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.
In relation to the availability of support under the Additional Needs Payment, operated by the Department of Social Protection, this can be provided in any circumstance where the Community Welfare Service Officer is satisfied that the need exists, and that the person concerned cannot meet that need from their own resources.
Where applications are received for assistance under Additional Needs Payments with regard to energy costs, it is an operational requirement that the Community Welfare Service Officer check that the person has engaged with their energy supplier in the first instance.
The applicant will need to provide evidence of the charge/bill for electricity, how this payment is made and how the applicant can budget to meet the costs from their own resources going forward.
The Government is working towards completing the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, monitoring the efficacy of existing supports, and exploring further measures to support consumers in the context of Budget 2024.
