Energy Regulator says Green New Deal is ‘the big idea for coping with the recession, rising energy prices and climate change’
Speaking at today’s Northern Ireland Energy Forum, Utility Regulator Chief Executive, Iain Osborne, said “Northern Ireland needs a joined-up approach to deal with, not only the recession, but with rising energy prices and climate change. The Green New Deal for Northern Ireland is the solution.”
The Green New Deal for Northern Ireland group is a cross sectoral initiative aiming to tackle the ‘triple crunch’ and encourage government support to fulfill its potential. The group’s vision includes refurbishing thousands of existing homes with full installation and renewable energy; decreasing Northern Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels by increasing renewable sources; and developing a package of financial innovations and incentives.
Iain Osborne continued, “At present, the Energy and Environmental sector of Northern Ireland’s economy employs 4,500 people in 200 companies. Through the Green New Deal, thousands more ‘green collar’ jobs could be created. To achieve this, along with the need to secure our energy supply and plan for a sustainable future, we are proposing the creation of a Green New Deal company.
“The company would be separate from government yet would provide a vehicle to deliver government programmes, including the warm home scheme. Currently 137,000 homes do not meet the ‘Decent Homes Standard’. If we address this issue, we will reduce energy consumption and wastage, while also tackling fuel poverty.
“We must act now to ensure Northern Ireland is in the best place to deal with the recession whilst planning for a sustainable future.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the Utility Regulator) is the non-Ministerial Government Department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
2. Triple crunch includes the recession, rising energy prices and climate change.
3. The Green New Deal group is led by CBI, ICTU, NICVA, UFU and Friends of the Earth, with a number of additional members and advisors including Energy Saving Trust, Utility Regulator, Translink, Invest NI, The Carbon Trust, Queen’s University and University of Ulster.
4. Media contact Adele Boyle on 07866 734657 or 028 9031 6343.