Correspondance from Northern Ireland Electricity

Mr Alex McGarel
Clerk to the Committee for the Environment
Northern Ireland Assembly
Environment Committee Office (Room 245)
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
BELFAST
BT4 3XX.

20 February 2009.

Dear Alex,

NIE welcomes this opportunity to participate in the Committee’s “Inquiry into Climate Change”.

As the owner of the electricity network (the transmission and distribution system) and the operator of the distribution system in Northern Ireland, NIE is aware that its activities are very relevant to the debate on climate change.

Regarding the Inquiry’s terms of reference, we consider that they will need to ensure that a fully interlinked approach is taken, both within the energy sector itself and across each sector of the Northern Ireland economy.

In regard to the electricity sector, the Committee should ensure that it involves all key stakeholders, including the generators and suppliers of electricity in Northern Ireland. Also, it will be important to obtain the views of the Utility Regulator having regard to its role in sustainable development (the subject of a public consultation in 2008).

NIE’s transmission and distribution business impacts on each of the sectors that are mentioned in the Committee’s terms of reference. For example the development of a new housing site will require detailed guidance from the Planning Service, and will have both long and short term impacts on energy requirements, construction and subsequent maintenance, transport, land use, and waste management. It is not surprising, given the many issues that arise, that conflicting requirements emerge frequently. Therefore, it is critical that statutory tools are established, through bodies such as the Planning Service, which ensure that these conflicting requirements can be resolved satisfactorily.

We would appreciate any guidance that could be provided by the Department at this stage on the preliminary approach that will be employed in addressing the issues outlined in the terms of reference for this inquiry.

Yours sincerely

Gareth Hughes
Environment Officer
Northern Ireland Electricity plc