The Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has told network companies that government support for furloughing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic is not for the sector.
Chief executive Jenny Pyper (pictured) has written to licence holders to say that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is only for companies that have been “severely affected” by the ongoing health crisis “rather than those who have had to scale back certain activities and are seeking to cover the cost of those employees”.
Pyper wrote the letter after learning that some network operators have put or are considering putting staff on furlough.
“Where a network company does avail of the CJRS we will need to take this into consideration in terms of our regulation of the company,” she stated.
“We expect all network companies to meet their obligations and not act in ways that are contrary to the interests of customers or otherwise have an adverse impact on the continuing efficient operation of the energy industry.
“Accordingly, we expect any licensed company who avails of the scheme to maintain a full record and to inform us (on each occasion) of their take up of the scheme and rationale. We will discuss with and confirm to each relevant company how it will demonstrate and ensure that energy consumers / tax payers do not remunerate it twice for any element of staff costs.”