Ulster powerless over energy bills

MPS warn of bills surge without cross-border network

Difficult decisions on future supply need to be taken quickly LAURENCE ROBERTSON MP AT WESTMINSTER

NORTHERN Ireland is facing soaring energy bills unless work begins on a cross-border interconnector, an influential committee of MPS has warned. We already have the highest energy prices in the UK and it was claimed this is set to get worse unless a supply is established quickly. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee also warned Brexit will probably see the removal of energy funding. Chairman Laurence Robertson said: “Establishing a secure electricity supply must be a priority for Stormont and Westminster.” He claimed energy prices in Northern Ireland are “causing significant harm to the competitiveness of businesses and creating unacceptable levels of fuel poverty”. The report added unless action is taken to prevent a deficit in supply within the next four years, there could be further rises in bills. It said improving electricity connection between Northern Ireland and the Republic will help alleviate concerns. The cross-border interconnector is a major infrastructure project which will link the networks. The report warned it is “crucial” it clears the final planning stages and construction begins as soon as possible to ensure it is operational ahead of 2021 It added if and when the Northern Ireland Executive is restored it must work to encourage investment in the energy market. Mr Robertson said: “Difficult decisions about where future electricity supply will come from will need to be taken quickly if the current situation is not to get worse.”