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25/09/2003
Minister announces £30m electricity initiative
Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson has announced plans to invest £30 million in a new initiative aimed at reducing electricity bills for Northern Ireland's businesses.
It is hoped that the funding, which is part of a draft budget, will help businesses save 10% on their electricity bills.
In an address to over 300 local members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) at their annual lunch in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast, the Minister said: " I strongly believe we need to take action on electricity prices and I am including a proposal in the draft 2003 Budget to remove some of the excess costs inherited from privatisation.
"I would hope that the result would be an average decrease in electricity prices across the business sector of at least 10% below the levels they would otherwise have been, commencing 2004-05.”
The Minister said that funding for the proposal would come initially from economic development budgets. He added: "Staying competitive – maintaining and strengthening wherever possible our competitive position – is vital to the future success of the Northern Ireland economy.
"I am determined to help local business and industry become more competitive by reducing electricity costs and a primary focus of the new energy strategy, to be launched later this Autumn, will be action to reduce electricity costs further."
However, Alliance Finance spokesperson, Seamus Close wasn't impressed with the news. He said: "The announcement by the Minister of a reduction in commercial electricity prices is a dolly mixture to sweeten the blow of the abolition of industrial de-rating, which I am sure the Minister will impose in the not-to-distant future.
"The Minister knows that Northern Ireland industry has lacked competitiveness due to high electricity prices. However, a token reduction of electricity prices coupled with the abolition of industrial de-rating will ensure that local industry remains uncompetitive.
"No doubt the Minister, true to Labourspeak, will spin some other version."
(MB)
It is hoped that the funding, which is part of a draft budget, will help businesses save 10% on their electricity bills.
In an address to over 300 local members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) at their annual lunch in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast, the Minister said: " I strongly believe we need to take action on electricity prices and I am including a proposal in the draft 2003 Budget to remove some of the excess costs inherited from privatisation.
"I would hope that the result would be an average decrease in electricity prices across the business sector of at least 10% below the levels they would otherwise have been, commencing 2004-05.”
The Minister said that funding for the proposal would come initially from economic development budgets. He added: "Staying competitive – maintaining and strengthening wherever possible our competitive position – is vital to the future success of the Northern Ireland economy.
"I am determined to help local business and industry become more competitive by reducing electricity costs and a primary focus of the new energy strategy, to be launched later this Autumn, will be action to reduce electricity costs further."
However, Alliance Finance spokesperson, Seamus Close wasn't impressed with the news. He said: "The announcement by the Minister of a reduction in commercial electricity prices is a dolly mixture to sweeten the blow of the abolition of industrial de-rating, which I am sure the Minister will impose in the not-to-distant future.
"The Minister knows that Northern Ireland industry has lacked competitiveness due to high electricity prices. However, a token reduction of electricity prices coupled with the abolition of industrial de-rating will ensure that local industry remains uncompetitive.
"No doubt the Minister, true to Labourspeak, will spin some other version."
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
