Confirmed: Final €150 Energy Credit Payment Dates & Scam Warning (Feb 2026)

DUBLIN — Good news for households struggling with high heating bills this winter. The Government has confirmed the dates for the final installment of the Electricity Cost Benefit Scheme. A credit of €150 (incl. VAT) is set to be applied to over 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts starting from February 1st, 2026.

However, consumer experts are warning Pre-Pay (Pay-as-you-go) customers to take specific action to ensure they don’t miss out on the top-up.

When Will You Get the Money?

The credit will be applied automatically, but the exact date depends on your billing cycle and provider (such as Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, or Energia).

• Bill-Pay Customers: You don’t need to do anything. The credit will appear as a “line item” on your next bill issued between Feb 1st and Feb 28th. If your bill is low, the credit will carry over to the next month.
• Pre-Pay Customers: This is where it gets tricky. You will receive a 19-digit code via text or email, or it will be printed on your receipt when you buy a top-up. You must manually enter this code into your meter to unlock the €150 credit.

The “Click Here” Scam The Department of Social Protection has issued an urgent warning alongside this payment. Scammers are sending fake SMS messages saying: “Your Energy Credit is pending. Click here to claim.”

Do not click. The Energy Credit is automatic. The government or your bank will NEVER ask for your bank details via text to process this credit.

Will There Be More Credits in 2026?

Currently, this February payment is the final lump sum agreed upon in Budget 2026. While opposition parties are calling for a “Spring Bonus,” the Finance Minister has stated that no further credits are planned until the next budget in October.

What If You Don’t Receive It?

If you have not received your credit by March 1st, 2026, or if you have a dispute with your landlord about passing on the credit, you should contact the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) immediately.

Check your next bill carefully. This €150 is tax-free money that belongs to you. Ensure it has been deducted from your total balance.