Northern Ireland's Economy Committee has scheduled an emergency meeting on Monday 16th March to question the Economy Minister and Permanent Secretary on £81 million in funding for energy bills.

DUP Economy Spokesperson Phillip Brett proposed the session after the Permanent Secretary told the committee he lacked details on the funds and had not held in-depth discussions with relevant officials.

The UK Government committed to average annual household energy bill reductions of £150 across the UK. The Department for Economy initially stated a renewable obligation did not apply in Northern Ireland and funds could not transfer.

Further questions from Brett led the Department to confirm 75% availability over three years, amounting to £81 million. The funding becomes accessible from 1 April, but no business case has been submitted to the Treasury.

Brett said the Permanent Secretary's lack of awareness points to the Minister's priorities and departmental direction. He noted the Minister's recent statement on oil and gas costs alongside limited internal engagement on the funding.

DUP Treasury spokesperson Sammy Wilson and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart met Treasury Minister Lord Livermore. They stated the Department for Economy must submit a scheme to utilise the £81 million, as energy support is devolved.

Wilson and Lockhart added that further UK Government funding through the Crisis and Resilience Fund will generate Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland to address heating oil costs.