CRU lifts Covid-19 supports

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities last week ended several of its Covid-19 support programmes in line with Phase Three of the Government’s ‘Roadmap for Opening Society and Business’.

Pay As You Go (PAYG) Emergency Credit has reverted back to the normal value of €10, having been increased temporarily to €100 to support vulnerable customers who could not get to a retail outlet to top up during lockdown.

Customers who availed of the emergency credit will automatically reduce their debt over time as a portion of each top-up will go towards it. It is estimated that just over 19,000 customers have availed of the emergency credit with an average debt per customer of €25.

The moratorium on debt-related locks and disconnections was also lifted.

Eligible small businesses will still be able to avail of the Supply Suspension Scheme until July 31. The Scheme was introduced to help alleviate some of the financial pressure on small businesses by foregoing network charges for a period of up to 90 days. To date, 2,200 customers have signed up for the scheme.

Gas Networks Ireland recommenced all outdoor activities, including connections. All external installations, new connections, meter readings, replacements and unlocks have recommenced, as well as road reinstatements, infrastructure improvement and maintenance projects, and construction projects including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.

Gas Networks Ireland is reminding customers who would like to submit a meter reading to do so online at www.gasnetworks.ie/meter or by phoning its Dial-A-Read line on 1800 427 732.

All Gas Networks Ireland emergency services continue to operate as normal. If you smell gas at home or on the street, please call 1800 20 50 50 immediately.