Responding to the news that Economy Minister Ian Pearson is to reduce electricity costs for business, Alliance Finance Spokesperson Seamus Close stated:
“The announcement by the Minister of a reduction in commercial electricity prices is a dolly mixture to sweeten the blow of the abolition of industrial de-rating, which I am sure the Minister will impose in the not-to-distant future.
“The Minister knows that Northern Ireland industry has lacked competitiveness due to high electricity prices. However, a token reduction of electricity prices coupled with the abolition of industrial de-rating will ensure that local industry remains uncompetitive.
“No doubt the Minister, true to Labourspeak, will spin some other version.”