Armstrong calls for Northern Ireland equivalent of British Industry Supercharger to protect jobs and investment
Northern Ireland businesses should not be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to their counterparts in Great Britain, and Ministers must urgently bring forward equivalent support to reduce industrial electricity costs, says Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diane Armstrong.
Recent answers from the Economy Minister have effectively confirmed that, while businesses in Great Britain are benefiting from the British Industry Supercharger scheme, no equivalent support currently exists in Northern Ireland and no decision has been taken to introduce one.
The British Industry Supercharger was launched in April 2024 to help energy-intensive industries remain competitive by reducing electricity costs. The scheme provides eligible businesses with relief from electricity network and capacity charges, alongside exemptions from a range of renewable policy costs. The UK Government estimates the measure will deliver savings of between £320 million and £410 million annually, with support worth approximately £24 to £31 per megawatt hour for eligible firms.
However, the Minister has confirmed that while some elements of the scheme do not apply in Northern Ireland due to differences in the electricity market, businesses here are also missing out on the key financial measures that reduce network and capacity costs.
Diana Armstrong, Deputy Leader of the UUP and MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone said: "The British Industry Supercharger was designed to help major manufacturers compete with rivals across Europe by lowering their energy costs. While businesses in Great Britain are receiving that support, companies in Northern Ireland are being left behind.
"The Minister has confirmed that there is no equivalent scheme operating here and, more concerningly, there is currently no decision to introduce one. That leaves many of our largest employers facing significantly higher costs than competitors elsewhere in the UK.
"This is not simply an issue for large manufacturers. Every major industrial employer supports local jobs, local suppliers and regional economies. When investment decisions are being made, energy costs matter, and Northern Ireland cannot afford to become a less attractive place to do business."
For a major manufacturer consuming 100,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually, support equivalent to that available in Great Britain could be worth between £2.4 million and £3.1 million every year. The absence of similar assistance creates a substantial competitiveness gap for Northern Ireland firms competing for investment and contracts.
The Department for the Economy has cited concerns around cost impacts on other consumers, Northern Ireland's smaller customer base, and the need to comply with Single Electricity Market and subsidy control requirements. However, no alternative support package has been proposed.
Ms Armstrong added: "The challenges involved in designing a Northern Ireland scheme are real, but they cannot become an excuse for inaction. Businesses need solutions, not endless analysis.
"If parts of the British Industry Supercharger cannot be replicated here, the Executive should bring forward alternative measures that deliver equivalent support and ensure Northern Ireland companies remain competitive.
"Our manufacturers, processors and other energy-intensive industries are critical to economic growth, high-quality jobs and regional prosperity. They deserve the same level of commitment to competitiveness as businesses elsewhere in the United Kingdom."