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Electricity & gas · Ireland
Checked 2026-09-30

💳 Prepayment meter in Ireland: can they fit one, and what are my rights?

The short answer

With a prepayment meter you pay before you use energy. It can help with budgeting, but there are rules on when one may be fitted and on protection when the credit runs out.

📜 The rules in Ireland

Prepayment meters

Pay As You Go (prepay) meters exist for electricity and gas, for customers in financial difficulty or who prefer them. Your consent is needed first, and the supplier must check the meter suits you; the CRU says they are not suitable for medically vulnerable customers.

  • Emergency credit on a prepayment meter must be at least €10. If debt is recovered through the meter, the supplier must consider what you can afford and tell you in writing the total debt and how long repayment will take. (cru.ie)
  • Smart PAYG: you must get a disconnection warning at least 21 hours before, with the top-up needed to stay connected; no disconnection during friendly credit periods; after topping up, reconnection within 1 hour 15 minutes. (cru.ie)
Official source: cru.ie · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Know the rules on fittingSee below when a supplier may install a prepayment meter in Ireland and who may be protected.
  2. Ask for emergency creditMost prepayment meters have emergency or friendly credit. Ask your supplier how it works.
  3. Get help if you cannot top upContact your supplier straight away and ask about extra support.
  4. Complain if the rules were brokenIf a meter was fitted wrongly, complain to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

CRU Customer Care Team (complaint resolution service)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 1800 404 404🔗 www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 1800 404 404🔗 www.cru.ie

❓ Questions

Can I switch back to a normal meter?

Often yes, once any debt is dealt with. Ask your supplier.

Do I pay more with a prepayment meter?

The rules on prepayment prices differ. The rules for Ireland are on this page.

Can I still switch supplier?

Usually yes, even with a prepayment meter. Debts can limit this.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

💸Can’t pay the bill→🩺Vulnerable and medical customers→🤝Help with energy costs→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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