Energy Supports

Government has agreed a new package of measures to reduce fuel costs and support households, businesses and key sectors. These measures build on existing supports and respond to ongoing cost pressures.

• Excise on diesel reduced by a further 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 32 cent
• Excise on petrol reduced by a further 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 27 cent
• Excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) reduced by a further 2.4 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 7.4 cent
• Reductions include the previously announced NORA levy decrease
• The planned carbon tax increase (due 1 May) has been deferred until Budget 2026, affecting fuels such as home heating oil, natural gas and solid fuels

These temporary reductions will apply from midnight, Tuesday 14 April 2026 until 31 July 2026.

For further information, please see Gov.ie

• Contact your energy supplier early to avoid disconnection. Many suppliers are signed up to the Energy Engage Code, which offers a range of protections.
• Suppliers can offer repayment plans and assistance through a hardship fund if you are in financial difficulty.
• Switching provider can save hundreds of euros per year. Compare options on bonkers.ie or switcher.ie or speak directly to your supplier.
• Vulnerable customers have additional protections – make sure you are registered with your supplier.
• Free advice and support:
  • MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service): www.mabs.ie
  • ALONE (for people aged 60 +): www.alone.ie
  • CRU (The Commission for Regulation of Utilities): www.cru.ie
• The CRU also publishes winter customer protection measures, including disconnection moratoriums and support for customers in financial difficulty.

• An extension of the reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas to 2030
• Fuel Allowance:
  • Increased to €38 per week (from January 2026)
  • Extended eligibility (including Working Family Payment recipients)
  • More info: gov.ie/FuelAllowance
• Household Benefits Package: helps with electricity or gas bills and includes a free TV licence
• Additional financial supports:
  • Heating Supplement (for exceptional medical needs)
  • Additional Needs Payment (ANP): gov.ie/ANP
  • Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA): gov.ie/SWA
  • Full details: see Government social welfare schemes
• Home and energy upgrade supports:
  • Housing Aid for Older People Grant (via local authorities)
  • Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrades (SEAI)
  • Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, whereby homeowners can borrow up to €75,000 at low-interest rates
  • Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers