The Utility Regulator has published the findings of its research into the lived experiences of small businesses facing energy stress, with participants describing the significant impact that rising energy costs are having on their finances, wellbeing and confidence in the future of their business.
The research, titled ‘Small Business Consumer Experience of Energy Stress: Lived Experience,’ was commissioned by the Utility Regulator to better understand the lived experiences of small businesses concerned about, or struggling with, their energy costs.
The qualitative study*, conducted by Perceptive Insight on behalf of the Utility Regulator, was undertaken between November 2025 and April 2026.
It involved 42 small businesses from a range of sectors and locations across Northern Ireland. Participants were selected because they were concerned about their energy payments or had recently struggled to pay for their energy. The findings are not intended to be representative of all small businesses in Northern Ireland.
Participants reported that, as a result of rising energy and operating costs, they were falling into debt, reducing energy use, scaling back business activity and delaying investment.
One participant described the challenge facing many small businesses by saying,
“You know, people talk about a cost-of-living crisis, we talk about the cost-of-doing-business crisis.”
Others spoke about the personal toll financial pressures were taking.
One business owner said, “I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about all of the bills that need paid […] It has taken a real big toll on my mental health.”
The research found that energy cost increases were often being experienced alongside rises in wages, National Insurance contributions, rates, transport and supply costs, placing additional pressure on already tight profit margins.
Many participants described having little flexibility to reduce their energy usage because energy remained an essential part of operating their business.
While a number of the businesses we spoke to had introduced energy efficiency measures, many felt there was limited scope to reduce their energy use further without affecting their business operations.
The research also highlighted low awareness of support available to small businesses, with participants calling for clearer information and guidance, including help understanding tariffs and interacting with suppliers.
Commenting on the Small Business Consumer Experience of Energy Stress: Lived Experience report, Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator, said, “Small businesses are a vital part of Northern Ireland’s economy. We wanted to hear directly from businesses experiencing energy stress and better understand the pressures they are facing.
“The research highlights the difficult choices some businesses are making to manage their energy costs, and the impact this can have on the people running them. We will now use these findings to inform our work and strengthen protections for small businesses.
“This year, we have already increased protections to improve price transparency, provide clearer information about security deposits and make it easier for some businesses to switch supplier. We are also developing a new Code of Practice to strengthen protections for businesses struggling to pay their energy bills or manage debt.
“Any business worried about paying its energy bills should contact its supplier as early as possible to discuss its circumstances and the options available.”
Findings from the Small Business Consumer Experience of Energy Stress: Lived Experience report will help inform work carried out as part of the Utility Regulator’s Consumer Protection Programme for 2024-2029 (CPP24), including the development of a new Non-domestic Code of Practice on Payment of Bills.
The proposed Code will introduce requirements aimed at strengthening protections for non-domestic consumers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills and/or managing energy debt.
The full report, Small Business Consumer Experience of Energy Stress: Lived Experience, is available on the Utility Regulator’s website at: www.uregni.gov.uk