The Northern Ireland Assembly approved the second stage of the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill, a cornerstone of the Executive's energy strategy that will create a renewable electricity price guarantee (REPG) scheme. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the contracts for difference regime will provide price certainty for generators, protect consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices, and mandate community benefit payments for areas hosting infrastructure. The Bill passed with broad support, though members across parties criticised delays that saw the scheme miss earlier target dates.

Committee for the Economy Chair Phillip Brett highlighted that the Department had initially told the Committee primary legislation was not needed; more than two years later, the scheme remains unbuilt. He welcomed the Bill's progress but warned that delegated regulations would determine crucial details and that state aid rules under the Windsor Framework could cause further delays.

MLAs pressed the Minister on grid and planning constraints. Alliance MLA David Honeyford said investors face a £1.1 billion backlog due to planning and grid issues, with 5 MW threshold excluding smaller projects and creating a 'renewable investment border'. SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan emphasised opportunities in biomethane and anaerobic digestion, urging a just transition for existing ROC generators. Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong warned against a repeat of RHI and called for robust oversight. In her wind-up, Archibald committed to draft affirmative regulations, community benefit for households, and an energy policy statement before year end.

Earlier, the Assembly completed the final stage of the Dilapidation Bill, giving councils wider powers to tackle derelict buildings. Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir said the Bill modernises 150-year-old laws, providing a hierarchy of notices and cost recovery measures. AERA Committee Chair Diana Armstrong praised the scrutiny process and urged funding for councils to use the new powers. Sinn Féin's Áine Finnegan said the party backed the Bill but councils remained concerned about resourcing; Michelle McIlveen traced the Bill's origins to 2012, noting the need for guidance and cost recovery mechanisms.

During Question Time, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said 3,441 of the 5,850 social homes in the Programme for Government have started, blaming Executive colleagues for withholding budget. He faced criticism from Sinn Féin and others over a perceived lack of delivery in South Down. On Ulster boxing, Lyons announced the oversight panel will meet this month, promising a thorough report by March 2027. He told MLAs his department gave no direct funding to the Fleadh Cheoil, fuelling criticism from artists who delivered a letter of no confidence in his arts policies. Lyons said an arts policy would be published in early 2027, defended a legal challenge over Irish language signage, and faced hostile exchanges over the anti-poverty strategy and conversion practices bill.

Earlier, DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley announced a motion of no confidence in Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, citing the shooting of 51 cattle in Fivemiletown. The motion has attracted signatures from several MLAs. Members also raised NHS dental care failures, suicide prevention, drug deaths, and the lack of an anti-poverty strategy.