Officials working toensure lights stay on

A view of the chimneys which are being demolished at Coolkeeragh Power Station. LS32-164KM

Officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETINI) are currently engaging with suppliers and regulators to make sure electricity supply is secure here post-2015. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA raised the matter at Stormont.

He asked Investment Minister Arlene Foster about the potential impact of the EC Large Combustion Plants Directive once it takes effect in 2015.

Mr Allister asked for her assessment of the potential impact on security of power supply within Northern Ireland post 2015.

He also asked about the reduced capacity of the Moyle Interconnector.

Mrs Foster said: “The Large Combustion Plant Directive has impacts post 2015 on existing power generation plant at the AES owned sites at Ballylumford and Kilroot.

“My officials have been engaging with the Utility Regulator and the system operator SONI to consider how best to ensure there is a sufficient future conventional generation capacity margin and therefore adequate security of electricity supply for Northern Ireland.”

Mrs Foster said it was also important to progress the new North-South electricity link.

In relation to reduced capacity at the Moyle interconnector she said: “I have encouraged Mutual Energy to restore the Moyle electricity link with Great Britain to its full capacity as soon as possible.”