Debate contribution: Domestic Electricity Support
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 19 May 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Domestic Electricity Support
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5549463
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Treasury both confirmed in writing on four occasions — 13 March, 18 March, 27 March and 30 April — that the Treasury funding is annually managed expenditure (AME). Therefore, it can only be used for a scheme that is comparable to the one operating in Britain; it cannot be repurposed for any other objective. The scheme will provide a reduction in electricity bills of around £30 per household per year over a three-year period. My Department has approved a business case for approximately £85 million. Department of Finance officials undertook an accelerated review of the business case. That has now been submitted to the Treasury for approval so that the required AME funding can be secured. Subject to the necessary approvals and legislation being in place, which we expect to happen before the summer recess, and to allow time for the suppliers to make the required operational changes, I intend to apply the discount from September. With household electricity use tending to increase after the summer period, we want the scheme to be as impactful as possible for households. I am working with Community Foundation NI on a campaign to encourage people who do not need the discount to donate the £30 to a fuel poverty charity. I intend to involve the Consumer Council and consumer advocates, including Community Foundation NI, when developing communication on that for consumers.
239 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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