The Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme payment used the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure that all domestic electricity accounts, including those with pre-pay meters, could receive direct support. This method was used to ensure that payment could be automatic, without the need for application, means testing or approval.
While credits were applied to each domestic MPRN, there are cohorts, including occupants of mobile homes which share a commercial connection, that did not receive the payment. However, other supports have been made available for those struggling to pay their bills. Budget 2023 introduced a range of once-off social protection measures, including additional lump sum payments for recipients of Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Increase, the Working Family payment, and the Carer's Support grant, as well as further support to those in receipt of long-term disability payments.
One particular cohort which includes traveller households who use Local Authority accommodation. In this situation, the MPRN is registered to the Local Authority and supplies multiple households. In approving the second Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, Government also approved funding for this group, including provision for payment to be made to these families in respect of the first scheme. My Department has worked with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on this matter and provided the funds to individual Local Authorities to enable them to make the necessary payments to families in their areas
In February, a further €470 million package of measures to support social protection recipients from April to July was announced. Other existing support options include the Additional Needs Payment available through the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and support to anyone struggling to meet energy costs. and other expenses.
Government is closely monitoring the impact of the measures it has taken to combat energy poverty through the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and possible future measures to support vulnerable groups are being considered in the context of Budget 2024.
