Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Electricity Generation

Wednesday 6 September 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gregory Campbell asked the Secretary of State about discussions on electricity generation and supply after 30 September 2023.
  • The Secretary of State stated that officials are engaging with the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy to understand the situation and assess any additional requirements.
  • Gregory Campbell inquired about assurances for people concerned about electricity supply security beyond October, to which the Secretary of State highlighted Northern Ireland's benefits from the UK interconnector and the single electricity market on the island of Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The issue revolves around recent discussions regarding electricity generation and supply in Northern Ireland post-September 30, 2023.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State held with the Department for the Economy officials on electricity generation and supply after 30 September 2023?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My officials and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are engaging with the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy to understand the facts and to assess any extra requirements. Energy is a devolved matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions and details about electricity generation and supply after 30 September 2023 were not provided.

How: Energy Is A Devolved Matter

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Q2 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

Concerns have been raised regarding newspaper speculation about the future of generation and supply in October and beyond, affecting people's confidence.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for that response, but can he indicate to people who are concerned about recent newspaper speculation on the future of generation and supply in October and beyond that it is secure and that there will be no hiccup or hiatus between now and Christmas?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his supplementary question. Northern Ireland benefits from being part of the United Kingdom with access to electricity from Great Britain through the interconnector, and it also benefits from being part of the single electricity market on the island of Ireland. I and the Minister of State worked hard to ensure that that was preserved during the UK's exit from the European Union. We are working very closely with all officials across Government here and in the Northern Ireland civil service to ensure that the right preparations are in place for the winter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assurance regarding security and stability of electricity supply until Christmas was not provided.

How: Northern Ireland Benefits From Being Part Of The United Kingdom With Access To Electricity, We Are Working Very Closely With All Officials Across Government

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