The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 was signed into law on 04 March 2022 establishing the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme which will allow for €200 (inclusive of VAT) to be credited to all domestic electricity accounts.
The €176.22 credit line (ex VAT) is the amount consumers will see as a credit line item on their bills. The Scheme will be rolled out ensuring it benefits as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Consumers will not need to apply for this or take any further action as the credit will be automatic.
Oversight of the Scheme
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has oversight of the Scheme. The Scheme is being operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers. ESB Networks will pass the funds to the energy suppliers. In turn, the energy suppliers will credit the domestic electricity accounts using the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN).
Guidance for tenants – in cases where the tenant is not the domestic electricity account holder
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has partnered with the Residential Tenancies Board to ensure that it is communicated to landlords and tenants that those who pay for the electricity should be beneficiaries of the Scheme. The credit is designed to provide all householders (homeowners, landlords and tenants) with a contribution to their electricity bills. In some cases, tenants in rented accommodation don’t have an electricity account in their own names and pay their landlord for their electricity. The expectation in those circumstances is that landlords will pass on the credit to their tenants.
In the event of a dispute arising, tenants and landlords are encouraged to try and resolve the matter together first by keeping lines of communication open. In the event that the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, the matter may be referred for the RTB’s free mediation service, where an independent mediator helps both parties come up with a solution that is mutually beneficial. Alternatively, parties can apply for adjudication with the RTB where an independent adjudicator makes a finding based on the evidence related to the case.
Further information
Tenants and landlords should have regard to the relevant information on www.gov.ie in the first instance around this scheme. If you have any specific queries related to this Scheme, please email customer.service@decc.gov.ie
For more information on referring a dispute for mediation or adjudication you can visit the RTB’s website here.