Northern Ireland Economy Minister provides update on Domestic Electricity Discount Scheme

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald today confirmed she is working to finalise an agreement with Treasury to increase the discount being made to households' electricity bills.  

The proposal is that the recently announced VAT reduction for domestic electricity bills will be added to the previously announced NIRO Domestic Electricity Discount Scheme. The discount of circa £30 was due to apply in September, while the VAT discount is due to be applied in Britain in October. The funding associated with the VAT reduction is still to be confirmed by the Treasury, but it is expected to take the discount to over £50. As there are details still to be confirmed by Treasury it is now proposed that the combined discount will be applied in October. 

The Minister said: It is imperative that households here can benefit fully from cost of living supports. This follows the recent announcement for a 0% VAT rate on domestic electricity bills for 6 months from 1 October. My officials have been working with counterparts in the British government to deliver this discount. 

Subject to the Treasury approval, the Department now intends to deliver a single combined payment to all households which will increase the cost-of-living support to over £50. It is anticipated this full amount will be paid from October.