Jim Allister, DUP Member of the European Parliament, has expressed his concern that natural gas customers will be facing massive hikes in their gas bills. He has also expressed special concern that those living north of the city of Belfast will be most adversely disadvantaged in their bills as the current exemption which exists in respect of the climate change levy is due to expire in 2006.

The expiration will coincide with the completion of the BGE pipeline, when people living in areas such as such as Coleraine, Limavady and Ballymoney are expected to come on stream. If the levy exemption is ended, these people will never have had the opportunity to avail of lower-priced gas. Mr Allister has written to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Barry Gardiner to express his concerns over this situation and has pledged to lobby in the appropriate quarters in Brussels to ensure the exemption is extended.

Jim Allister said, “During the course of 2006, the exemption from the Climate Change Levy for natural gas, which was negotiated between the UK treasury and the European Commission, will expire. This raises the prospect of increased bills for natural gas customers all across the Province. I am especially concerned that those living north of Belfast, in areas such as Limavady, Coleraine and Ballymoney will be especially disadvantaged in the gas bills when the new BGE gas pipe line comes on stream.

Accordingly, I have written to Barry Gardiner outlining these concerns. The British government has a duty to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland are not being charged exorbitantly high prices for their natural gas. I shall continue to lobby the government and the European Commission on this issue”.