The row over Northern Ireland electricity prices is expected to be referred to the Competition Commission, NIE said yesterday.

The company said it could not accept proposals from utility regulator Shane Lynch which will determine how much it can charge customers in the future.

“NIE has not taken this decision lightly,” a spokeswoman said. NIE owns and operates the ageing electricity infrastructure across Northern Ireland and claims it will have to charge customers to replace the poles, pylons and wires over the next decade.

However, Mr Lynch, who works on behalf of consumers, has said prices should be reduced. Negotiations have been going on since the summer. – (PA)