The Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland has not established a delivery mechanism for £81 million allocated by the UK Government to assist households with energy costs. North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett raised the issue after an emergency meeting of the Committee for the Economy.

Brett noted that four months have passed since the UK Government's announcement. The Economy Minister could not specify when the department's work on a delivery mechanism would finish.

Brett stated that his party had identified the funds and the department's delay in acting. He called the delay a failure to meet deadlines.

In separate remarks to the Economy Committee, the Utility Regulator described the 80% renewable electricity target for 2030 as difficult to achieve. The current generation level stands between 43% and 47%.

Brett pointed out that the target rose from 70% to 80% eight years before the deadline. He argued that the Department for the Economy has not acknowledged the unrealistic nature of the goal.

Brett said unachievable targets raise costs for businesses and households and undermine energy policy confidence.