Energy prices could be reduced for consumers through the co-ordinated bulk purchase of energy on behalf of multiple customers.

The news has been welcomed by Mid-Ulster UUP Assemblyman Billy Armstrong who was commenting on a report - 'People Power' - carried out by the NI Housing Executive, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and the Bryson Charitable Group.

The Ulster Unionist MLA, who is also his party's spokesman on Social Development issues, said: "This report offers some interesting ideas as to how 'energy brokering' could help the fight against fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, by highlighting instances where such an approach has worked in Great Britain and Europe.

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"I was particularly interested in how the Housing Executive saw potential in such an approach to obtain reduced electricity tariffs on behalf of its tenants. The principle could also be extended to Housing Associations and their tenants."

He continued: "I look forward to the Housing Executive, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and the Bryson Charitable Group making a formal and more detailed presentation to the Social Development Committee."

(NS/BMcC)