The Ulster Unionist Party’s Energy Spokesperson Sandra Overend MLA has called for an equitable outcome to the current stand-off between the Utility Regulator and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), which puts consumers first.
Mrs Overend said:
“The failure of NIE and the Utility Regulator to agree a price control for the distribution and transmission of electricity in Northern Ireland comes as a huge concern as it is essential that we strike a balance between keeping costs down for consumers whilst at the same time providing a reliable electricity supply.
I would reiterate what we stated in our economy paper launched during our recent annual Conference, that increasing energy costs are having a hugely detrimental effect on businesses and domestic consumers. The failure to agree a way forward re pricing will lead to uncertainty and this is obviously not good for local consumers.
This will exacerbate an already challenging situation as Northern Ireland suffers from some of the highest fuel prices in Europe which obviously impacts on businesses and individuals right across the Province and particularly those based in rural areas.
This dispute comes soon after the Utility Regulator and Phoenix Gas failed to reach agreement over pricing issues and my hope is that an equitable outcome is forthcoming as soon as possible.”