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Electricity & gas · Ireland
Checked 2026-09-27

🧾 My energy bill is wrong or far too high in Ireland. What now?

The short answer

Most bill problems come from estimated meter readings, a wrong meter number or a changed advance payment. You have the right to a correct bill based on your real use.

📜 The rules in Ireland

What to do first

First make a formal complaint to your supplier or network operator. They should give a final answer within two months. If you are still unhappy, bring it to the CRU Customer Care Team free of charge.

CRU Customer Care Team (complaint resolution service) · free 📞 1800 404 404 🔗 cru.ie
Official source: cru.ie · Checked 2026-09-27

Protection against cut-off

Suppliers must try to contact you at least 4 times and send a written notice at least 10 working days before disconnection, and offer payment plans (up to 18 months). Registered vulnerable customers get a winter ban; those dependent on powered medical equipment can never be cut off.

Official source: cru.ie · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read your meter nowTake a dated photo of the meter and compare it with the reading on the bill.
  2. Check the detailsMeter number, address, period, price per unit and advance payments. One wrong digit can explain a huge bill.
  3. Complain in writingSend the supplier your reading and photo and ask for a corrected bill. If you can, pay the part you do not dispute.
  4. EscalateIf the supplier does not fix it in time, go 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
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.ccpc.ie

❓ Questions

Should I pay a bill I dispute?

If you can, pay the part you agree with and dispute the rest in writing. That protects you best.

Can the supplier estimate my use?

Yes, if no reading was available. You can always send a real reading and ask for a correction.

How far back can they bill me?

The limits differ per country. Ask the energy regulator if you get a large back-bill.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 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 I dispute an electricity or gas bill in Ireland? · Can I?→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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