Utility Regulator (Support for Decarbonisation Preparation) Bill

On 16 December 2021, the Department for the Economy published the Northern Ireland Executive’s Energy Strategy, ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’:

• Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (CCA) came into force in June 2022 with a target of at least 100% reduction in net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared with 1990 levels. Energy accounts for almost 60% of our greenhouse gas emissions.

The Utility Regulator has a key role in supporting the department in delivering the Energy Strategy and CCA targets. It will play a crucial role in advising the department in the development of net-zero policies essential to fulfilling the first Climate Budgets (2023-2027).

It is proposed that a new piece of legislation is enacted to enable the Utility Regulator to support the department in fulfilling its obligations under Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (CCA).

The proposed draft Bill, which is technical in nature, will enable the Utility Regulator to support the Department for the Economy through the provision of advice, information and assistance in fulfilling its obligations under CCA, and in its role as regulatory advisor in supporting the development of low carbon energy policy.