The Northern Ireland Assembly Economy Committee agreed to hold an emergency meeting on Monday 16 March. DUP Economy Spokesperson Phillip Brett proposed the session to question the Economy Minister and Permanent Secretary about £81 million in funding for consumer energy bills.

The Permanent Secretary informed the Economy Committee that he lacked details on the £81 million and had not discussed it in depth with officials.

The UK Government committed to reducing average household energy bills by £150 per year across the UK. Correspondence with the Department for Economy initially stated the funding could not transfer to Northern Ireland due to the absence of a renewable obligation. The department later confirmed that 75% of the funds, totalling £81 million, will arrive over three years starting 1 April. No business case has been submitted to the Treasury.

DUP Treasury spokesperson Sammy Wilson and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart met Treasury Minister Lord Livermore. They said the Department for Economy must submit a scheme to utilise the devolved funding, which could reduce electricity bills similar to arrangements in England.

The DUP members stated that additional UK Government funding via the Crisis and Resilience Fund will create Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland to support heating oil costs. They indicated the Economy Minister should develop a scheme and contact the Treasury for prompt distribution.