Use electric credit ‘to pay other bills’

Households in NI could opt for a cash-out option

THE UK government is considering ways to enable householders in Northern Ireland to use a planned £600 electricity credit on other bills.

The payment to help with rising energy costs was due to be provided as a credit to electricity accounts.

But the Energy Minister said there was “no point” having an electricity credit which does not assist with other costs this winter.

Graham Stuart said the Government was working to “find the right route” to provide the support pledged to Northern Ireland consumers.

According to the BBC, it is understood work on the scheme is now focusing on how people can “cash out” at least some of the planned electricity credit.

It is believed this would be easier to achieve for those paying by direct debit as they could receive a bank transfer from their supplier, but it could be more difficult for households using prepayment meters. A voucher could be another option.

It remains unclear when the payment will be made.

Mr Stuart told MPS: “We are looking to make sure not only that that money gets out and is credited to households, but that they are able to access it this winter.

“There is no point having it as a credit on an electricity bill, as that does not help them deal with other costs this winter. That is the sticking point that we are working on.

“We are doing everything within our power to find the right route, while protecting public money in the proper fashion, to get money out to Northern Ireland consumers this winter.”

The Energy Bill Support Payment scheme was first announced by the Government in May. Households in Britain will see energy bills cut by £400 over a six-month period, with a reduction of around £66 applied each month from October to March.

But Northern Ireland’s different energy market and the absence of a Stormont Executive have been blamed for delays in rolling out a similar scheme in the region.

Home heating oil customers make up two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland – a much higher proportion than the rest of the UK.