Menu
16/01/2023
First £600 Energy Support Payments Issued
Households using a pre-pay meter do not need to contact their energy supplier ahead of receiving the £600 Energy Bill Support Scheme payment, as all letters will simply be addressed to 'The Occupier'.
As the first payments begin to arrive with households across NI, the Consumer Council's Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, Peter McClenaghan, said: "Over the last few days, we have spoken to all those responsible for the roll out of this massive scheme, the Government Department, The Post Office, and the energy suppliers.
"It is fantastic news that the first of the £600 payments are now being made to consumers in Northern Ireland, but it will take a few weeks for us all to receive our payments.
"The most important piece of advice is you don’t need to do anything right now.
"If you pay for your electricity by direct debit, you will receive the money directly into your bank account.
"All the rest of us will receive a simple white envelope in the post marked 'IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED (this is not a bill)'.
"If you have a pre-payment meter the envelope will be addressed to 'the occupier'.
"If you have a credit meter and do not pay by direct debit, the envelope will be addressed to the person in your household who has the account with your electricity supplier.
"There is no need to contact your energy supplier, Post Office, or the Consumer Council. However, if you are seeking further information, please visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energysupport, your suppliers website, or the Government website, where frequently asked questions are published."
As the first payments begin to arrive with households across NI, the Consumer Council's Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, Peter McClenaghan, said: "Over the last few days, we have spoken to all those responsible for the roll out of this massive scheme, the Government Department, The Post Office, and the energy suppliers.
"It is fantastic news that the first of the £600 payments are now being made to consumers in Northern Ireland, but it will take a few weeks for us all to receive our payments.
"The most important piece of advice is you don’t need to do anything right now.
"If you pay for your electricity by direct debit, you will receive the money directly into your bank account.
"All the rest of us will receive a simple white envelope in the post marked 'IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED (this is not a bill)'.
"If you have a pre-payment meter the envelope will be addressed to 'the occupier'.
"If you have a credit meter and do not pay by direct debit, the envelope will be addressed to the person in your household who has the account with your electricity supplier.
"There is no need to contact your energy supplier, Post Office, or the Consumer Council. However, if you are seeking further information, please visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energysupport, your suppliers website, or the Government website, where frequently asked questions are published."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 May 2004
Jobs boost for Bangor call centre
MM Group, the owners of the Bangor-based calls and communications centre, have been announced the creation of 50 new jobs. The full-time positions have been created as a result of a contract just secured by MM Group with EDF Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the UK.
Jobs boost for Bangor call centre
MM Group, the owners of the Bangor-based calls and communications centre, have been announced the creation of 50 new jobs. The full-time positions have been created as a result of a contract just secured by MM Group with EDF Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the UK.
19 December 2022
£600 Energy Payment To Arrive In January 2023
Households in Northern Ireland will receive the £600 energy payment in January 2023, the UK government has confirmed. The support will combine £400 from the government's Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBS NI) with £200 under the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.
£600 Energy Payment To Arrive In January 2023
Households in Northern Ireland will receive the £600 energy payment in January 2023, the UK government has confirmed. The support will combine £400 from the government's Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBS NI) with £200 under the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
01 December 2022
'Outrageous' NI Has Not Received Energy Support Payments – SF
Delays to the payout of £600 energy support payments to people in Northern Ireland have been described as "outrageous" by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy. The Newry/Armagh MLA also said the DUP had been 'dishonest' in claims that people would have the money by November.
'Outrageous' NI Has Not Received Energy Support Payments – SF
Delays to the payout of £600 energy support payments to people in Northern Ireland have been described as "outrageous" by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy. The Newry/Armagh MLA also said the DUP had been 'dishonest' in claims that people would have the money by November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
