Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, has unveiled the final design of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG), a support scheme aimed at boosting clean energy generation and lowering costs for consumers.

According to the Department for the Economy, the REPG marks a significant milestone in the region’s energy strategy. It will help deliver the legally binding target of 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030, while positioning Northern Ireland as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.

Announcing the plan, Minister Archibald stated: “Increasing investment in renewable energy is essential to reduce our reliance on costly fossil fuels and to meet our net zero ambitions. The publication of the Final Design of the REPG Scheme will drive renewable generation and reduce electricity costs for households compared to what they currently pay.”

The scheme also includes direct benefits for local communities, such as discounts on electricity bills for households located near REPG-supported projects. “The introduction of this scheme will increase investment in renewables and ensure that local communities benefit from the net zero transition,” Archibald added.

Key features of the scheme

The final design of the REPG sets out:

• An overview of the legal and governance framework required for implementation.
• The basic financing mechanism underpinning the scheme.
• A summary of eligibility criteria and the contract allocation process.

The Department for the Economy will launch a consultation on the REPG Terms and Conditions later this year, giving stakeholders a key opportunity to shape the contractual aspects of the programme. The first auction is scheduled for early 2027.

The full scheme design is available on the official Department for the Economy (DfE) website.