DETI energy proposals delusional - TUV
12 October 2010
Click to read TUV's response to DETI's Energy Strategic Framework
TUV Responds to Energy Consultation
Statement by TUV spokesman David Vance:
“DETI’s Energy A Strategic Framework For Northern Ireland is in our view completely unrealistic in the goals which it sets for renewable energy generation. Minister Foster sates that we will seek to achieve 40% of electrical energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. At the moment, 10% of our electricity comes from renewable resources. To suggest that this can be quadrupled in 10 years is fantasy. 15% - the figure set by Renewable UK – is a much more realistic and achieveable target.
“TUV is deeply concerned about the potential cost of the Minister’s plans. According to the BBC, the additional cost to a typical Northern Ireland household will be £100 per annum. This would amount to an approximate15% increase in the average electricity bill. This would also obviously add additional pressure to businesses at a time of economic downturn.
“It is interesting to note that the document contains no mention of the sale of NIE to ESB even though this will have a profound impact upon the Department’s stated objectives. For example, the consultation document contains repeated references to the desire to see offshore wind-generated electricity develop in Northern Ireland. However, this does not sit easy with ESB’s publicaly stated belief that this form of electricity generation is more expensive than nuclear power and something which they have ruled out for at least the medium term!
“TUV believes that while seeking to cover itself with greenery DETI fails to address the key issues of concern to most ordinary people and businesses:
- Lower energy prices;
- Better competition; and
- Direct control of energy generation
TUV wishes to see:
- Reduced electricity costs for households and business. This, rather than setting unachievable renewable targets, should be the priority;
- The Irish Government takeover of NIE stopped so that our energy generation is not left in the hands of a bankrupt government; and
- Realistic green power targets which can provide real energy security and sustainability."
