NI heading for energy crisis

ULSTER Unionist Party MLA Leslie Cree spoke at Stormont this week of his fears that Northern Ireland was indeed heading towards an energy crisis.

Speaking during a debate in the Chamber he voiced his concerns which he believes in the short term will mean extreme hardship for the most vulnerable people and families in our society this winter.

"Increasing energy prices coupled with increases in the cost of food and consumer goods is having a serious impact on all hard working families many of whom will be facing fuel poverty."

He explained that estimates show the average bill in Northern Ireland will have increased by 61% by the end of this year; "This is an unprecedented increase that will have a crippling effect on many households who will face stark and tough choices. The problem is personified in Northern Ireland as we have on average lower wages and higher energy costs due to the amount of energy, based in fossil fuels that we import, he said."

Explaining the steps which need to be taken to address the issue he said: "Firstly Northern Ireland has historically had a non competitive energy market and I applaud the steps that the previous Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment and his department have taken with regards to creating a single electricity market. Equally steps that have been taken to open up the natural gas market should be congratulated. Whilst much of the ground work has been done to produce a competitive electricity market in Northern Ireland we and regulators need to ensure that this work results in genuinely open competition that will give consumers more choice and make prices more economical. At this point in time this competition does not exist. It is therefore vital that we continue to work with our British and Irish counterparts to ensure the long-term success of our fledgling energy market and our future energy policies."

He also said that it was vital homes and businesses become more efficient in a bid to reduce their energy bills. "It is thought that in the UK a typical house is using five times the energy that it should be. It is crucial that all households and businesses do what they can to conserve energy; we need to instil an ethos of improving our energy efficiency throughout society. As an Assembly and an Executive we must set an example and give all the information and help to those families and businesses who are also seeking to help themselves in this regard."