Our policy focus for Northern Ireland covers two key areas.
We work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to ensure people are kept electrically safe in their homes.
The Northern Ireland Assembly approved new regulations in 2024 which requires electrical safety checks every five years in private rentals. But there is still more work to be done to make homes electrically safe in the country.
Future Homes in Northern Ireland
Future Homes in Northern Ireland
Is Northern Ireland’s housing ready for the low-carbon transition?
Safer housing
We are pleased to have played a part in the Northern Ireland Assembly approving The Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (2024) which requires electrical safety checks every five years in private rentals.
But the social rented and owner-occupied sectors, as well as short-term lets, still lack equivalent protections.
We want to see:
- The same measures in the social rented sector as are in place for the private rented sector. This will help protect all renters from electrical hazards.
- Electrical safety certificates to be required during property sales to safeguard more people living in the owner-occupied sector.
- Mandatory five-yearly electrical safety checks for the short-term let sector.
Safety at the heart of net zero
As Northern Ireland transitions to net zero, this means greater electrification, rising electricity use, and the adoption of low-carbon, electrical-powered technologies.
The country’s ageing housing stock needs attention.
It is also vital electrical safety is considered as part of any Northern Ireland Executive plans for net zero, including around the decarbonisation and electrification of homes, and the circular economy.
We want to see:
- Electrical safety as a key factor in all policymaking for the net zero transition.
- Updates to the Northern Ireland House Condition Survey to collect more robust data about the preparedness of homes for future electrical installations and demands.
We run consumer campaigns to increase awareness of the dangers of electricity, and encourage people to make simple changes that will help them stay safe in their homes.
Sign up for emails
Whether you are a member of the public or an electrical professional, we will keep you in the know with the latest electrical safety news and information.