Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has introduced the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The legislation aims to expand local renewable electricity production and protect households and businesses from volatile global energy prices.

The Bill establishes the legal foundation for the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme. This mechanism is designed to offer long-term price certainty, encouraging investment in renewable energy projects across the region.

Minister Archibald highlighted Northern Ireland's abundant renewable resources and said the Bill sends a clear signal to the industry that the region is a competitive destination for investment. She stressed that delivering benefits to local communities was a central requirement of any future scheme.

The legislation provides for competitive renewable electricity auctions once regulations are in place. These auctions will include provisions to ensure that communities hosting projects receive tangible returns.

Mark Richardson, Director of RenewableNI, welcomed the introduction of the Bill. He said the certainty it provides will unlock significant investment, bringing jobs, long-term rates income, and community benefits, particularly in rural areas. He noted that locally generated renewable electricity offers consumers protection from global market price spikes.

Further legislation will be introduced after the Bill becomes law to set out the detailed operation of the REPG scheme.