Around 860,000 households in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a £63 reduction in their electricity costs as the Household Electricity Discount Scheme gets underway this week.
The measure was first announced last month in a bid to help households with rising energy costs as the winter months approach.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has marked the start of the scheme, as electricity suppliers will automatically apply the discount from Tuesday, October 6 to eligible bill-paying and pre-pay/keypad customers.
Households who use a pre-pay/keypad will receive £63 in addition to the value of their next top up.
Households who pay a bill will see the £63 discount applied to their next bill.
Households do not need to apply for the scheme, which is not means tested or based on consumption.
Minister Archibald said: “This £63 will help people with the cost of electricity as we move towards the winter months. I appreciate it will not ease all the pressures people are facing but it is hopefully a welcome payment for workers and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”
The Minister added: “And if there are people who feel that they do not need this support, I would encourage them to make a voluntary donation to a fuel poverty charity, to help those who need it most.”
The Scheme will continue in 2027 and 2028, with the value of future discounts confirmed ahead of payment.
