The UK government has revealed plans to implement a cap on the unit price of electricity and gas in Northern Ireland, similar to the rest of the UK. The cap will come into effect in November, one month later than in other regions. Additionally, a £400 Energy Bills Support payment will be provided to households, with an extra £100 heating oil payment. The money will be paid directly to electricity companies and delivered through bill discounts. The first instalment of £326 has already been paid to seven million people, and it is expected that Northern Ireland residents will receive their payments before Christmas.
As energy prices hit unprecedented levels, the government has announced details of how it intends to help households and businesses in Northern Ireland deal with the cost of living crisis.As in the rest of the UK, there will be a cap placed on the unit price of electricity and gas for two years.
Some politicians have criticised the £100 heating oil payment, with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood describing it as an "insult". The Northern Ireland Economy Minister Gordon Lyons says he expects the money will be paid out before Christmas.The first instalment of £326 was paid to about seven million people between 20 and 30 July.The 1.1m people who only receive tax credits, rather than any of the other benefits, had to wait longer.
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