulator said 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.
“We understand that January will be a difficult month for small businesses across Northern Ireland as they navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis,” said Sinéad Dynan, the Utility Regulator’s head of consumer and business Protection.
“At the Utility Regulator, we endeavour to protect the short and long-term interests of all consumers of electricity, gas and water, and would urge 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, including those outlined in the small business energy charter for winter 2024/2025.
She added: “If your business is struggling to make ends meet, you can also contact Advice NI for free debt advice.”
More information on extra support services available and on the small business energy charter can be found at uregni.gov.uk.