AQO 2129/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on legislation relating to the Utility Regulator.
Asked by Peter McReynolds MLA on 29 May 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 29 May 2025
- Answer due by
- 10 June 2025
- Answered
- 10 June 202512 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 10 June 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Dr Archibald
I assume that the Member is referring to the Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill. The draft Bill, which was developed in conjunction with the regulator, has been subject to a public consultation, the results of which have been shared with the Committee for the Economy and published on my Department's website, along with all consultation responses received. We have received legal confirmation that the Assembly has the legislative competence to introduce the Bill. My officials are working through the remaining legal issues. The Bill has been designed to provide the Utility Regulator with additional powers to support my Department as we move towards our future decarbonised energy system. I assure Members that the policy development work to deliver the energy strategy continues. Additional powers for the energy economic regulator are included in the various pieces of legislation that will be introduced on new policy areas.
Mr McReynolds
I thank the Minister for her response. Minister, it is your Department's responsibility to ensure that we reach 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030. Can you assure the House that changes to the role or remit of the Utility Regulator will support the delivery of "80 by 30"?
Dr Archibald
The intent of the Bill is to give the Utility Regulator powers over decarbonisation as one of the considerations in respect of investment. The Bill will therefore be really important in supporting us to meet our targets for renewable electricity and our climate obligations. As I said in my answer, along with that initial legislation, the powers that are necessary across different policy areas will be progressed through the Assembly. Delivery across a range of energy policy areas will be crucial in supporting us to meet our energy targets in the coming years.