Household Electricity Discount - What Budget Energy Customers Need to Know
Households across Northern Ireland will receive support with their electricity costs through the new Household Electricity Discount Scheme.
For 2026, eligible households will receive an overall saving of £63, with the discount being applied from 6 October 2026. The scheme will also provide support in 2027 and 2028, with the amount for those years to be confirmed.
You don't need to apply or contact us to receive the discount. If you're eligible, it will be applied automatically. The scheme is not means-tested and the amount you receive isn't based on how much electricity you use.
For further information about the Household Electricity Discount Scheme, see Department for the Economy website and also the Household Electricity Discount Scheme - Frequently asked questions.
How will I receive the £63 discount?
- Bill Pay customers
If you're an eligible Budget Energy Bill Pay customer, a £60 discount will automatically be applied to your electricity account.
As the discount is applied before VAT is calculated, this gives you an overall saving of £63.
You'll see the discount on your bill as 'NIRO & VAT Govt Credit'.
- Keypad customers
If you're an eligible Budget Energy Keypad customer, you'll receive £63 in electricity credit when you top up.
The credit will be applied to your meter once you make a top-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scheme is for eligible domestic electricity customers in Northern Ireland. For 2026, eligibility will be determined using information held by NIE Networks as of 4 October 2026.
No. You don't need to apply or provide any additional information. If you're eligible, your discount will be applied automatically.
The 2026 discount will be applied from 6 October 2026.
For Bill Pay customers, it will be applied automatically to your electricity account. Keypad customers will receive the credit when they top up.
No. The scheme isn't means-tested and the amount you receive isn't based on your electricity usage or how much you normally top up.
Any remaining credit will stay on your electricity account and be used to reduce future bills.
The discount will be added to your existing balance and used towards future electricity costs.
Your electricity supplier will confirm whether you're eligible under the scheme rules. This may depend on when your account was active.
If you're a Keypad customer and haven't received your credit yet, you should top up before moving home or completing your switch, where possible.
The discount applies to 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 electricity account, it will be applied to their account.
No. You'll never be asked to apply, provide bank details or make a payment to claim this discount.
If you receive a message asking you to do any of these things, it could be a scam.
No. The scheme uses existing account and meter information, so you don't need to provide additional information. Customer information will be handled in line with data protection law.
If you think you should have received the discount but haven't, or there's a problem with the credit applied to your account or meter, contact Budget Energy first.
If you've complained to us and remain unhappy with the outcome, you can contact the Consumer Council for free and independent help
For general queries about the scheme, you can contact the NI Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455 or email nienergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk.
You can also find full scheme information on the official government websites:
nidirect – Help with your electricity bill
Department for the Economy – Household Electricity Discount Scheme FAQs