Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with energy companies on reducing the time taken for all households to receive the £600 payment to help households in Northern Ireland with their energy bills during winter 2022-2023.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment Northern Ireland delivered a £600 support payment to households who had a domestic electricity supply in Northern Ireland for winter 2022-2023. This scheme was delivered by energy suppliers, with payments being delivered in different ways depending on how customers paid for their energy. All payments have now been delivered by energy suppliers in Northern Ireland, and if customers believe they were eligible but have not received this support, I recommend they contact their electricity supplier.