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The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into the electricity sector, amid concerns over the security of supply and cost of electricity in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has a target to generate 40 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2020, which will be challenging against a backdrop of reductions to subsidies for onshore wind.
There are also concerns about constraints on the interconnectors with the Great Britain and Republic of Ireland markets, implementation of the EU Emissions Directive and the cost of electricity for domestic and business consumers.
The committee is seeking written evidence on its new inquiry with a view to holding public evidence sessions in June and July.
Committee chair Laurence Robertson said: “The Northern Ireland electricity sector is unique within the UK in having to make policies that originate in Westminster work within an island-of-Ireland electricity market.
“Our inquiry will examine the reasons for these relatively higher prices, and look to make recommendations that will bring Northern Ireland in line with the GB and Republic of Ireland markets.”
The deadline for submissions is 1 June 2016.
In February, the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland said it would consult on deregulating market leading energy supplier Power NI, in an attempt to increase competition in the market.
The supplier said deregulation would bring tariffs down to the lowest price in 16 years, saving domestic customers in Northern Ireland an average of £50 per year.
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