Energy Minister, Arlene Foster has announced the banding levels for support under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) which will come into operation on 1 April 2013.

The NIRO is the government’s mechanism for incentivising renewable electricity in Northern Ireland and is complimented by the Renewables Obligation for England and Wales and the Renewables Obligation Scotland.

The levels announced are for the period 2013–2017 and follow a UK-wide Banding Review and public consultation across all three Renewables Obligations (RO).

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As part of a UK-wide review, the consultation sought views on a number of proposals to amend the levels of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to new generating stations from 1 April 2013.

Arlene Foster said "The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation has contributed to an increasing amount of electricity generated from renewable sources.

"Since its introduction in 2005, renewable electricity generation has increased from a baseline of 3% to 14% for the year ending March 2012. The new banding levels from 1 April 2013 are intended to ensure continued growth in renewable energy whilst minimising the cost to the consumer."

(CD/GK)