Energy prices have risen again amid conflict in the Middle East, prompting governments to consider how best to support households. In 2023, every household in Northern Ireland received a £600 payment to help with soaring energy costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That universal support formed part of a wider United Kingdom government package that also subsidised gas and electricity suppliers, at a total estimated cost of £44bn.

The Chancellor has now ruled out repeating such broad support measures. Instead, any future assistance will be targeted at those most in need if prices increase further. Stormont ministers have been allocated just over £17m to help with heating oil costs, but spreading this evenly would provide only limited relief, so ministers are considering focusing support on households receiving means-tested benefits.

Targeting support for heating oil users presents difficulties because there is no central register of customers. Meanwhile, all households are expected to receive a £30 electricity bill reduction in July under a previously announced scheme, despite debate over whether that funding should also be targeted.