To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when she plans to introduce purchase charges at e-carNI charge points.

The e-car public charge point network in the North is owned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). At present, ESB does not charge e-car drivers for charging an electric vehicle at a public charge point. To date, the Utility Regulator has set a Maximum Resale Price (MRP) on the electricity cost of charge points, whereby any commercial operator cannot charge above cost price of electricity supply. Over the next few months, the Utility Regulator will be publishing its findings from the recent consultation on whether to remove the Maximum Resale Price (MRP) of Electricity as it applies to electric vehicles.

I look forward to the outcome of the consultation exercise which will give clarity for operators wishing to provide commercial services in the North. I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. In recognition of this, I recently made a joint commitment with the DAERA Minister to work collaboratively to promote the use of electric vehicles and improve the charge point network across the North.