Northern Ireland Energy Holdings and Scotia Gas Networks are the preferred applicants for new licences to take forward a £200 million project to extend natural gas to the West.
This follows the publication yesterday of the Utility Regulator’s consultation on the ‘preferred applicants'.
Up to £32.5million has been granted by the European Commission for the Northern Ireland Executive to support the licensees in constructing the main pipelines within the project.
In a statement, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said extending the gas network to the West will offer natural gas to up to 40,000 business and domestic consumers.
“As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas offers a greener, more efficient and convenient alternative to oil and coal. It will help to lower manufacturing and production costs for companies and improve business competitiveness.
“In addition, it will provide domestic consumers with greater choice and benefits such as easier budgeting of energy costs by opting for a gas pre-payment meter,” said Minister Foster.
The Minister added: “Once the Utility Regulator’s competition is complete, I look forward to the formal award of the new gas conveyance licences which will allow the developers to obtain planning and other consents. I hope to see the start of works on the ground to provide the new gas networks as soon as possible.”
It's understood Quinn Glass in Derrylin could be one of the first local companies to switch to gas.
Source: impartialreporter.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment