Powerless man gets consumer help

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The Consumer Council has said it will try to find a way for a County Londonderry pensioner to get mains electricity in his home.

John McCarter, 74, was told it would cost £67,000 for Northern Ireland electricity to hook him up.

He uses bottled gas and candles for light at his Downhill home.

Loretta O'Hara of the Consumer Council said they had been in touch with Mr McCarter and will investigate the issue.

"This unfortunate situation has arisen due to two factors, Mr McCarter lives in an area of special scientific interest, which adds significant cost to any connection work carried out by NIE and secondly, NIE is required to apply the connection charging rules as set out in the statement of charges approved by NIAUR," she said.

"The Consumer Council has been working with NIE throughout the week to explore alternative ways to cover the cost.

"We will continue to work with them, NIAUR and other interested parties until we have the assurance that Mr McCarter will have light and heat this winter."