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Utility
Regulator calls for action to protect consumers from rising
energy costs
23
April 2008
COLLECTIVE ACTION NEEDED BY NEXT WINTER TO PROTECT CONSUMERS
FROM RISING ENERGY COSTS, SAYS REGULATOR
Utility Regulator Chief Executive, Iain Osborne, today called
for action to address the impact that rising energy prices
will have on Northern Ireland consumers, particularly the most
vulnerable.
Speaking
to the Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Committee at Stormont, Mr Osborne said that concerted action
by the regulator and Ministers was needed to develop a short
and medium term response:
“Upward pressure on costs around the world makes it
likely that consumers in Northern Ireland will be affected
by high energy prices for some time to come”.
“ Northern Ireland already has the highest rates of
fuel poverty in the United Kingdom and there is the prospect
that rising energy costs will put more household budgets under
real strain”.
Mr Osborne said that:
“Now
is the time to have a serious discussion about the next step
to meaningfully tackle fuel poverty and this
needs political leadership. The regulator will respond constructively,
as well as maintaining pressure on locally controllable costs.
We
also need to move fast to create some buffers against global
energy
trends.”
Further
information can be viewed or downloaded using the various
links below
ETI
Committee Briefing 20/04/08
Energy
Prices Factsheet - Summary
Energy
Prices Factsheet - Full version
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