AQW 46537/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 19/05/2026
Answered On Date: 03/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work her Department has undertaken to develop a Firm Access policy.

Answer:

Firm Access policy is a matter for the Utility Regulator, while connection access methodologies fall within the remit of the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI).

SONI is currently finalising a consultation paper on an updated Firm Access Quantity calculation methodology, which is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

This consultation will set out proposals to update the methodology to reflect changes in generation, market arrangements and applicable legislative requirements since the current approach was introduced in 2013.

The Utility Regulator has commenced work on a wider review of Firm Access, as outlined in its 2026–27 Forward Work Plan. This work will define the scope of any future reforms, establish key principles, and consider the potential impacts ahead of any consultation on changes to the process for awarding firm access to large renewable generators.