Energy Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed The Northern Ireland Executive's approval of the final policies for inclusion in the new Northern Ireland Energy Bill.

The Minister said: "I am glad that the policies for the new Northern Ireland Energy Bill have been able to garner widespread support from Executive Ministers.

"In particular, I am pleased to see that the framework for a Northern Ireland Energy Efficiency Obligation was supported by consultees and Ministers. This will enable the setting up of a new mechanism that will help bring the benefits of energy efficiency to everyone in Northern Ireland.

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"Energy efficiency can make a real difference to things that we all care about. Everyone wants a warm, healthy home and lower energy costs to help balance budgets. We also want to help make businesses more competitive."

As the Strategic Energy Framework sets out, energy efficiency is at the heart of the Executive’s approach to ensuring safe, secure and affordable energy supplies. Energy efficiency is often the quickest and most cost effective solution when compared with alternatives, saving on energy bills and reducing overall demand.

(CD/GK)