You will receive the electricity credits if you meet all of the following three points:<ol><li data-block-key="atpo0">You are a domestic customer. You can see this on this your latest electricity bill. (DG1 is an urban domestic customer and DG2 is a rural domestic customer).</li><li data-block-key="bkcqp">You are registered with an electricity supplier in the Republic of Ireland with a unique Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN). This is the number of your electricity meter, which is on your electricity bill, and;</li><li data-block-key="a4j3j">You are not identified as having a low usage electricity account.</li></ol>

Who is eligible?

A low usage electricity account is one that used less than 150kWh of energy, in every three-month period (known as ‘quarters’) between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023[1]. This amount of energy is roughly what you would use over three months if;<ul><li data-block-key="dgufv">you had a fridge-freezer plugged in</li><li data-block-key="ev5hm">you boiled a kettle twice a day, and</li><li data-block-key="b70if">you had one light bulb on for two hours a day.[2]</li></ul>You will also receive the credit if you have a microgeneration account. If you have a microgeneration account (for example, you have solar panels on your roof and you have registered these with ESB Networks), you will not be on the low usage list and will receive the credit.[1] This calculation is made by ESB Networks for each domestic electricity meter, so it will be based on electricity used at your property between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, even if you were not living there at the time.[2] See <a href="https://switcher.ie/gas-electricity/guides/kilowatt-hours-kwh-explained/">https://switcher.ie/gas-electricity/guides/kilowatt-hours-kwh-explained/</a> for how much energy different appliances use. For our example, a typical fridge-freezer uses 1 kWh per day (90 kWh in 90 days), a kettle uses 0.25 kWh per boil (45 kWh in 90 days if boiled twice a day) and a 100W light bulb uses 1 kWh in 10 hours (if turned on for 2 hours a day, in 90 days this would use 18 kWh).

Who is low usage?

Yes, you can still receive the credits if you:<ul><li data-block-key="5kal3">have signed up to be on your electricity supplier’s vulnerable customer register, or</li><li data-block-key="6qd3d">are not registered as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier, but you are eligible to be (you do not have to sign up to the register to receive the credits), or</li><li data-block-key="cqv2d">have a hardship meter account with your electricity supplier.</li></ul>

I am a vulnerable customer, can I still get the credit if I am identified as having a low-usage electricity account?

No, you do not need to sign up to receive the credits. The scheme will automatically apply to all domestic electricity accounts that are not low usage electricity accounts.If you are a bill pay customer, the credits will be applied automatically to your account and will appear on your bills. If you are a prepay customer, your electricity supplier will directly contact you (by sending a letter or an email) to explain how you can redeem the credits.

Do I need to sign up to receive the credits?

Your electricity supplier will update their website with the exact dates the credit will appear on your electricity bills. The date you receive your credit will depend on the date that your supplier normally sends your bill.Bill pay customer:<ul><li data-block-key="1rtrc">If you are eligible for the credit, the first credit will be applied to your account at some point in December.</li><li data-block-key="daknf">You should see the credit on the next bill you receive after this time. This next bill will most likely arrive in January, but it could arrive in December or may not arrive until February, depending on the exact date the credit is applied and timing of your billing cycle.</li><li data-block-key="g88l">You should wait to receive this bill and check if the credit is on it. If it is not, then you may wish to contact your electricity supplier.</li></ul>Prepay customer:<ul><li data-block-key="cc6jk">If you are eligible for the credit, the first credit will be applied to your account at some point in December.</li><li data-block-key="8eh6">You should receive this the next time you top-up after the credit is applied to your account.</li><li data-block-key="1b4f1">You may need to top-up more than once to get the full value of the credit.</li><li data-block-key="1t2eo">If you have not received the first credit by 31 December 2023, you may wish to contact your electricity supplier.</li></ul>You can find the contact details for your electricity supplier on your most recent bill or statement.

Who should I contact if I don’t receive the credit, and when?

If you are identified as having a low usage electricity account, your supplier may automatically withhold your credits. However, you may still receive the credits if you are eligible under the terms of the scheme[1]. To be eligible in this case, you must:<ul><li data-block-key="a21o5">be on your electricity supplier’s vulnerable customer register, or</li><li data-block-key="e8832">be not yet registered as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier, but you are eligible to be (you do not have to sign up to the register to receive the credits), or</li><li data-block-key="144ec">have a hardship meter account with your electricity supplier.</li></ul>If you haven’t received your credit under the timeframes mentioned in the previous question, and you think you are eligible, you should contact your electricity supplier. If your supplier says you are not eligible and so you will not receive the credit, but you think you are eligible, you can ask your supplier to review their decision.If your supplier reviews their decision and confirms they will not award the credit, report it to the CRU’s Customer Care Team.. The process for this is set out on our <a href="https://www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint/complain-to-the-cru/">website</a>.[1] In line with section 6(3)(b) of the Act of 2023.

I did not receive the credits as I had a low usage electricity account. Can I still receive the credit?

The exact date you receive the payment will depend on your electricity supplier. They will credit customer accounts as set out below:Credit number Payment period1 Between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 20232 Between 1 January 2024 and 29 February 20243 Between 1 March 2024 and 30 April 2024However, the credit may not appear on your bill during these payment periods, as this will depend on the timing of your billing cycle. For example, if you received a bill in November 2023 then your next bill will be due in January 2024 (assuming you are billed bi-monthly), and the first credit should show on this bill.

When will I receive the payment?

The credit will be automatically applied to eligible accounts, either as a credit on your bill or as a top-up on your prepay meter.

How will the credit be applied to my account?

If your first bill after the credit is applied is lower than the value of the credit, the credit will remain on your account and pass onto your following bill(s).

My account is currently paid up to date or in credit – how can I access the government credit?

Yes. The scheme will apply to all eligible domestic electricity accounts, including pay as you go customers.If you have a prepay meter, your electricity supplier will send you a letter or email to explain how you can redeem the credits.

I have a prepay meter, will I still be eligible to receive the credit?

No, the scheme is not means tested.

Is the scheme means tested?

It is important to not engage with texts or phone calls asking for personal information to access your electricity credit.You do not need to sign up to receive the credits. The scheme will automatically apply to all domestic electricity accounts that are not low usage electricity accounts.If you are identified as having a low usage electricity account but you are still eligible to receive the credit, you should contact your supplier directly.For information on what to do if you have engaged with a scam call or text, please see the following information from the Commission for Communications Regulation: <a href="https://www.comreg.ie/advice-information/scam-calls/">https://www.comreg.ie/advice-information/scam-calls/</a>.

I received a text message about my accessing my credit, is it legitimate?

Payment Period<ul><li data-block-key="7rlrd">There are three payment periods for the scheme:<ul><li data-block-key="ad91l">1 December 2023 to 31 December 2023 for the first payment,</li><li data-block-key="35rav">1 January 2024 to 29 February 2024 for the second payment, and</li><li data-block-key="3i2c9">1 March 2024 to 30 April 2024 for the third payment.</li></ul></li></ul>Determine Number of MPRNs<ul><li data-block-key="65di6">To ensure the correct amount of funding is transferred for each meter registered in Ireland, ESB Networks determines the number of domestic electricity Meter Point Registration Numbers (MPRNs) on their system, and</li><li data-block-key="7qbju">which supplier each MPRN was registered to, as of an ‘effective date’ :</li></ul>- 29 November 2023 for the first payment period,- 20 December 2023 for the second, and- 28 February 2024 for the third.<ul><li data-block-key="5eemu">Once an MPRN is on a supplier list for a credit payment period, it cannot be moved to another supplier list.</li></ul>Funding to suppliers<ul><li data-block-key="dg44u">Following each effective date, Exchequer funds are allocated to suppliers on the basis of ESB Networks’ list. ESB Networks transfers these funds to electricity suppliers.</li></ul>Supplier credits customer<ul><li data-block-key="4qot5">Once a supplier receives the credit associated with an MPRN, it is their responsibility to provide the credit to the account associated with that meter number on the effective date.</li></ul>

How does the scheme operate?

If you do not receive the credit and wish to log an objection with your electricity supplier, you must do so by 30 June 2024.<ul><li data-block-key="bm3c9">For any credits that are unallocated under the terms of the scheme, funds must be returned to the Exchequer by 31 December 2024.</li></ul>

Does the scheme have an expiry date?

Most domestic electricity customers (over 96%) will receive the credits automatically. It is very unlikely that your account was identified as a low usage electricity account, unless:<ul><li data-block-key="f74se">There was an extended period of time (around three months) where your property was completely vacant between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, or</li><li data-block-key="870dq">Your day-to-day electricity usage is very low, below 150 kWh in a three-month period. This amount of electricity is roughly what you would use over three months if you have a fridge-freezer plugged in, boil a kettle twice a day and have a light bulb on for two hours each day.</li></ul>If you have not received your first credit on your first bill in 2024[1] or on a prepayment vend, you may have been identified as having a low usage account. This could mean your account was deemed ineligible to receive the credits.You may still receive the credits if you meet the eligibility criteria[2], which are that you:<ul><li data-block-key="a95m1">are on your electricity supplier’s vulnerable customer register, or</li><li data-block-key="fjjr6">are not yet registered as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier, but you are eligible to be (you do not have to sign up to the register to receive the credits), or</li><li data-block-key="9nll9">have a hardship meter account with your electricity supplier.</li></ul>If you do not automatically receive the credits and think you are eligible, you should call your supplier to discuss your eligibility for the scheme.[1] The first credit payment period is 1 December to 31 December 2023. Your supplier may apply the credit to your account at any time during this period. If you receive bi-monthly bills, and the first credit is applied to your account at the end of December, you may not see this on your bill until the end of February depending on your billing cycle.[2] Criteria as set out in section 6(3)(b) of the Act.

How will I know whether I am automatically eligible to receive the credits, or whether I have a low usage electricity account and may not get the credits?

A vulnerable customer is defined in legislation[1] as a household customer who is:<ul><li data-block-key="cki4p">Critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, which shall include but is not limited to life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, or</li><li data-block-key="51du2">Particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age (66 years or above, living alone, with another vulnerable person or with minors) or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.</li></ul>To register as a vulnerable customer, some electricity suppliers have a registration form available on their websites. You can also contact your supplier who will be able to assist.For more information, the Code of Practice for Vulnerable Customers can be found in the CRU’s Electricity and Gas Suppliers’ Handbook 2023. [1] The first credit payment period is 1 December to 31 December 2023. Your supplier may apply the credit to your account at any time during this period. If you receive bi-monthly bills, and the first credit is applied to your account at the end of December, you may not see this on your bill until the end of February depending on your billing cycle.

What is a registered vulnerable customer, and how do I sign up?

Suppliers should be mindful that customers who contact them because they did not receive the credit due to low usage, may be rationing, which may be a signal that they are vulnerable. Suppliers should carefully and thoroughly check the customer&#x27;s eligibility for registration and, if in doubt, offer customers the choice to register as a vulnerable customer.Customers are entitled to the credit where they are registered as vulnerable or are eligible to be registered as vulnerable, even if the customer does not wish to register as vulnerable.

I have a low-usage account because I am very careful with my energy use due to financial concerns, can I receive the credit?

Yes. The scheme will apply to all eligible domestic electricity accounts, including pay as you go customers. If you have a prepay meter, your electricity supplier will send you a letter or email to explain how you can redeem the credits.

An electricity hardship meter is installed for a customer that is in financial difficulty.If you have a hardship meter account on the effective date(s) the credit(s) should automatically be applied to your account.The effective dates are:<ul><li data-block-key="658j2">29 November 2023 for the first payment</li><li data-block-key="3otls">20 December 2023 for the second payment</li><li data-block-key="61q80">28 February 2024 for the third payment</li></ul>If you are not sure whether you have a hardship meter or not, and you do not receive the credits automatically, you can contact your supplier.

What is a hardship meter? How do I know if I have one?

The scheme can only credit the domestic electricity account holder.Information from the Department of Environment, Climate and CommunicationsThe Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Residentials Tenancies Board (RTB) to publicise and increase awareness of the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme to ensure those in rented accommodation who hold the electricity account receive benefit from the payments.If a dispute arises, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) can mediate between the landlords and the tenants. The RTB encourages both parties to engage with its mediation service where agreements are reached in over 70% of cases.

My electricity bill is included in my rent, will I still get the credit?

The scheme will apply to every domestic electricity account which is not a low usage electricity account as defined in the Act. This means that holiday homes with a domestic electricity account in Ireland will be included in the scheme as long as they do not meet the definition of a low usage electricity account.

Will people with multiple residences, for example holiday homes, be eligible?

If your microgeneration was registered with ESBN on the effective date, and your maximum export capacity is above zero, you should receive the credit. If you think you meet the criteria and did not receive the credit, you should contact your supplier.

I have microgeneration installed and am exporting energy. Will I still receive the credits?

If you have an account number with an electricity supplier, but there is not a unique Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) for your account, you may have a sub-meter account. This can be the case where two or more households share one ESB Networks meter, and each individual household has its own prepay meter.There is a separate scheme, called the Submeter Support Scheme, that will provide you with electricity credits if you have a sub-metered account. This scheme is being operated directly between electricity suppliers and the Government. If you have a sub-metered account, you should receive payment automatically from your supplier. If you have any queries about receiving electricity credits under this scheme, you should contact your electricity supplier directly.

I have a sub-metered account (there is no unique Meter Point  Registration Number for my account). Will I receive the credits?

The credit is applied to your bill as €137.61 with a VAT rate of 9%. This equates to a benefit of €150 after VAT.(Credit applied before VAT, as it should appear on bills, equates to €150 after VAT).

Why did I receive less than €150 credit?

Yes. The credit can be used towards the fee to re-connect a domestic electricity supply user (DG1 or DG2).

Can the credit be used to re-connect electricity supply?

Yes. The credit can be used to pay off any debt you have on your electricity account.

Can the credit be used to pay off debt?

No. The credit cannot be used towards gas debt. The scheme has been designed as a payment to be made in the form of a credit to each eligible domestic electricity account holder in Ireland. The scheme uses this single eligibility criteria to enable payments to be made to benefit the An Coimisiún um Rialáil Fóntas Commission for Regulation of Utilities 35 broadest range of households (many households do not have a gas connection) from relief on their energy bills.

Can the credit be used to pay off my gas debt?

Yes. The date your switch to your new electricity supplier is completed will determine which supplier holds your credit:<ul><li data-block-key="2l5ec">For the first payment period, if you switch electricity supplier between 29 November 2023 and 31 December 2023, it is the supplier you were with on 29 November 2023 that will be responsible for providing you with the credit.</li><li data-block-key="d6te8">For the second payment period, if you switch between 20 December 2023 and 29 February 2024, it is the supplier you were with on 20 December 2023 that will be responsible for providing you with the credit.</li><li data-block-key="a7ek4">For the third payment period, if you switch between 28 February 2024 and 31 March 2024, it is the supplier you were with on 28 February 2024 that will be responsible for providing you with the credit.</li></ul>A supplier may apply the credit to your closing bill if applicable or credit you back via the means by which you pay your bills.When you switch electricity supplier, there is usually a gap between the day you request the switch, and the day the switch is confirmed by ESB Networks, in line with normal market operations. If you request to switch electricity supplier before the effective date for a credit payment period, but your switch to the new supplier does not complete until after the effective date, it is the supplier you are switching away from (your old supplier) that would hold your credit.Please note, the date your switch was completed may not be the same as the date your new supplier started to bill you from. Your old and new suppliers should both be able to see the date your switch completed from their systems, so whichever one you talk to should be able to advise you of this date if there is any confusion about which supplier holds your credit.

What if I switch electricity supplier, will I still get the credit?

If you are a registered account holder with an electricity supplier on the ‘effective’ date(s), you will still get a credit, as long as you are eligible. The effective dates:<ul><li data-block-key="5oeq3">29 November 2023 for the first payment</li><li data-block-key="673s9">20 December 2023 for the second payment</li><li data-block-key="bu003">28 February 2024 for the third payment.</li></ul>

If I move out and there is a change in account holder, will I get the credit?

The customer who was registered at the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) on the specific effective date will receive the credit, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If you move into a property and there was no registered account holder for that meter number on the effective date, and you then register an account, your supplier may agree to process this as a ‘backdated move-in’. This means they set the start date for your new account as the date you actually moved in, not the date you opened the account, and you would pay bills from that date. If this is the case, your supplier may apply the credit to your account.

My supplier has carried out a backdated move-in when opening my  energy account, will I receive the credit?

No. If you switch supplier around the time of an effective date (29 November 2023, 20 December 2023 or 28 February 2024), you will receive the credit from the electricity supplier you were registered with on the effective date. You will not be credited twice in each of the respective payment periods.

If I switch supplier, will I receive the credit twice?

Under the legislation governing the scheme, the calculation as to whether an electricity account is considered ‘low usage’ is done by ESB Networks on the ‘effective date’ of 22 November 2023, based on electricity used by the meter between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.If you move into a property that has been recently built with a new Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN), there won’t be any consumption data available for the period between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. In this case, if you have an active electricity account on the effective date(s), you will receive the credit(s).However, if you move into a property where there was consumption data available between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, the calculation of electricity used at the property will be made based on whoever lived there during that period. In this case, if your account is classified as a low usage electricity account, unfortunately, according to legislation you are not eligible to receive the credit.

I have moved into a property that previously had low usage. Will I get the credit?

If you cannot resolve the issue with your supplier, please contact the CRU’s Customer Care Team for assistance by: Phone: 1800 404 404 Email: customercare@cru.ie.

What if I have contacted my supplier and still need help?

If you did not receive a credit automatically, and you think you are eligible to receive it, you can ask your supplier to review their decision. They will do this under their usual complaints process. After this review they will either provide the credit to you or, if they still think you are not eligible, they will explain their reasons in writing. If you still think you are eligible after receiving this decision, you can raise an objection to the CRU’s Customer Care Team using our usual complaint form. Make sure to explain to us why you think you are eligible. Please note, the CRU will assess whether your electricity supplier operated in line with the legislative framework for the scheme. If you were not eligible for the credit(s) under the legislation, we will not be able to direct your supplier to provider the credit(s) to you. The CRU provides a free and easy to use complaint resolution service for customers with unresolved complaints. We will deal with all complaints as quickly as possible and provide you with an outcome that is clear and easy to understand.Please note that you have to complete your supplier’s complaint process first before the CRU can investigate. This makes sure the supplier has an opportunity to address the issue first, and is a requirement under our legislative remit as set out in S.I. 463 of 2011. The process for submitting an objection to the CRU’s Customer Care Team is on <a href="/make-a-complaint/complain-to-the-cru/">our website here</a>. You can also contact the team by email or phone, and they will send you a complaint form.

How do I complain about not getting the credit?

Learn More

A woman is sat at a kitchen table reading her bills.

Billing

The Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme III was announced in Budget 2024. Domestic electricity customers will get credit to help reduce electricity bills.

Government Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

How the Scheme Works

Who the Scheme Covers

Using the credit

Moving Supplier or Property

Seeking Further Support

Billing