AQW 52636/22-27

Mr David Honeyford
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 22/09/2026
Answered On Date: 28/09/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether provision for plug-in microgeneration, up to 800w, is included in the suite of legislation and regulations currently in preparation in her Department.

Answer:

My Department is considering the implications of regulatory changes recently introduced in Britain in relation to plug-in microgeneration, specifically plug-in solar panel systems.

The existing electricity safety regulations, introduced by the former Economy Minister Arlene Foster, do not permit plug-in solar devices to be used here. My officials are examining the legislative changes required to facilitate the safe and straightforward use of compliant plug-in solar microgeneration devices by consumers in the North. My Department is progressing this work as quickly as practicable and intends for amending regulations to be laid by the end of February 2027.

My officials will continue to engage constructively with NIE Networks, the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and other relevant Departments and stakeholders throughout this process to ensure that future arrangements for plug-in solar maintain appropriate standards of electrical safety, consumer protection and network integrity.