WITH RISING ENERGY costs placing an increased strain on our finances, this winter is set to be a challenging one for households across the country. It’s important to know what our Government is doing in order to support us this winter, so we’ve outlined what’s on offer to reduce the pressure that families, households and businesses are experiencing.
A booklet containing expert advice on how to reduce energy use is being delivered to over two million households, it’s part of a national campaign urging people to “reduce your use” over the winter months.
Getting to know your appliances and what the costs are is the first step in reducing your use:
Alongside actions you can take to reduce energy usage, the Government has introduced a number of supports to ease the burden of increased costs.
The Government has applied a €600 (inc. VAT) Electricity Credit to all Irish domestic electricity accounts, registered to an MPRN, including those on pay as you go meters, paid in three instalments to match billing cycles this winter: one before Christmas and two afterwards. You do not need to apply for this and will receive it automatically.
An extension of the VAT reduction on energy bills will lead to €64 in estimated savings.
The PSO Levy Reduction is expected to result in €89 of estimated savings per household.
Grants for home energy upgrades through SEAI, with options to suit all circumstances, including fully funded upgrades for eligible energy poor homes have also been offered.
From January 2023, a new means threshold for Fuel Allowance will be introduced for people aged 70 years and over. The allowable means will be €500 per week for a single person and €1,000 per week for a couple.
From January 2023, the weekly allowable means threshold for the Fuel Allowance for those aged under 70 will be increased by €80 per week, from €120 to €200 above the weekly rate of State Pension Contributory. For more information, visit here.
A Christmas Bonus payment will be made in December 2022. For more information, visit here.
Alongside the extension in VAT reduction on energy bills, several tax relief measures have been introduced.
There is an increase in the Standard Rate Cut Off Point by €3,200 to €40,000, with proportionate increases for married couples and civil partners.
Main tax credits (Personal, Employee, and Earned Income Credit) have increased by €75.
The Home Carer Tax Credit has increased by €100 to support stay-at-home parents.
If you have any fears arising from increased energy costs, there are several organisations offering advice and support.
This winter, the CRU also introduced extended protection measures to help domestic electricity and gas customers. CRU has a Customer Care Team where domestic and small business customers can find advice on these protections and how suppliers must treat customers fairly who are having difficulty paying bills
Email: customercare@cru.ie
Website: cru.ie
The SEAI has information on grants available for home energy upgrades, as well as useful advice on energy efficiency.
Email: info@seai.ie
Website: seai.ie
The charity ALONE, in partnership with the Department of Environment Climate and
Communications (DECC), has a national support line for older people who may need support with their energy bills or any other challenges this winter.
Helpline: 0818 22 2024 7 days per week, 8am-8pm,
Website: alone.ie
MABS is a free, independent, confidential and non-judgmental money advice and budgeting service for all members of the public. If you are struggling with debts including energy bills, contact MABS for advice and support.
Helpline: 0818 07 2000 Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm
Website: mabs.ie
For a full range of supports on offer head to gov.ie/ReduceYourUse.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say