To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether (i) companies other than ESB are legally allowed to develop and operate electric vehicle charge point infrastructure; (ii) companies, including ESB, are allowed to make a profit from such enterprise under current legislation; and (iii) she has given consideration to creating a profit incentive for companies in order to boost the provision and quality of electric vehicle charge points in Northern Ireland.

Companies other than ESB are legally allowed to develop and operate electric vehicle charge point infrastructure and are allowed to make a profit from such enterprise under current legislation. However, whilst the market is open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure, to date, ESB is the only public network provider in the North. I have not given consideration to creating a profit incentive for companies in order to boost the provision and quality of electric vehicle charge points in Northern Ireland.

The Utility Regulator’s decision in March 2020 to remove the Maximum Resale Price on the electricity cost of charge points allows commercial operators to charge above cost price of electricity supply. This should give clarity for operators wishing to provide commercial services and strengthen network provision in Northern Ireland.

I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.