Energy Efficiency (Hansard, 10 May 2004)

§ Mr. Gardiner

Statutory responsibility for energy efficiency in Northern Ireland is shared between a number of Government Departments and Agencies which have committed approximately £16 million in programmes sponsored during 2003. In addition the private sector is also playing an active role.

The Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment is responsible for overall energy policy, including the development of a strategic and co-ordinated approach to energy efficiency. In addition, Invest NI promotes energy efficiency in the industrial and commercial sectors and provides a programme of support to businesses. During January 2004 Invest NI ran the Northern Ireland Energy Show attended by almost 1,000 delegates. A programme of 10 master classes, facilitated by industry experts, supported the exhibition.

The Department for Social Development has lead responsibility for energy efficiency in the domestic housing sector, working closely with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Details of the housing measures are contained in the Home Energy Conservation Report which is published annually and copied to all Northern Ireland MPs and MLAs. A copy is available in the Library.

Northern Ireland Electricity manages the Customer Energy Efficiency Levy programme, with an annual fund of approximately £3.8 million, 80 per cent. of which is used for 'whole house' solutions in homes that are likely to be at risk from fuel poverty.

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The Energy Savings Trust funds two Energy Efficiency Advice Centres which provide free and impartial energy advice to domestic consumers.

The Carbon Trust, with funding support from Invest NI, manages the "Action Energy" programme, including promotional events, advice on energy efficiency best practice, and interest free loans for energy efficiency projects to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Over the past three years, through over 800 energy audits with North Ireland businesses, the Action Energy programme has identified energy savings in excess of £30 million.

The Department of Finance and Personnel operates a programme of energy efficiency measures in the public sector that includes the: Benchmarking of each building occupied by a public body for its energy performance and emissions of carbon dioxide; Provision of additional funding to enable public bodies to implement energy saving improvements to buildings which cannot be funded from normal budget allocations; Provision of training courses in energy awareness and management for relevant staff throughout all Government Departments; and Purchase of electricity generated from renewable sources (green electricity) where this represents value for money.