The Stormont Executive’s policies “are contributing to Northern Ireland’s particular problems with fuel poverty”, according to the Conservatives’ Westminster PPC for Strangford, Johnny Andrews.
“A new report by Age Sector Platform suggests that fuel poverty in Northern Ireland is worse than any other region of the UK”, Johnny explained. “The Executive has contributed to that situation, because it has focussed on setting unachievable targets for renewable energy, rather than driving down prices. Thank goodness Conservatives managed to exempt Northern Ireland from the carbon levy, saving us £25 million or £36 per household. The energy strategy, developed by Arlene Foster, envisages 40% of electricity being produced through renewable sources by 2020, which simply isn’t going to happen and distracts from issues around costs.”
“Conservatives here are saying that the Executive should commission expert advice immediately, in order to develop a more achievable target. We’re also sceptical about relying on wind power to hit renewable targets. Hydro-electricity, tidal energy, anaerobic digestion and geo-thermal should be included in the mix and there should be greater efforts to get the North-South interconnector running. Perhaps most importantly, the Executive must develop a strategy to tackle costs and reduce high profit margins and surcharges paid to energy companies, rather than focussing only on hitting unrealistic targets for renewable energy. The priority should be ending fuel poverty and driving down prices for consumers.”