Archibald introduces landmark Renewable Electricity Generation Bill
Date published:
Today in the Assembly Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald introduced the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill, a key milestone towards delivering more local renewable electricity and supporting price stability for households and businesses.
The Bill provides the legislative foundation of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme, which is a fundamental enabler for increasing locally produced renewable electricity, providing long‑term price stability for both consumers and investors.
Following the introduction of the Bill, the Minister said: “The introduction of this Bill is central to securing more locally produced renewable energy at a stable price, helping to protect households and businesses from global energy price shocks.
“As a region with an abundance of renewable energy resources, this Bill sends a strong signal to industry, positioning the north as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.”
The Bill will establish the legal framework to run competitive renewable electricity auctions at the appropriate time, with a strong focus on local communities.
The Minister added: “From the outset, I have been clear that any scheme must deliver for local communities. The Bill allows my department to put in place the necessary regulations so that communities hosting REPG projects will benefit.”
RenewableNI Director, Mark Richardson, welcomed the introduction of the Bill as a significant step towards strengthening energy security and delivering greater stability for homes and businesses.
“Generating more electricity from local renewables will provide consumers with long-term protection from the volatility of global energy markets, which drives the price spikes we all see on our bills.
“The Bill will provide the certainty needed by the renewable sector to unlock significant investment, bringing jobs, long-term rates income and community benefits that will be felt across the region, particularly in rural areas.”
Further legislation will be brought forward once the Bill becomes law to set out how the REPG scheme will operate in practice.
Notes to editors:
- The Final Scheme Design was published in September 2025 is available: Final Scheme Design for a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme for Northern Ireland - Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee | Department for the Economy
- Introduction of the Bill is a key action of the Department’s Energy Strategy Action Plan 2026 available here: Energy Strategy Action Plan 2026 and Action Plan Report 2025 | Department for the Economy
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