Dickson Extremely Concerned by SONI Revelations

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has said he is extremely concerned by an announcement from Northern Ireland's Utility Regulator regarding how the electricity grid operator, SONI, is run.

A 2021 report by the regulator found that SONI was insufficiently independent of its parent company, EirGrid.

Mr Dickson said: “There are two issues here. First, that consumers may have been overcharged for their electricity. This is especially concerning during a cost of living crisis which has left many households choosing between food, and powering their homes.

“The second issue relates to corporate governance failings around SONI and how decisions have been managed.

“SONI is supposed to have full operational independence from EirGrid, yet the regulator has called the current Board ‘toothless’ thanks to an inadequate governance structure.

“Even more worryingly, the Regulator has said that since the report, EirGrid has been extremely difficult to deal with – even threatening a legal challenge should the regulator seek to change their current structures”.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “Consultation with the Regulator is still ongoing, but greater transparency and accountability must be the result of those discussions.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Regulator and will raise the issue of refunds to consumers who may have been overcharged”.