From Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, the government will pay the first of three €200 electricity credits directly to over 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts.
The credit line will appear on bills from the start of November and into December – depending on a household’s electricity supplier and billing cycle.
The credit is automatic, and, therefore, people do not need to apply for it. It will apply to domestic bill pay and pay-as-you-go customers.
The government has confirmed that it will issue its second and third payments in 2023 in January/February and March/April.
It estimates that the total package of €600 in energy credits would equate to around 25% of the estimated annual bill for electricity – for a typical household.
Energy crisis
According to Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said that research highlights that this type of financial support is “necessary” and “does help”.
“We cannot cushion people completely from the impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine.”
“However, analysis shows that the combination of universal measures and targeted measures introduced in the Budget will help protect households, in particular those at greatest risk of energy poverty.”
“I am keen to stress that a coordinated whole-of-government approach to the cost-of-living crisis is being followed and is essential in tackling the issue.”
“We are also encouraging people to save money by being efficient in their energy use, but only when it is safe to do so. We want everyone to stay warm and well this winter.”
Ryan added that everyone in Ireland is impacted by the energy crisis and the rising cost of living.
He said the government is “acutely” aware of the difficulties people are facing, in particular older people, people on lower incomes, young families and renters, amongst others, and will continue to monitor the situation “closely” as the winter approaches.
