The UK government is considering ways to enable householders in Northern Ireland to use a planned £600 electricity credit on other bills.
The payment to help with rising energy costs was due to be provided as a credit to electricity accounts.
But the Energy Minister said there was "no point" having an electricity credit which does not assist with other costs this winter.
Read more: Stormont caretaker ministers spent £435m which accounting officials refused to endorse
Graham Stuart said the government was working to "find the right route" to provide the support pledged to Northern Ireland consumers.
According to the BBC, it is understood work on the scheme is now focusing on how people can "cash out" at least some of the planned electricity credit.
It is believed this would be easier to achieve for those paying by direct debit as they could receive a bank transfer from their supplier, but it could be more difficult for households using pre-payment meters.
A voucher could be one option but no final decisions have been made, it was reported.
It remains unclear when the payment will be made to households in Northern Ireland.
Mr Stuart told MPs: "We are looking to make sure not only that that money gets out and is credited to households, but that they are able to access it this winter.
"There is no point having it as a credit on an electricity bill, as that does not help them deal with other costs this winter. That is the sticking point - that is what we are working on."
He added: "We are doing everything within our power to find the right route, while protecting public money in the proper fashion, to get money out to Northern Ireland consumers this winter."
The Energy Bill Support Payment scheme was first announced by the government in May.
Households in Great Britain are having their energy bills cut by £400 over a six-month period, with a reduction of around £66 applied each month from October to March.
But Northern Ireland's different energy market and the absence of a Stormont Executive have been blamed for delays in rolling out a similar scheme in the region.
Northern Ireland households are receiving an extra £200 due to the complexities of its energy market.
It was originally intended to be a £100 payment only for those who use home heating oil.
But the Treasury doubled the amount and extended it to all households "in recognition of the prevalence of alternative fuel usage in Northern Ireland".
Home heating oil customers make up two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland - a much higher proportion than the rest of the UK.
READ NEXT:
Dozens of Stormont questions go unanswered after caretaker ministers removed from office
DUP MP Ian Paisley's bid for 'super-majority' in future referendums dismissed as 'stunt'
- DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson met Jamie Bryson 'days before bid to halt Brexit Protocol checks'
Alliance MLA advised business that has gone bust owing students hundreds of pounds
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
