Archibald warns households “struggling right now” amid energy price surge

Inset: Northern Ireland Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald

Households facing a sudden surge in energy costs must receive urgent and meaningful support, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has said following discussions with the British Government.

Speaking after a meeting on Saturday evening, 14 March, with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Martin McCluskey MP, the Minister said intervention must be “meaningful, targeted, and delivered without delay.”

The talks come as many families face sharp increases in energy bills, with those relying on home heating oil and households on lower incomes among the hardest hit.

Households “struggling right now”

Dr Archibald said the impact of rising costs is already being felt across communities.

“People are struggling right now with the sudden increase in energy prices, especially home heating oil, and those on the lowest incomes are feeling it most,” she said.

“Following engagement with the British government last week, I met Minister McCluskey this evening and made clear that urgent support is needed.”

Call for coordinated action

During the meeting, the Economy Minister stressed the need for continued cooperation between the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure help can be delivered quickly.

“I stressed the importance of continued joint working between the British Government and the Executive to ensure an effective mechanism is put in place which can be delivered upon quickly,” she said.

“We need a solution that delivers real, practical support for people across the north.”

Focus on heating oil and pricing transparency

Dr Archibald also highlighted the particular vulnerability of households dependent on home heating oil, which remains widely used across Northern Ireland.

She said measures must also be kept under review to ensure greater transparency in energy pricing, particularly for those relying on oil for home heating.

The Minister added she would continue pressing for coordinated action to ensure assistance reaches households as soon as possible.

“We need a solution that delivers real, practical support for people across the north,” she said.

At a glance

• Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has called for urgent support for households facing rising energy prices.

• She met UK Energy Minister Martin McCluskey MP on Saturday evening to discuss the issue.

• The Minister said support must be “meaningful, targeted, and delivered without delay.”

• Households using home heating oil and those on lower incomes are among the hardest hit.

• Archibald urged continued joint working between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.

• She also called for measures to improve transparency in energy pricing.

• The Minister said she will continue pressing for coordinated action to ensure support is delivered quickly.