Utility Regulator becomes first regulator to partner with Plain Numbers

We’re excited to welcome the Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland) as the first regulator to become a Plain Numbers Partner.

Over the next three years, we’ll support the Utility Regulator in improving their own communications and promoting good practice among the firms they regulate – helping to make sure numbers add up for consumers across Northern Ireland.

Clear communication from regulators and the companies they oversee is essential. It gives people the best chance of making informed decisions about energy (electricity and gas), water and other key services.

We’ve already kickstarted our work together by training the first six members of Utility Regulator staff - making them the first-ever Plain Numbers Practitioners in a regulatory body. They've learned how to apply the Plain Numbers Method to ensure numbers and key information are easy to understand.  

Michael Legg, Regulatory Analyst, one of the Utility Regulator’s first Plain Numbers Practitioners, said:

“Training with Plain Numbers has been a fantastic learning opportunity for all of us at the Utility Regulator.  Working as part of our Consumer Protection Team has given me an insight into just how important it is to make consumer information easy to understand and to make the information we publish accessible to as many people as possible. I’ve been delighted to not only train as a Plain Numbers Practitioner myself, but to have the opportunity to lead this work within the organisation and encourage colleagues to undertake the training too.

“We are already seeing the benefits and I look forward to continuing to promote good practice and improving our communications with the knowledge we’ve gained.”

More Utility Regulator colleagues will be trained and supported as the partnership continues. The Utility Regulator will also become a part of the Plain Numbers Community which means they can achieve certification on key communications, join us for exclusive events and work with us to raise awareness across the organisation.

We’re proud to partner with an organisation so focused on protecting consumers. Because when the numbers are communicated clearly, outcomes improve - for everyone.