Electric Ireland customers to get extra electricity credit in New Year

Customers of Electric Ireland are to receive a €50 credit towards their bills early next year after the company announced that it is to forego profit on its residential electricity business. 

Electric Ireland made the announcement on December 19.

In addition to  €50 credit to be applied to each existing Electric Ireland residential electricity customer, the Electric Ireland Hardship Fund will be increased by €2 million to €5 million.

The credit comes on top of the Government's energy credit of €600, which is being paid in three installments. 

While many had the €200 credit applied in recent weeks, soaring energy costs saw many still facing electricity bills when the credit was factored in. 

Pat Fenlon, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: "2022 has been a very challenging year for energy customers, primarily as a result of increases in international gas prices.  We are acutely aware of the pressures that customers face this Winter and, recognising these exceptional circumstances, Electric Ireland is forgoing profit from its residential electricity business. Electric Ireland’s residential customers can each expect to receive €50 credit in the New Year.”

"In addition, increasing the Electric Ireland Hardship Fund by €2 million to bring it to €5 million, will help ensure the fund is accessible to those most in need of support during the Winter months,” he said.

Mr Fenlon ended the announcement with an assurance to customers, saying that: "We are committed to helping any of our customers who experience financial difficulty. As always, we encourage any Electric Ireland customer who has difficulty in paying their energy bill to engage with us and we will work with them to put a manageable payment plan in place.” 

Customers who are experiencing financial difficulty or having trouble paying their energy bills are asked to please call Electric Ireland at 1800 50 40 21 or email creditcontrol@electricireland. ie 

Existing Residential Electricity customers with Electric Ireland in the Republic of Ireland as of December 2022 19, will receive this €50 credit.

The €50 credit is inclusive of VAT.

Credit will be applied to Electric Ireland PAYG customer meters between 20th and 22nd December. 

Bill-pay customers will see the credit appear on their online accounts from 2nd January and it will be applied to paper bills from 3rd January.