§ 16. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how the price of electricity in Northern Ireland compares to that in the rest of the United Kingdom; and what policies Her Majesty's Government are pursuing to reduce electricity prices in Northern Ireland. [49033]
§ Mr. IngramElectricity bills for domestic and small commercial and industrial customers are, on average, around 20 per cent. higher in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the United Kingdom. The primary aim of both Government and wider European policy is to achieve lower electricity prices through the introduction of greater232W competition into the local energy market. Following the restructuring of the industry, responsibility for ensuring that prices paid by consumers reflect the costs of production and distribution rests with the independent Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland.