Swann slams Electricity Price Hike
Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Spokesman on Social Economy, Energy and Consumer Affairs, has slammed the forthcoming 3.9 per cent hike in electricity prices as “indefensible”.
And Mr Swann, who is also a senior member of North Antrim Association Management Committee, warned the rises to be implement from 1st November were “going to hit the most vulnerable in society, especially at this time of the year”.
He added: “Even the 3.9 per cent rise is a dramatic enough increase, but the 14 per cent rise on Economy 7 is totally inexcusable as this will hit those most at risk in the community, or already suffering from fuel poverty.
“To this extent, I would call on the relevant Stormont department to reopen the application period when people can apply for the Winter Fuel Payment Scheme to enable those who missed last month’s deadline to have a further application opportunity.
“It has been highlighted by Northern Ireland Electricity that these increases will make the cost of heating homes by electricity comparative to heating them by oil or gas. But many people living in social housing do not have the pleasure of such a choice as an alternative home heating option.
“This price hike will again make the Government target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2010 one step further away, as well as placing the most vulnerable in our society under even more threat.
“A further concern I have is that to ensure that this price rise is necessary and not just a commercial decision by NIE to prepare for the opening of the Single Energy Market on the geographical island of Ireland.
“However, it was originally envisaged that the creation of this Single Energy Market would make the market more competitive – not increase the costs for consumers in Northern Ireland.
“I would encourage everyone to avail of the support measures from the Energy Saving Trust to ensure their homes and businesses are as energy efficient as possible.
“As this November’s price increase is being atrributed to the world price of oil and gas, it further demonstrates our need to develop the altnerative energy market in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Swann.