AQW 23084/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/09/2021
Answered On Date: 30/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the planning that has been taking place in his Department to ensure affordable access to electricity and heating this winter for homes and businesses.

Answer:

While fuel poverty is the responsibility of Department for Communities, my Department has a light touch multi-faceted approach in terms of energy poverty - maximizing income through economic activity, regulated prices, promoting competition and supporting energy efficiency.

My officials continue to work with the Utility Regulator and the Consumer Council to ensure consumers are protected as much as possible through the regulated tariff regime for gas and electricity in Northern Ireland.

The Consumer Council has a small business energy price comparison tool which enables small businesses, charities or organisations to compare electricity and natural gas prices from suppliers in Northern Ireland. Their website also has a number of free resources including help for all consumers to be more energy efficient at home, get the best from their electricity or gas supply and save money.

My Department is preparing to publish a new Energy Strategy in the coming months. One of the key objectives of the Strategy will be to ensure that all households and businesses have access to essential and affordable energy to enable a decent standard of living, health and competitiveness. We plan to achieve this by enabling consumers to be active participants in the energy market and by further protecting those who are unable or unwilling to participate actively.