Households in Northern Ireland to receive automatic £63 off electricity bill: Archibald
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today confirmed that around 860,000 households will receive a £63 discount off electricity bills, from October 6.
The Household Electricity Discount will be applied automatically by electricity suppliers. The scheme is not means tested or based on consumption and applies to both households that receive electricity bills, and those who use pre-pay/keypad.
Announcing the discount scheme, Minister Archibald said: “This discount will provide some help for families as winter kicks in and energy bills rise.”
Earlier this year, Minister Archibald announced that she had secured agreement from Treasury to deliver annual electricity discounts of around £30 to households for three years, comparable to support being delivered in Britain.
Following the announcement of a temporary six month VAT reduction on domestic electricity supplies in Britain, the Minister negotiated for additional funding to deliver a combined and enhanced single payment in 2026 worth £63.
The Minister continued: “This £63 discount delivers support to households through a single automatic discount. No forms, no applications and no action is required.
“Some people may feel they don’t need this financial support. If so, I would encourage those people to donate to a fuel poverty charity. Your support could make a real difference to someone who needs it most.”
Bill-paying customers will see the discount applied directly to their electricity account and it will appear on their bill as: NIRO & VAT Govt Credit. Pre-pay/keypad customers will receive the discount automatically at their meter, when they top up.
The Household Electricity Discount Scheme will continue in 2027 and 2028, with the value of future discounts confirmed ahead of payment.
Earlier this month a £100 Home Heating Oil Support Scheme for eligible households across the north opened.
The £100 oil voucher is available to around 340,000 households and tens of thousands have already applied for it.
Announcing the oil cost assistance scheme, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “ “I would encourage anyone who may be eligible, or those assisting them, to review the eligibility criteria online and ensure they are ready to submit an application when the scheme opens.”
One oil voucher per address is payable where applicants use oil as their main source of heating and receive a qualifying income-related benefit, or a disability benefit, or have an annual income for single people or couples of less than £30,000 after allowable deductions. To apply for the £100 oil home heating support go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/oil-support-scheme