Northern Ireland small businesses reveal toll of rising energy costs in new research
Small business owners across Northern Ireland have described the financial and personal pressures caused by rising energy costs, with some reporting debt, sleepless nights and concerns about the future of their businesses.
New research commissioned by the Utility Regulator highlights the challenges facing businesses struggling to manage electricity and gas bills alongside other increasing operating costs.
The findings will be used to help develop stronger protections for businesses experiencing difficulties paying energy bills.
Small businesses facing mounting financial pressures
The research, titled Small Business Consumer Experience of Energy Stress: Lived Experience, was carried out by Perceptive Insight on behalf of the Utility Regulator.
The qualitative study involved 42 small businesses from different sectors and locations across Northern Ireland between November 2025 and April 2026.
Participants were selected because they were concerned about their energy payments or had recently experienced difficulties paying their bills.
The findings are not intended to represent all small businesses in Northern Ireland.
Businesses described rising energy costs alongside increases in wages, National Insurance contributions, rates, transport and supplies.
These combined pressures were reducing profit margins and making it increasingly difficult to manage day-to-day operations.
Energy costs affecting business owners’ wellbeing
The research also highlighted the personal impact of financial pressures on business owners.
Participants described stress, difficulty sleeping and concerns about their mental and physical health.
Some reported falling into debt, reducing energy consumption, delaying investment and scaling back business activity.
Others said they had already taken steps to improve energy efficiency but felt there was limited scope to make further reductions without affecting their operations.
Newer businesses described particular difficulties establishing themselves while managing rising costs and cash-flow pressures.
Calls for clearer advice and financial support
The research found that awareness of available support was relatively low among participants.
Business owners wanted clearer information about energy tariffs, bills and available assistance.
Although many recognised the benefits of energy-efficiency improvements, the upfront cost of investing in new equipment or technology was considered a significant barrier.
Utility Regulator planning stronger protections
Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator, said the research had highlighted the difficult choices facing small businesses.
He said the regulator would use the findings to strengthen consumer protections and improve support for businesses struggling with energy costs.
The regulator has already introduced measures intended to improve price transparency, provide clearer information about security deposits and make it easier for some businesses to switch suppliers.
It is also developing a new Non-domestic Code of Practice on Payment of Bills.
The proposed code aims to strengthen protections for businesses experiencing difficulties paying energy bills or managing energy debt.
The Utility Regulator has advised businesses concerned about their energy bills to contact their supplier as early as possible to discuss available options.
External link: Official Utility Regulator research announcement
Other news: £2.3m programme launched to help Northern Ireland small businesses grow