DUBLIN: Household electricity customers will receive a €600 credit to help reduce their electricity bills, it was announced in the 2023 Budget. The credit will be paid in 3 installments of 200 euros. The first payment will be made from November 2022. The second power credit will be provided from January 2023 onwards. The third will be given in March 2023.
What is electricity account credit?
Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme II announced in Budget 2023. Household electricity customers will receive a €600 credit to help reduce their electricity bills. The scheme is overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). CRU has detailed guidance on how the scheme will work.
When will the credits be received?
The payment is automatic and you do not need to apply for it.
The €600 credit will be paid in 3 installments of €200 each.
- First installment between November 1 and December 31, 2022
- Second installment between January 1 and February 28, 2023
- Third installment between March 1 and April 30, 2023
The date you receive your credit usually depends on the date your supplier sends you your bill. The credit may not appear on your first bill during this payment period, depending on your individual billing cycle. Electricity suppliers will have information on their websites with the exact dates on which the credit will show up on customers' bills. Check your supplier's website
You will see a 'credit line' on your bill in the amount of €183.49 (this is €200 excluding VAT). Total payments in 3 installments will be €550.47.
It has the identifier ‘Government Electricity Credit 1, 2 or 3’ or an abbreviated version of this depending on your supplier (for example Govt. Credit). It must include “Government”, “Govt” or “Gov” and must state “1”, “2” or “3” to show which instalment you are getting.
Do you qualify for credit?
The credit applies to all household electricity accounts registered with an electricity supplier in the Republic of Ireland. You are eligible for the credit if you registered on the following dates:
- An urban household consumer (classified as DG1)
- A rural household customers (classified as DG2)
Eligible dates are:
- 27 October 2022 (for first payment period)
- 20 December 2022 (for second payment period)
- 27 February 2022 (for third payment period)
Can I get credit for a holiday home?
The credit is applicable on all household electricity accounts. This means that if you have more than one household with a household electricity account in Ireland you will receive credit for each account.
Can I get credit for using pre-paid electricity?
Your supplier will contact you via text, email or top-up note to let you know the credit has been applied to your account. Most pre-pay electricity meters will accept every 200 Euro credits in full. Your supplier will contact you with specific instructions on how to redeem your credits.
Hardship meters ?
If you have an old pre-pay meter with a pre-pay limit, you may need to redeem each of your electricity credits in separate top-ups (vends) over a few days.
To redeem your credits, you must pay €10 for your electricity. Your credit will be automatically added to the top-up. You must allow one day between each €10 payment.
Number of top-ups: Amount you pay: Credit amount automatically applied to your €10
You need to repeat the process above for every 3 €200 credits.
Can I use the credit to pay my gas bill?
The credits cannot be used towards your gas bills. The scheme uses domestic electricity eligibility criteria because not every household has a gas connection. This way most households get help with their energy bills.
In Rented accommodation ?
If you are a tenant in rented accommodation and you pay your landlord directly for your electricity (rather than the electricity provider), your landlord should pass the credit on to you.
If there is a dispute between you and your landlord, you should try to resolve this informally. If you cannot come to an agreement, you can contact the RTB’s free mediation service, where an independent mediator will help you reach an agreement. Or, you can apply for ‘adjudication’ with the RTB, where an independent adjudicator will look at all the evidence and make a decision about your case.
What if switched suppliers?
If you switch electricity supplier, the supplier you were with:
- On 27 October 2022 is responsible for giving you the first credit
- On 20 December 2022 is responsible for giving you the second credit
- On 27 February 2023 is responsible for giving you the third credit
A supplier can apply the credit to your closing bill or credit you back through the same method pay your bills.
If You don’t get the credit
Suppliers will have information on their websites with the exact dates the credit showed on their customers’ bills.
Contact your electricity supplier if you do not receive your credit by:
- 31 January 20232 (first instalment)
- 31 March 2023 (second instalment)
- 31 May 2023 (third instalment)
You can find the contact details for your electricity supplier on your most recent bill or statement.
If there is a dispute ?
If you cannot resolve the issue with your supplier, you can contact the CRU’s Customer Care Team for help.
You can contact the CRU Customer Care Team on 1800 404 404 or Email: customercare@cru.ie Visit: Electricity Account Credit
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