NI farmers urged to apply for £600 energy support payment
© Ruth P Peterkin/Adobe Stock Farm households in Northern Ireland are now eligible for a £600 support payment to help offset rising costs.
Many farm businesses were previously not eligible under the main Energy Bills Support Scheme, however, a new Alternative Funding scheme has now been created, after successful lobbying by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
The scheme is due to open later this month and farmers will need to complete an online form on the government website to qualify for the payment.
See also: Pig aid scheme opens in Northern Ireland
UFU deputy president William Irvine said: “The UFU has been working with government to ensure that all farm dwelling houses could be catered for regardless of what electricity tariff they’re on.
“It’s an extremely positive outcome that farming households will now get the energy support they need after lobbying efforts.
“We encourage those members who missed out on support through the initial Energy Bills Support Scheme to apply for the Alternative Funding scheme when it opens later this month.”
A pilot phase is currently running in some regions to ensure a smooth delivery and application process when the scheme is rolled out.