Committee for the Economy

Minutes of Proceedings - Monday 16 March 2026

Committee for the Economy - Monday 16 March 2026.pdf (139.64 kb)

Meeting Location: Room 30, Parliament Buildings

 

Present:

Mr Phillip Brett MLA (Chairperson)

Ms Diane Forsythe (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr Pádraig Delargy MLA   

Mr David Honeyford MLA

Mr Declan Kearney MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin MLA

 

Apologies:

 Ms Diana Armstrong MLA

Mr Jonathan Buckley MLA

 

In Attendance:

Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)

Claire Milliken (Senior Assistant Assembly Clerk)

 Katie McMaster (Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Karen O’Hare (Clerical Supervisor)

Sarah Dowd (Clerical Officer)

The meeting commenced in open session at 9:26am.

 

1. Apologies

Apologies were as indicated above.

The Committee adopted a revised order of agenda items.

 

2. Energy Cost Saving Measures – Ministerial Evidence Session

The Minister and the her official joined the meeting at 9:30am:

  • Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, DfE; and
  • Richard Rodgers, Head of Energy Group, DfE.

This session was recorded by Hansard.

Key issues discussed included: resource AME relating to UKG action in respect of the legacy renewable obligation and the company obligation schemes; the timeline for discussion between the Department, HM Treasury and DESNZ in respect of the set aside of resource AME relating to electricity bills; related Westminster legislation; the development of a delivery mechanism; the development of business case(s) relating to measures to address rising domestic oil bills and provide support for vulnerable customers; the role of regulation and interconnection in supporting affordable energy prices; the GB Warm Homes Discount Scheme; and the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee Scheme.

The Chairperson thanked the Minister.

The Minister and her official left at 10:10am

Agreed: The Committee agreed to encourage the Department to develop an   appropriate delivery mechanism for domestic energy bill support

The Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:11am.

 

Diane Forsythe MLA

Deputy Chairperson, Committee for the Economy

25 March 2026