Free Electricity Allowance

Find out if you are eligible for the Free Electricity Allowance.

Who is eligible?

The Department of Social Protection will decide whether you are eligible based on your age or the social welfare benefit you may be receiving.

To receive the free electricity allowance, the Electric Ireland account for your home must be in your name.

If you live in a granny flat or similar accommodation, and do not have an electricity account registered in your own name, please contact us at 1850 372 372 to have your name included on the bill with the registered account holder.

What does the allowance cover?

• Your normal domestic standing charges
• Your domestic PSO levy (where charged)
• Up to 1,800 units of electricity each year (or about 300 units of electricity per bill).
• VAT on the above charges

Please note: the allowance does not cover the cost of installing an electricity supply in your home, or the cost of standing charges applicable to an electric storage heating meter or Nightsaver plan.

What if I don't use all my free units?

If you don't use all your free units in any billing period, you can carry up to 1200 unused free units forward to your next bill.

If you have a NightSaver or a night storage meter, any unused free electricity units will be offset against your Nightsaver or night storage usage.

What if I use more than my free units?

You will have to pay Electric Ireland for any electricity you use over your allowance.