Alliance is calling for the "immediate" restoration of Stormont as NI homeowners enter "another difficult" winter.

The party's East Antrim MLA, Danny Donnelly made the comments after the Electricity System Transmission Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) announced that there should be sufficient electricity generation this winter.

Mr Donnelly said the announcement is a "welcome indicator" but unfortunately "it's likely to be another difficult winter for many people, given the pressures of the cost of living crisis, which have been exacerbated by the lack of a functioning Assembly and Executive".

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The report from the electricity system transmission operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) indicates that due to recent changes within the system, margins may be tighter compared to previous years but this is not expected to disrupt electricity supply.

In a statement, Mr Donnelly said: "Demand will be higher over the winter due to the colder weather, and it is essential that people are able to heat their homes and places of business during the challenging months ahead.

"The Winter Outlook also highlights the importance of moving towards more sustainable forms of energy in order to combat the climate crisis and meet our commitment for a Net Zero economy by 2050, as outlined in the Climate Change Act. Greater focus on the potential of wind power, among other renewable energy sources, is just one of the ways we can work towards making our energy consumption more sustainable.

"However, significant progress on renewable energy and meeting our climate commitments is undeniably dependent on the restoration of our political institutions, with appointed ministers who are able to take strategic decisions to deliver on these commitments. This is yet another reason why Stormont must be restored immediately."