Utilities Regulator (CRU) Extends Covid-19 Customer Protection Measures to Assist Consumers

The recent extension of government measures regarding Covid-19, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), along with Gas and Electricity Suppliers, has extended the moratorium on domestic electricity and gas disconnections to April 19.

This measure was taken to provide appropriate protection and reassurance for electricity and gas customers during the current period of uncertainty.  The CRU is committed to continuing to work with industry stakeholders and consumers during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure continued electricity and gas supply.

The CRU is in constant contact with the Transmission System Operators, Eirgird and Gas Networks Ireland, as well as Irish Water to monitor the implementation of their individual business continuity plans to ensure energy and water supplies remain uninterrupted during the pandemic.

The CRU also reminds customers of the measures in place to assist prepayment meter customers during this period to ensure they remain connected to their electricity and gas supplies. 

In addition to the moratorium on disconnections, the CRU took the decision on 16 March to increase emergency credit levels for all gas prepayment customers from €10 to €100. As gas credit cannot be purchased online, this measure has been applied to allow customers to remain connected for a period even if they cannot continue to purchase credit regularly as usual in a retail outlet.

Customers can find further information on the current Covid-19 protection measures on www.cru.ie or by calling the CRU Customer Care Team on 1890 404 404.

Commenting on the announcement, CRU Chairperson Aoife MacEvilly said: “The CRU will continue to monitor the situation in relation to the Government measures to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and take any necessary steps under our regulatory powers to ensure continuity of energy supply and to protect customers, particularly vulnerable customers.”