AQW 7297/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 22/02/2024
Answered On Date: 05/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he plans to update the statutory remit of the Utility Regulator to include (i) decarbonisation; and (ii) climate change targets in their duties.

Answer:

The Utility Regulator has an integral role to play in supporting my Department on the decarbonisation journey, and in delivering the objectives of both the Executive’s Energy Strategy ‘The Path to Net Zero’ and the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022.

Officials are working closely with UR colleagues and Departmental Solicitor’s Office to understand the organisation’s duties and explore whether a legislative amendment is required.