NEA NI Response to the Department for the Economy: Increased Socialisation of Connection Costs in the Electricity Distribution Network

Northern Ireland is in a fuel poverty crisis, with many households struggling to afford to heat their homes to the temperatures needed to stay warm and healthy. Polling conducted for NEA NI in September 2024 revealed that as many as 40% of households are living in fuel poverty, underscoring the scale and severity of the crisis.

It is within this context that we find it extremely challenging to accept any proposed increases to consumer bills – particularly alongside the absence of adequate mitigations and financial support for low income and vulnerable households.

NEA NI recognises the need for increased investment in our electricity network, particularly the additional reinforcement costs that will be required if NI is to successfully decarbonise its energy system. We also understand the benefits of removing the “first-mover disadvantage” to make adopting low carbon technologies more feasible and equitable.

However, as stated in our response to the Call for Evidence (CfE) on the ‘Electricity Connection Policy Framework’, it is our view that increased socialisation of network reinforcement costs could risk vulnerable and low-income households being disadvantaged and placed at a greater risk of fuel poverty.

You can download the full response from the link under ‘Resources’.