Survey on the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill

Views sought on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences on progressing legislation.

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy has launched a survey on the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill, which has been introduced to the Assembly by the Department for the Economy (DfE).

Currently, there is no existing renewable electricity support scheme in Northern Ireland open to new generation. The stated aim of the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill is to provide the framework for this - a Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme in Northern Ireland. Contracts for Difference (CfD) are to be used to provide electricity generators with stability for a defined period. DfE intends for this to encourage the generation of renewable electricity and help insulate consumers from volatile electricity prices.

DfE indicates that it will subsequently bring forward regulations to make provision for:

• determining eligible generators and generating stations
• the procedure for allocating CfDs as well as the terms and conditions of CfDs and the related financial framework
• the imposition of community benefit requirements
• certain other matters such as reviewing of the allocation process and the resolution of disputes

The Committee is seeking views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.

Your views will help to inform consideration of the Bill and recommendations the Committee may suggest as it moves to the next stage of the legislative process.

Find out more about the survey and how to respond.

The survey will close on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

First published 1 September 2026