Q. I read that in the Budget we would be getting electricity account credit. I am renting, what is this payment and how do I avail of it?
Thanks for your question, with rising costs I think its on a lot of people’s minds right now. As part of Budget 2024, all domestic electricity customers will get a credit of €450 off their electricity bills in the next year to help with the high costs of energy.
The good news is, as before, this payment is automatic and you do not need to apply for it. It will be paid in three separate instalments of €150 (€137.61 excluding VAT) between December 2023 and March 2024.
In terms of who is eligible to get it, the credit applies to domestic electricity accounts registered with a supplier in the Republic of Ireland. So you are eligible if you are registered as either an urban or rural domestic customer.
Your €450 credit will be split into three instalments of €150. Which means you’ll get your first instalment between December 1 and 31, your second between January 1 and 31, and the final one between March 1 and 31.
The date the credit is applied to your account depends on your billing cycle with your supplier. But all suppliers will have information on their websites showing the exact dates the credit was applied.
For those who use pre-pay electricity, suppliers should contact you by text, email, or on your top-up note to tell you the credit has been applied to your account. Most pre-pay electricity meters accept each of the €150 credits in full, but your supplier should give you specific instructions on how to redeem your credits.
Renters can rest assured of getting the credit also, as long as their name is registered on the electricity account for their accommodation. However, if you pay your landlord for electricity, your landlord should pass the credit on to you. If there is a dispute that you cannot resolve informally, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Board for a free mediation service.
Limerick Citizens Information Centre answer your questions in the Limerick Post. If you have a question relating to social welfare issues, tenant or consumer rights, immigration, money, tax, housing, or employment, email limerick@citinfo.ie, call 0818 075 780, or drop in to Riverstone House, Henry Street, V93 T28.
