Household Electricity Discount Scheme - Frequently asked questions
Households in Northern Ireland will automatically receive support with their electricity bills in 2026, 2027 and 2028. You do not need to apply, and the scheme is not means-tested.
About the scheme
What is the Household Electricity Discount Scheme?
It is a government-funded scheme that provides households with a yearly deduction from their electricity bill or a credit to their pre-pay/keypad meter.
How long will the scheme run?
The scheme will run for three years, from 2026 to 2028.
Do I need to apply?
No. The discount or credit will be applied automatically.
Is the scheme means-tested?
No. The scheme is not means-tested.
Does the amount depend on how much electricity I use or how much I top up?
No. The amount is not based on your electricity use or the amount you top up.
How much will I receive in 2026?
The overall saving in 2026 is £63.00. The discount will be made from 6 October 2026.
How much will I receive in 2027 and 2028?
The amounts for 2027 and 2028 will be announced before a discount is applied to your bill or credit is added to your pre-pay/keypad meter.
How is the scheme funded?
In June 2026, Treasury approved £85.4 million of funding for 75% of the domestic cost of the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation (NIRO) over three years. A further £25.7 million has been secured to provide additional support in 2026/27, equivalent to the temporary six monthsreduction in VAT on domestic electricity bills being provided in Britain.
The Household Electricity Discount Scheme provides a combined single payment for this year. The total funding this year is estimated to be £53m.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
For 2026, eligibility is determined by electricity suppliers using information held by NIE Networks as of 4 October 2026. Customers do not need to apply for the Scheme.
Electricity suppliers will automatically apply the discount to eligible domestic and combined Meter Point Reference Numbers (MPRN) identified in the data provided by NIE Networks.
The eligibility dates for 2027 and 2028 will be confirmed ahead of payments for those years.
Are businesses eligible?
No. Businesses are not eligible.
How the discount will be applied
How will bill payers receive the discount?
Your electricity supplier will automatically apply a £60.00 discount to your electricity account. Because the discount is applied before VAT is calculated, the overall saving is £63.00.
How will the discount appear on my bill?
It will appear as 'NIRO & VAT Govt Credit'.
How will pre-pay/keypad customers receive the credit?
Pre-pay or keypad customers will receive £63.00 in credit when they top up. The credit will be applied at the meter once a top-up has been made.
Is there a limit on my top-up?
The maximum vend limit is £175. To receive the discount in one full payment, keypad/pre-pay customers should not exceed a single top up value of £112. Top ups over this value means that payment of the discount will be split, with the balance received in subsequent vends subject to the maximum £175 limit.
What happens if my bill is lower than the discount?
Any remaining amount will stay on your account as credit and will reduce future bills.
What happens if my account is already in credit?
The discount will be added to your balance and used against future bills or electricity usage.
Moving, switching and property arrangements
What happens if I move home or switch electricity supplier?
Your supplier will automatically confirm whether you are eligible under the scheme rules. This may depend on when your account was active.
What should I do if I use pre-pay or keypad and am moving or switching supplier?
If you have not received the credit, you should top up before moving home or completing the switch to your new supplier, where possible.
How does the scheme apply to rented or shared homes?
The payment is applied for each eligible domestic property. If the electricity account is in your name, the discount will be applied to your account. If your landlord holds the account, the discount will be applied to that account.
What if I have more than one property?
The payment is applied for each eligible domestic property.
Data and scams
Will I need to provide personal information?
No. The scheme uses existing account and meter information, so you do not need to provide extra information or apply for support.
How will my information be handled?
Your electricity supplier will handle your information in line with data protection law.
How can I protect myself from scams?
You will never be asked to apply for the scheme, provide bank details or pay money to make a claim. A message asking you to do any of these is a scam. Suspicious emails or text messages asking for bank details should be reported.
Donations
Can I donate my discount?
Households who do not need the discount and can afford to do so, may wish to consider making a donation to a fuel poverty charity to support those most affected by energy costs.
Problems and contact details
What should I do if I have not received the discount or there is a problem?
Contact your electricity supplier first. If you have complained to your supplier and are unhappy with the outcome, you can contact the Consumer Council for free and independent help.
Who can I contact with a query about the scheme?
Contact the NI Energy Advice Service by phone on 0800 111 4455 or by email at nienergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk.