Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme
A €210 million Scheme has been approved by Cabinet to credit all domestic electricity customers with €100 in 2022. Approximately 2.1 million account holders will benefit from the scheme with a one-off, exceptional payment to their electricity accounts. This is one of a range of measures being taken to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs.
The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go customers. The exact mechanism of how the payment will be applied is currently being finalised and will be announced in Q1 2022. However, it will be automatic and will apply to all customers, people will not need to apply for it.
The scheme will become operational in 2022 following the passing of legislation through the Oireachtas.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) because of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESB Networks will make payments to energy suppliers, who in turn will credit all their domestic electricity account holders with €100.
How do I sign up?
There is no need to sign up, the scheme will be automatic and apply to all domestic electricity account holders.
Who is eligible?
The scheme will apply to all domestic electricity account holders.
I have a prepay meter, will I still receive the credit?
Yes. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go customers.
When will I receive the payment?
The scheme will require primary legislation to pass through the Oireachtas to allow it to become operational by the end of Q1 2022.
Suppliers will place further information on their websites with the exact dates the credit will show on their customers Electricity Bills.
Are there additional supports available to help with electricity/heating costs?
Yes. The Department of Social Protection has a number of supports available including:
My electricity bill is included in my rent will I still get the credit?
For operational reasons the scheme can only credit the domestic electricity account holder. Whether the account holder passes on any portion of the credit in such instances is a matter between the account holder and the tenant.
Will people with multiple residences like holiday homes be eligible?
The scheme will apply to every domestic electricity account holder so holiday homes with a domestic electricity account in Ireland will be included in the scheme.
The scheme uses the above single eligibility criteria, to enable payments to be made at the earliest possible opportunity in 2022.
The scheme does not have additional eligibility criteria. For example, it is not means tested, as the application of such criteria would override the automatic nature of the current scheme, be cumbersome for customers by requiring formal application and delay the automatic crediting of customer accounts.
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