Committee Welcomes New Utility Regulator

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment today welcomed the new Utility Regulator, Ms Jenny Pyper during her first appearance in front of the Committee since taking on her new role.

The meeting was focussed on a recent report published by the Utility Regulator's office on increasing transparency on Northern Ireland electricity prices.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairperson of the Committee, Patsy McGlone MLA said: "I am very pleased to have welcomed Ms Pyper to her first Committee meeting as the Utility Regulator, and have been looking forward to hearing from her ever since the announcement that she joined the NI Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR). It was a very useful meeting in which the Committee was able to learn about Ms Pyper's vision for the organisation and views on important subjects such as rising local electricity prices.

Mr McGlone concluded: "The Utility Regulator's role is a crucial one in that it is meant to protect the interest of the consumer in relation to electricity, gas and water issues, whilst promoting vibrant competition in the utility sector. The Committee has always engaged very constructively with NIAUR and looks forward to continuing that tradition with Ms Pyper in her new role."

Members of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment with the Utility Regulator. Front row L-R: Phil Flanagan MLA, Deputy Chairperson; Jenny Pyper, Utility Regulator; Patsy McGlone MLA, Chairperson. Back row L-R: Sandra Overend MLA; Fearghal McKinney MLA; Stephen Agnew MLA; Gordon Dunne MLA.

ENDS