In a bid to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis, every household in Ireland will get €600 off their electricity bills.
The energy credits, announced in Budget 2023, come in three instalments of €200 each.
The first was paid before Christmas, the next came in January, and the third and final one is due in March.
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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.
Around 2.25 million account holders will benefit from the scheme, with the money due to be deducted from bills automatically.
It comes as the Government is now considering a fourth €200 payment to ease us into the summer. It's also possible that next winter will see the return of the energy cash boosts.
A senior government source told the Irish Mirror that the Cabinet may sign off on energy credits for May.
They said said: "It will be acknowledged that homes still need to be heated past March, sometimes into the summer, especially for older people, and the Government would like to be in a position to help.
"This (the extra energy credit) will be part of discussions, it’s on the table, because, as the old saying goes, ‘never shed a clout until May is out.’"
Who is eligible?
Anyone who holds a household electricity account can get the payment, including pay as you go customers. The scheme will not be means tested.
How to apply
You will not need to do anything. Households do not need to apply for the payment and account holders will see the money automatically taken off their bill.
When will the payment be made?
The first instalment was paid between November 1 and December 31.
The second will come between January 1 and February 28.
The third will be paid between March 1 and April 30.
How much money will I get?
€200 is the amount consumers will see as a credit line item on their bills. Each domestic electricity account holder will get the benefit of the VAT inclusive amount which is €200, which will be paid three times.
Does it apply to renters?
If your landlord pays your electricity bill, it will likely be up to them whether or not they pass on any of the money.
The Residential Tenancies Board is tasked with handling disputes by renters who do not see the savings passed onto them.
In guidance for tenants, the Government previously said: “The credit is designed to provide all domestic electricity account holders with a contribution to their electricity bills. In some cases, tenants in rented accommodation pay their landlord for their electricity (and do not have a domestic electricity account in their own name). The expectation, in those circumstances, is that landlords will pass on the credit to their tenants.
“The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has partnered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to ensure that this is communicated widely across the rental sector, to landlords and tenants alike. Those using and ultimately paying for electricity (whether in their electricity bills or included in their rent payments) should be the beneficiaries of the Scheme.
“In the event of a dispute arising, tenants and landlords are encouraged to try and resolve the matter together first, by keeping lines of communication open. In the event that the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, the matter may be referred to the RTB’s free mediation service, where an independent mediator helps both parties to come up with a solution that is mutually beneficial.
“Alternatively, the parties can apply for adjudication with the RTB, where an independent adjudicator makes a finding based on the evidence related to the case.”
Does it apply to Pay As You Go customers?
Yes. All household electricity account holders will see the savings applied to them.
For those with hardship prepay meters, the Government said of a previous payment: “The €200 electricity credit will be applied over the course of three separate top-ups or vends, for customers using hardship prepay meters.
“These meters have a €300 credit limit, and the Government credit could put the meter over this limit.
“As a solution, the credit will be broken down into three smaller credits of €90, €90 and €20, which can be redeemed over the course of a few days – by the customer making a €10 payment towards their electricity bill. Customers will be advised only to pay €10 on each occasion to receive their credit, and to allow one day between each payment.”
Are people with multiple homes eligible?
Yes. The scheme applies to every household electricity account holder, so anyone with multiple electricity accounts will get the payment for each house.
Where can I get more information?
Keep an eye on your supplier's website, where further information will be posted. The Department of the Environment will also be issuing updates.
Check back on the Irish Mirror where we will bring you the latest news.
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