Mid and East Antrim Power Stations ‘crucial to safeguard Northern Ireland’s energy supply in wake of single electricity market delay’

by Gráinne Connolly

Clarity on the position of Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations is "critical" to ensuring Northern Ireland’s energy supply, according to a Mid and East Antrim Council spokesperson. 

It's following the news that the introduction of the Integrated Single Electricity Market was delayed.

The spokesperson said: 

"Earlier this week it was announced the start date for an all-Ireland new single electricity market was being put back by three months due to IT issues.

"It was due to go live on 23 May, but is now expected to launch on 1 October 2018.

"The decision to postpone the launch came from the utility regulators north and south of the border."

Councillors in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have called on Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator Jenny Pyper to work alongside Kilroot’s operator AES in light of the announcement.

Back in January, AES announced it was planning to close coal generators at Kilroot and Ballylumford after they failed to secure a supply contract for the Northern Ireland energy market.
 

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Johnston, said the Utility Regulator should now engage with AES with the aim of extending its operations in Carrickfergus past next month’s proposed closure date.

Councillor Johnston said:

“A delegation from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council travelled to Westminster recently to give evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on the regional implications of Kilroot Power Station’s closure.

“This followed January’s announcement by the plant’s operator, AES.

“The Committee is currently investigating the impact of the plant’s closure and an expected reduction in capacity at Ballylumford, on Northern Ireland’s power supply.

“Council’s representatives, including Chief Executive Anne Donaghy, highlighted our major concerns around the loss of jobs and substantial shortfall in rates income locally should Kilroot shut its gates permanently later this year.

“The prospect of Kilroot Power Station winding down and reduction at the Ballylumford site is a bitter blow for the many workers and families affected, as well as all of the citizens of Mid and East Antrim and Northern Ireland.

“We remain fully committed to exploring any and all opportunities, and will be working to find a better solution for our local area. 

“It is vital that our region’s power supplies are safeguarded and that we do not run the risk of an energy deficit. Nor do we want to see our citizens dealt higher energy prices.

“A secure energy supply is absolutely critical to our ability to secure investment in Mid and East Antrim.”
 

Councillor Billy Ashe said:

“As we predicted, the introduction of the new single electricity market will not take place as initially planned.

“Given the confirmation of this, it is now imperative that the Utility Regulator works with AES to deliver a necessary resolution.

“The impending closure of Kilroot Power Station and reduction in output at Ballylumford has wide-reaching implications for the whole of Northern Ireland.

“We must do all we can to ensure security of the energy market across the region and we will be in further contact with all of those involved over the coming days."