LAST UPDATE | 17 Oct 2023

THE FIRST ENERGY credit of those promised by the Government in Budget 2024 will be applied to people’s bills on 1 December of this year. 

Cabinet has approved legislation to be published that will establish the latest Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, as was announced in budget week. 

The latest round of three credits that this legislation will green light will amount to  €150 each, totalling at  €450 each. 

These payments will be applied to people’s bills on 1 December, 1 January, and 1 March. 

For some, it may take longer to see the credit reduce their bill because of the two monthly bill cycle for electricity. 

People don’t have to apply for the credits – they are implemented automatically. 

This year will also see accommodation in which electricity is paid for via ‘sub-meters’ eligible to get the credit via a Submeter Support Scheme.

The scheme will ensure that those living in such households get the same level of support as households with normal electricity meters.

Another provision in the legislation will also allow houses that are vacant or empty, with extremely low or no electricity usage, to be identified and not eligible for the credits.

If credits are withheld in error and a customer is entitled to a credit, they will be able to contact their suppler, who will review the decision and ensure that credits are applied.

“It is vitally important that people stay warm and well this winter. People should not go without heat or light,” Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan said.

“We are urging people to stay engaged with their energy supply companies and to know that there are supports available if you are facing difficulties paying your bills.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries also briefed Cabinet on the timetable for the delivery of the nine Cost of Living Payments that were outlined in Budget 2024. 

The first lump sum payment to be rolled out will be the €400 Working Family Payment, which is to be paid on the week beginning 20 November. 

This payment will benefit 46,500 households, with 98,000 children. 

On the same week, the €400 Disability Support Grant will be issued to 214,000 people with disabilities, as well as the €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum. 

The second batch of lump sum payments will be paid on the week beginning 27th November, these will include the €400 Carer’s Support Grant, and the  €200 for the people on the Living Alone Allowance.

On that same week the €100 Qualified Child Benefit will be issued in respect of 370,000 children. 

On the week beginning 4 December, the Christmas Bonus benefits will be paid, as well as the doubled Child Benefit. 

The final lump sum to be paid out will be the January Bonus on the week beginning 29th January. 

Overall the cost of the lump sum payments will be  €1.2 billion.