As the energy crisis continues, Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed the date when households can expect to receive their first €200 off energy bills in just two and a half weeks.
According to Minister Ryan, from the week beginning November 1 households in Ireland can expect to receive their first energy credit. The €600 worth of energy credits, to be paid in three €200 instalments over the winter, were announced in Budget 2023 to help ease the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
Speaking to Newstalk this morning, Minister Ryan said: “The first [payment] will be the 1st of November, first week of November, and then one early in the new year - January - and then one further one in March.” The Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme is part of the package of supports to combat the cost of living, and it applies to every household electricity account holder.
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Around 2.25 million account holders will benefit from the scheme, with the money due to be deducted from bills automatically. Like the previous €200 credit that was paid between April and June, this one will also be applied automatically. Households will not need to apply for it. They will not need to contact their electricity supplier.
Speaking to Newstalk, the Minister also warned that an ‘energy war’ - with soaring gas prices and shortages - could continue for years. He added that the fears we have for this winter could be the same next year as well.
“This energy war, which is what it is, will continue and unfortunately looks like it could be not just this winter but next winter. The winter after that we have to prepare for and that requires a steady, determined, united approach in Europe," he said.
He also said that it is unlikely that there will be a European Union price cap on energy prices. "That’s very complex, it’s an easy thing to say but what it means is very detailed. Every country wants to make sure we try and minimise the price but what we're trying to avoid is simplistic, populist measures that might make you look good or sound good for half an hour but that you might end up paying a lot more for – the public would have to pay a lot more for because they’re not well designed.”
He added: “I don't expect to see it happen - certainly not next week. I wouldn't rule it out, but not immediately.”
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