Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has reacted cautiously to a new set of plans from Northern Ireland electricity regulator, Mr Douglas McIldoon, on electricity generation arrangements. Mr McIldoon wants generators to commit themselves to an agreed timetable which will produce firm price reductions.

The chief executive of NIE, Dr Patrick Haren, said that any deal with the generators would need to be subject to ratification by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. "This is to ensure it is demonstrably in the interests of the customer," said Dr Haren.