Alliance Economy spokesperson, Sorcha Eastwood MLA, stressed that switching to renewable energy is essential for reducing living costs and meeting net-zero climate goals.

Sorcha Eastwood spoke ahead of Alliance's motion on energy costs being presented to the Assembly today (June 11). The motion urges the Assembly to acknowledge that the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbated by high energy costs and highlights the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy and investing in green infrastructure.

In a statement, the Lagan Valley MLA has said: "It is essential that, as we push to transition to renewable sources of energy and retrofitting our housing, we discuss more openly why we are doing it. When we talk about 'green energy', 'net zero', and 'transition to renewables' we’re really talking about lower energy bills, ending fuel poverty, and making homes warmer and more comfortable for people in the long-term.

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"We’re also talking about creating jobs in the growing and dynamic sector of renewable energy, cleaner air, and of course, combating climate change and reaching our net zero targets.

"In the midst of the incredibly challenging financial position we find ourselves in, what the public want most from us is to know that things will get better and I believe a key element of that is growing renewable energy production. We simply cannot allow people, businesses, and organisations to ever again be exposed to the energy price increases that we have suffered because of conflict or crisis, and our reliance on fossil fuels.

"We must be ambitious in transforming our energy market. It will require investment, but conversely, we cannot afford to see such crucial opportunity for progress squandered."