All households in Northern Ireland will receive a £30 reduction on electricity bills each year for the next three years through a UK government initiative. Power NI supplies electricity to about 500,000 households in the region.

The first credit arrives in July. Credits in the following two years start 1 April. Direct debit and quarterly payers get the amount added to accounts. Pay-as-you-go customers receive it on keycards.

The scheme costs £81 million and stems from a UK budget announcement. Northern Ireland lacks one environmental levy removed in Great Britain, resulting in the smaller £30 saving versus £150 there. Funds must support electricity costs only.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald presented a proposal to the executive. Necessary Westminster legislation advances, with completion expected in June. A Department for the Economy spokesperson confirmed Treasury rules limit use to universal electricity discounts like those in Britain.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated the Prime Minister indicated support for targeting the funds more efficiently, given nearly two-thirds of households rely on home heating oil. He called for quick release of £98 million in total energy support, including £17 million for heating oil costs linked to Middle East conflict.

Archibald noted her department monitors global oil and gas chains. She plans to seek more UK government aid if instability raises prices further.