To ask the Minister for Communities (i) to provide further clarification to an answer to a supplementary question about energy support schemes during Question Time on Monday 30 June 2025, when he referred me to the Minister for the Economy's Energy Strategy; (ii) whether his Department provide energy support through Affordable Warmth Scheme and other funds; and (iii) whether he will consider adding technological solutions that harness surplus renewable energy.

Delivering the Fuel Poverty Strategy requires working in collaboration with other Executive Ministers, including the Minister for the Economy in relation to the Energy Strategy. As part of this work on Fuel Poverty, consideration is being given to harnessing renewable energy in a way that directly supports households most in need. I have recently written to EnergyCloud NI to meet with them to hear more about their work and the role it can play in addressing fuel poverty by using excess renewable energy in Northern Ireland.

My Department currently provides energy support to low-income households through the Affordable Warmth Scheme and is developing the Warm Healthy Homes Scheme that will replace the current Affordable Warmth Scheme when it ends. The Fuel Poverty Strategy public consultation was used to consult on key aspects of the new scheme including the use of technological solutions such as low carbon heating, photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage. The consultation responses will be used to inform the scheme design.