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08/03/2005
Gardiner announces £8.8m energy efficiency package
Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner has today announced an £8.8 million Government funding package to assist with energy efficiency measures in Northern Ireland.
It is hoped that the funding, which comes as a result of redeployment of energy allocations previously announced, will have the effect of an average 1.5% reduction in electricity tariffs for all customers during 2005/06.
“I am pleased to be able to confirm the availability of this funding which has helped NIE to constrain the electricity tariff increases for 2005/06 to an average of 3.9% across all customers, and to 3.2% for standard domestic customers which is in line with the growth in retail prices,” the Minister said.
“Enhanced energy efficiency is the most cost effective means of both reducing energy bills and improving the environment.”
The support is being provided as an interim measure ahead of the intended introduction of the proposal aimed at reducing electricity prices for business, announced in September 2003.
“It is, of course, disappointing that we haven’t yet been able to proceed with the proposed Government intervention on electricity costs because of EU State aid considerations. However, the Department continues to work to secure the required EU approval, and I remain optimistic that this can be achieved,” the Minister added.
(MB/SP)
It is hoped that the funding, which comes as a result of redeployment of energy allocations previously announced, will have the effect of an average 1.5% reduction in electricity tariffs for all customers during 2005/06.
“I am pleased to be able to confirm the availability of this funding which has helped NIE to constrain the electricity tariff increases for 2005/06 to an average of 3.9% across all customers, and to 3.2% for standard domestic customers which is in line with the growth in retail prices,” the Minister said.
“Enhanced energy efficiency is the most cost effective means of both reducing energy bills and improving the environment.”
The support is being provided as an interim measure ahead of the intended introduction of the proposal aimed at reducing electricity prices for business, announced in September 2003.
“It is, of course, disappointing that we haven’t yet been able to proceed with the proposed Government intervention on electricity costs because of EU State aid considerations. However, the Department continues to work to secure the required EU approval, and I remain optimistic that this can be achieved,” the Minister added.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most. It will turn mostly dry towards dawn, although a few patches of light rain or drizzle continuing, mainly in the southwest. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
