The last of three energy credits worth €200 each will be paid in the coming weeks as the cost of living crisis continues.
The energy credits support scheme was announced as part of Budget 2023 measures, in the hope of easing the rising cost of living for households nationwide. The first energy credit was paid out back in November, while the second energy credit was paid out in January.
Now the third and final energy credit is one due to paid out to thousands of households between 1 March 2023 and 30 April 2023. However, the date you get your credit will depend on when your supplier typically sends you your bill.
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Individual energy suppliers will have more information on their websites about the dates the credit will show up on customers’ bills. If you are a PrePay customer, you can expect to receive a top-up code directly from your supplier.
When will the payments be made?
The first energy payment was received by households between November 1 and December 31.
The second energy credit will come between January 1 and February 28.
The third payment is expected to be paid between March 1 and April 30.
How much money will households receive?
Each domestic electricity account holder will get the benefit of the VAT inclusive amount which is €200, which will be paid three times.
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.
Everyone who pays electricity bills in Ireland is entitled to the support as long as you are registered with an electricity supplier in the Republic of Ireland. You are eligible for the credit if you are registered on the effective dates as either:
- Urban domestic customer (classified as DG1)
- Rural domestic customers (classified as DG2)
What happens with pre-pay customers?
For pre-pay customers, you will be notified by your energy supplier via a letter or email to explain how you can redeem the credits. To get the credits, 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.
What happens with renters and those with multiple homes?
If your landlord pays your electricity bill, it will likely be up to them whether or not they pass on any of the money. Meanwhile, the Residential Tenancies Board is tasked with handling disputes by renters who do not see the savings passed onto them.
For those who own several homes in Ireland, they will receive an energy payment for each house as the scheme applies to every household electricity account holder.
Suppliers will have further information on their websites about the dates the credit showed on their customers’ bills. Those who have not received their second energy credit payment by 31 March and the third installment by 31 May should contact their energy supplier.
Keep an eye on your supplier's website, where further information will be posted. The Department of the Environment will also be issuing updates.
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