Christmas is an expensive time for many households, particularly this year amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.
People saw heating bills soar earlier this month as temperatures plummeted to -8C just weeks before Christmas.
However, the second of three electricity credits to help with bills announced in Budget 2023 in September will start hitting accounts in January.
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€600 will be paid in total to every electricity customer over three payments, the first of which was paid in November.
As electricity billing cycles can vary across a two month period, there is no exact date for everyone to receive their payment.
However the second payment is scheduled to start hitting electricity accounts from the 1st of January until the 28 of February. The third and final payment will be made between 1 March and 30 April.
The payment schedule is as follows:
- The first instalment between 1 November and 31 December 2022
- The second instalment between 1 January and 28 February 2023
- The third instalment between 1 March and 30 April 2023
According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the date you get your credit depends on the date that your supplier normally sends you your bill. The credit may not appear on your first bill during these payment periods, this will depend on your individual billing cycle. Suppliers will have information on their websites with the exact dates the credit will show on customers’ bills.
How will the payment be made?
The energy rebate will be automatically applied to everyone’s electricity accounts, you do not have to apply for it. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) who will make payments to all energy suppliers.
Who is eligible for the electricity payment?
Every single domestic electricity account holder will receive the payment, benefiting approximately 2.1 million account holders. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go customers.
How do I know if the energy credit has been added to my account?
You should see a ‘credit line’ on your bill in the amount of €183.49 (this is €200 excluding VAT). The total payments will be €550.47 across the 3 instalments.
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.
How do people with a prepay meter receive the credit?
Prepay customers will be notified by their supplier via a letter or email to explain how they can redeem their credits.
In order to qualify for the credit, you must have an electricity meter which has a ESB Networks Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). If your property/renal property does not have a ESB Networks MPRN your supplier will not receive this credit on your behalf.
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