Calls Made For Energy Policy Reform

A single department with responsibility for all energy matters, the radical reduction of Northern Ireland's dependency on home heating oil, and renewable electricity-based heating for areas where gas networks may never reach, are three of the recommendations of a new report on the energy industry in Northern Ireland.

The report was produced by the former Energy Minister Lord Whitty and said "disparate players" in energy provision should be brought together to provide a "coherent framework".

"Although Northern Ireland's energy is affected greatly by global markets, policy in Great Britain, relations with the Republic of Ireland and the European Union, much of the energy policy levers rest with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Utility Regulator," he said.

"My report looks at the long-term interests of domestic energy consumers in Northern Ireland, recognising the difficult choices and substantial short and medium term costs involved.

"Specifically, I have considered the issues of affordability, sustainability and security of supply, which are different but cross-related and interdependent, and because of this my report attempts to bring together these disparate players and issues to provide a coherent strategic framework. I believe that progressing these issues in a more coherent way can deliver reductions in fuel poverty, significant carbon saving, better infrastructure and more secure supply."

(LB)