Economy Minister sets record straight on £81million electricity support for consumers

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald has addressed "inaccurate claims" on an £81million fund to support electricity consumers. 

The Minister’s comments relate to a financial support package for domestic electricity consumers which was announced in the British Chancellor’s Autumn 2025 Budget.

Minister Archibald said: “It is deeply disappointing that false assertions are being made in relation to this funding, which will mislead people at a time when they are really worried about escalating energy bills.

“To be absolutely clear, my Department will not have £81million to support electricity bills in three weeks’ time, the funding is over three years," she added.

“The support cannot make its way to consumers until the Westminster Parliament amends the Energy Prices Act 2022. This is expected at some point before the summer recess.

“As soon as this legislation is passed my Department will be ready to ensure local electricity consumers benefit.”

“It is also irresponsible to link this support to the current energy price surge as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. On this matter, I have spoken to and written to the British Energy Minister, urging immediate support for households facing hardship," said Minister Archibald.

The Minister also clarified the suggestion that this funding should be means tested.

“I’m also disappointed that false claims have been made today that this funding could be funnelled to support our most vulnerable homes through means testing. This is irresponsible misinformation," she said.

“The nature of the support was determined by the British Chancellor, who has decided that all consumers’ electricity bills should be reduced and that this would apply in the same way here as in Britain. While this might not be the approach I would take, it is the approach adopted by the British Government.”

The Minister added: “Claims that members of the Economy Committee did not have information on this matter are disingenuous, given that I updated the Committee in person on this on 21 January."

Officials at the Department for the Economy continue to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Finance, Treasury, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure that households in the north receive the support to which they are entitled. That work is ongoing.