HC Deb 16 July 2003 vol 409 cc386-7W
Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the long term contracts for Ballylumford power station and the Moyle interconnector have been refinanced; and what discussions he has had on the refinancing of the Scotland to Northern Ireland natural gas pipeline. [125190]

Mr. Pearson

In 2000, the Ballylumford power station contract, entered into at the time of privatisation in 1992, was refinanced through a customer buyout.

The Moyle interconnector was refinanced as a result of its sale on 14 April 2003, to a fully debt financed, not for profit company.

The Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation is currently in discussion with the owners of the Northern Ireland to Scotland gas pipeline about the scope for introducing a similar not for profit structure for that interconnector.

Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will refinance the Ballylumford power station and the Moyle interconnector within the Northern Ireland energy industry. [125191]

Mr. Pearson

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers I gave him today to Question references 125190 and 125192.

Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the, Government have taken to minimise the cost to Northern Ireland electricity customers of energy industry debt; what the Government's plans are for reducing this cost on electricity customers; and when he estimates customers will benefit. [125192]

Mr. Pearson

A working party of economists drawn from the Department of Finance and Personnel, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation has been examining options for the refinancing of energy assets and contracts, with a view to energy cost reductions for the consumer. It is expected to report shortly.

The findings of the working group and the outcomes of the consultation papers "Competition and Customer Empowerment" published by the Regulator on 4 March 2003 and "Towards a New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland" published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on 17 April 2003 will shape future announcements in this area.