Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that around 860,000 households in Northern Ireland will receive a £63 reduction on their electricity bills from 6 October.

The Household Electricity Discount will be applied automatically by electricity suppliers. The scheme is neither means tested nor based on consumption, and it covers both customers who receive bills and those using pre-pay/keypad meters.

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, the Minister secured agreement from the Treasury to deliver annual electricity bill discounts of around £30 to households for three years, comparable to support in Britain.

Following the announcement of a temporary six month VAT reduction on domestic electricity supplies in Britain, she negotiated 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."

The Household Electricity Discount Scheme will continue in 2027 and 2028, with the value of future discounts to be confirmed ahead of payment.

Bill-paying customers will see the credit on their account as: NIRO & VAT Govt Credit. Pre-pay/keypad customers will receive the discount automatically at their meter when they top up.

In June 2026, the Treasury approved £85.4 million to fund 75% of the domestic cost of the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation (NIRO) over three years. A further £25.7 million has been secured to provide additional support in 2026/27, equivalent to the temporary six months reduction in VAT on domestic electricity bills in Britain. The total funding for this year is estimated to be £53 million.

Further information is available on NI Direct at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/help-your-electricity-bill.