Debate contribution: Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 8 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Diana Armstrong
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 8 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5673880

Text

As a former member of the Economy Committee, I want to make an address before my colleague Mike Nesbitt joins the Committee for his inaugural meeting tomorrow. I welcome the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill as an important step towards placing Northern Ireland in a stronger position to generate renewable electricity sustainably. The Ulster Unionist Party supports the direction of travel despite its having taken such a long time to design a new renewable electricity scheme. However, that support cannot mean that there is a blank cheque. Any new scheme must not become the next RHI. At a recent Economy Committee meeting, the Department could not give proper assurance that the 80% renewable electricity target would be met by 2030. While that should focus minds, it should not lead us to rush legislation or hand over broad powers without proper scrutiny. The Bill gives the Department significant powers over contracts for difference, including eligibility, allocation, pricing and the supplier levy. Where such powers are being granted, transparency and Assembly oversight must remain central. There must be no confusion about how the strike prices are set, how contracts are awarded or what the scheme will ultimately cost consumers. While the levy sits on electricity suppliers, we must be alive to the risk of those costs being passed on to households and businesses. Renewable electricity should deliver greater affordability and security, not simply another cost within the energy system. Equally, where market prices rise above the strike price and the money flows back through the scheme, consumers should see a clear and tangible benefit. I also welcome the provisions for community benefit. However, the detail on eligibility and payments must be clear and fair. I hope that the Minister can expand on that in her summing up. None of that is to understate the opportunity. Investors have waited long enough. If we do not get the scheme moving, their money will go elsewhere. If we hit the 80% target by 2030, we are talking about £479 million in GVA a year, £118 million in labour income and over 3,000 jobs, as predicted. That prize is real, and the Ulster Unionist Party wants to see it delivered. We must also ensure that our grid can support the generation that the Bill seeks to encourage. There is little value in incentivising new projects if they cannot secure timely grid connections. Grid investment and connection reform must progress alongside the legislation. The Department must demonstrate value for money, protect consumers and provide transparency at every stage. Get that balance right and the Bill can deliver the investment that we need while protecting the people who ultimately pay for our electricity system. The Ulster Unionist Party will support the Bill's progressing to Committee Stage.

457 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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