UK government confirms how households in Northern Ireland will receive £600 to help with their energy bills
The UK government today (Friday 30 December) sets out how around 500,000 households in Northern Ireland will receive support with their energy bills, with new vouchers starting to be issued from mid-January.
On Monday 19 December the UK government announced all households across Northern Ireland will receive a single £600 payment, consisting of £400 through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP).
Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart today confirmed that for customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, this will take the form of vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.
Standard credit customers with no direct debit arrangement and prepayment keypad customers will receive the voucher from their supplier which they can redeem at a Post Office, either by depositing it in a bank or credit union, or, where needed, as cash.
Customers with a direct debit arrangement with their energy supplier will receive the payment directly to their bank account and will not be provided with vouchers.
Vouchers will start to be issued from mid-January, with every eligible customer receiving them in time to feel the benefit this winter.
It comes on top of the Energy Price Guarantee which has so far saved each household in Northern Ireland using electricity around £65 and a further £75 for those using gas.
Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said:
Welcoming the detail, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said:
While today’s news should give peace of mind to customers in Northern Ireland, Mr Stuart also urged them to beware scams which the government is already aware are being attempted.
He warned customers that vouchers will come in the form of letters, will carry badges of the relevant electricity supplier and the UK government, and will contain a barcode. Customers will not be asked to go online or to provide any details.
The easiest way people can redeem their voucher will be paying the money directly into their bank account by taking their bank card to the Post Office and requesting to deposit. For those without a bank or credit union account, going to the Post Office and redeeming for cash will be an option – but that will be subject to the branch having the cash available.
Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said:
Notes to Editors
Voucher holders will need to take the voucher, the letter from their supplier issued with their voucher, proof of address and photo ID to the Post Office to redeem their voucher. Proof of address needs to be dated before 2 January 2023 to be valid.
The following photographic ID will be accepted:
Keypad customers need to bring their keypad app or top up card, in addition to the voucher, proof of address and photo ID.
Vouchers will be valid until 31 March 2023. They can be reissued if lost, but customers are urged to redeem them as soon as possible.
No application is necessary. Suppliers will be providing vouchers automatically to all their customers.
Find out more about getting household energy bill support in Northern Ireland.