The Utility Regulator (UR) and the Department for the Economy (DfE) have today issued a joint consultation on the EnergyWise scheme which is available here. Under the scheme, DfE will provide assistance primarily in the form of grants and/or other funding which will be available to support energy efficiency measures.
Energy efficiency is a priority matter for a number of reasons. It plays a major role in reducing consumer bills and improving affordability. Energy efficiency also assists with security of supply, by reducing the amount of energy Northern Ireland needs to consume for the same work and comfort. This reduces the amount Northern Ireland needs to import, generate and transport. In addition, by reducing the total amount of energy Northern Ireland needs to consume, it becomes easier reach a number of environmental targets around carbon reduction and renewable energy.
This is a joint consultation. DfE is developing the EnergyWise scheme and the UR is consulting on the proposed funding arrangements and how this will impact consumers. The UR and DfE have the same principal objectives and duties under the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and therefore are both interested in securing the benefits of energy efficiency for Northern Ireland consumers.
Responses, which will be shared with the UR, should be sent to DfE at Energywise@economy-ni.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 10 June 2016. Responses to this consultation will inform DETI’s decisions on the overall proposals and UR’s decisions on the funding element.
Copies of the document can be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.