Talks have been held at Stormont to highlight the plight of lower-income families, who face rising fuel bills during the fast approaching winter months.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with officials from the energy sector and Utility Regulator at Stormont Castle to discuss the strain increased price hikes will have have on poorer households.

In their meeting with the regulator Iain Osbourne the delegation discussed the recent increase in energy costs; the forthcoming independent review of the price rises and the measures which can be taken to help the most vulnerable households; as well as the implications of further deferment of water charges.

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The Ministers later met with a grouping from the energy sector including representatives of suppliers and power generators.

The meetings, part of a series being undertaken to discuss the impact of the current economic downturn, focused on recent increases in electricity and gas prices and the impact on poorer households.

Mr Robinson said: "As winter approaches the deputy First Minister and I are particularly concerned about the impact rising energy costs could have on poorer households.

"We are currently considering a range of measures to ease fuel poverty and have discussed potential measures available, with the energy sector today, that could alleviate the pressures of rising energy costs for many this winter."

Mr McGuinness said: "Rising fuel costs will undoubtedly overstretch the budgets of many lower income households over the coming months. Our discussions with the Regulator and the energy companies are of vital importance, ensuring that we examine all the potential support that could be provided to those facing fuel poverty this winter."

The Ministers have already met with senior local representatives of the main financial institutions, Institute of Directors and the construction sector.

They also plan to meet with business groups, trade unions and the social and voluntary sector to discuss, from each perspective, the implications of the current economic slowdown.

(PR/JM)