Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin welcome electricity price review

Published: 25 November, 2008

Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA and the party's spokesperson on Welfare Rights, Mickey Brady has welcomed the review of electricity prices by the Utility Regulator.

Mr. Brady said:

"Over the past year we have seen electricity prices here reach unprecedented high levels. The reason for the huge price hikes was given as the wholesale cost in the price of energy.

"Many families have been plunged into fuel poverty as a result of the rising costs in energy and those most vulnerable in society including the elderly and sick and those with young children have been forced to choose between heating and eating.

"Sinn Féin welcomes the announcement by the Utility Regulator's office to review the price of electricity. I would ask the Executive to ensure the help for those who are experiencing difficulty in paying for fuel this winter is speedily given to them as people are cold now.

"I would call on the Executive to work alongside energy companies and the Regulator to look at longer term measures such as bulk purchasing of energy and the introduction of Social Tariffs based on ability to pay to combat fuel poverty."