Ireland energy credit warning as some households may miss out on €125 payment

Households in Ireland will get €250 off their electricity bills over the coming months in a bid to help with the cost of living crisis The new energy credits, announced in Budget 2025 earlier this month, will be made in two instalments of €125 each.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe confirmed: "Budget 2025 will include an energy credit of €250 for all households. This will be paid in two equal payments."

The scheme applies to every household electricity account holder in Ireland, an estimated 2.25 million properties, with the money due to be deducted automatically. Households will not need to apply for it and most will not need to contact their electricity supplier.

The first credit is scheduled to be applied between November and December, while the second instalment will be credited between January and February.

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An energy expert has explained that the exact timings of the credits will depend on individual suppliers. Eoin Clarke from Switcher.ie said: “The first €125 credit will be paid to electricity customers from this Friday, November 1st. The exact date depends on your billing cycle, so those who pay every two months may have to wait a little longer."

He has also warned that some households may miss out on both €125 payments. Eoin highlighted that the energy credit is primarily designed to assist those who use a reasonable amount of electricity. He explained: "Some people could miss out on the giveaway if their property used less than 150kWh of electricity between September 2023 and August 2024. Mainly aimed at multiple homeowners, households needn't worry if it's their main residence, they're on the vulnerable register, have a hardship PAYG meter or a microgeneration account.

"If you’re concerned about low usage, or your home was empty for three months or more during that time, it could still be worth contacting your supplier."

Eoin advised households that switching supplier could save them up to €800 per year. He continued: "Though the handout should provide some relief for those facing colossal energy costs, at almost half of what it was last year, the credit will only cover a fraction of a typical annual electricity bill - still a whopping €1,754.

"Further savings can be made by switching, and you won’t miss out if you switch plans, as your supplier will automatically apply the credit to your closing bill or new bill.

"With a typical household saving almost €800 per year by switching to the cheapest gas and electricity plan on the market, I’d encourage all customers to switch once they’re out of contract."

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