OVER THE LAST year, many of us have been under increasing pressure when it comes to paying our energy bills. Numerous factors, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, have led to skyrocketing energy bills, with already-squeezed renters and single parents among those most affected.
The Government of Ireland has introduced several supports to help those battling energy poverty. These supports are designed to ease the burden on households struggling with their energy bills and are suitable for all households, renters and homeowners alike. Energy suppliers also offer some supports to their respective customers.
The government supports are a mixture of longstanding assistance and new measures specifically designed to help the public at this time of heightened costs. If you have had any difficulty paying bills in the past year, you are strongly encouraged to avail of the help outlined below and to visit the Government’s Reduce Your Use site here.
If you are struggling with your energy bills, the first step that the Government recommends is to contact your energy supplier. Suppliers have a number of supports for vulnerable customers and communicating with your supplier early can help ease the burden of energy costs. If you contact your energy supplier early, you will not be disconnected if you are engaging with them. If you register with your supplier as a vulnerable customer, there are also extra protections available to you. Suppliers can offer repayment plans based on your ability to pay bills should you accrue any debt with them. Many suppliers are also signed up to the Energy Engage Code which offers a range of protections once you engage with your supplier. You may also be able to avail of a hardship fund aimed at helping customers experiencing financial difficulty, with more information about the fund available on your supplier’s site.
Here is a list of common suppliers and their contact information:
Electric Ireland 1800 504021 | www.electricireland.ie
Bord Gáis Energy 01 6110101 | www.bordgaisenergy.ie
SSE Airtricity 0818 812 220 | www.sseairtricity.com
Energia 0818 405 405 | www.energia.ie
Prepay Power 1800 911 977 | www.prepaypower.ie
Flogas Ireland 041 214 9500 | www.flogas.ie
Pinergy 0818 363 749 | www.pinergy.ie
An Additional Needs Payment (ANP) is a payment available to you if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income. This is a means tested payment and is administered by the Department of Social Protection’s Community Welfare Service. Find out how you can avail of the ANP here.
MABS, the Money Advice & Budgeting Service is a free, independent and confidential service that provides practical support and advice on managing money and debts, including energy bills.
Call: 0818 07 2000, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm or visit: www.mabs.ie
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) can help you understand your rights as a consumer in relation to energy costs and provide some helpful information.
Call: 1800 404 404 or visit: www.cru.ie
For those over 60, you can contact ALONE on their National Support & Referral Line for a range of supports & assistance with energy bills.
Call: 0818 222 024, Mon-Sun 8am-8pm or visit: www.alone.ie
If you would like further advice on how to reduce your energy use at home then visit the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.seai.ie/reduceyouruse.
More information on the services and supports available can be found at www.gov.ie/ReduceYourUse.
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