AQW 17196/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/04/2021
Answered On Date: 07/05/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail how she will ensure energy costs will remain affordable for consumers throughout the drive to decarbonise the local energy sector.

Answer:

Our proposed vision for the new Energy Strategy is to deliver a transition to net zero carbon energy systems that has consumers at its centre.

The consultation on Policy Options for a new Energy Strategy proposes a number of policies and measures to deliver fair and affordable energy systems. These include:

Ensuring that affordability and fairness are primary considerations when assessing the costs, investment and financial support needed to meet net zero carbon energy;

Enabling all consumers who want to participate in the future energy system and providing adequate protections to all, particularly vulnerable consumers; and

Adopting a “one stop shop” to make sure all consumers have access to adequate, tailored and easy to understand information and support.