AQW 50168/22-27

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Foyle

Tabled Date: 01/07/2026
Answered On Date: 09/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any assessment has been made of whether SONI and NIE Networks have the resources and policy framework required to deliver the electricity grid needed to facilitate 80 per cent renewable electricity consumption by 2030, in line with the target set out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

Answer:

Achieving the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 target of 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030 requires significant investment in, and delivery of, electricity network infrastructure. My Department works closely with SONI, NIE Networks and the Utility Regulator to support this objective.

To help facilitate delivery, my Department has developed a range of policy measures, including smart metering, reforms to electricity connection charging arrangements, the establishment of a Grid Development Group, and an 80 by 30 Delivery Group. These groups bring together senior representatives from the Department, SONI, NIE Networks and the Utility Regulator to monitor progress, identify barriers, and support the timely delivery of network upgrades.

Responsibility for ensuring adequate operational resources within SONI and NIE Networks rests primarily with those organisations and is subject to oversight by the Utility Regulator.