Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 July 2004. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the impact that the building of the North West gas pipeline will have on domestic electricity prices to customers in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact that the building of the North West gas pipeline will have on domestic electricity prices to customers in Northern Ireland. [182090] Mr. Gardiner: As part of the consultation on the introduction of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, an assessment was made of the impact of expanding the gas network in Northern Ireland, which comprises the North West and South North pipelines. The effect of postalisation on the average domestic electricity bill was estimated to be an increase of 0.6 per cent., equivalent to around £1.80 per annum.

Secondary information