1. What is the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS)?
From 1 March 2023, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme will provide qualifying businesses with up to *40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills up to €15,000 per month and is administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
TBESS guidelines were reviewed with changes requested by Ministerial Order. The scheme has now been extended to 30 April 2023. For the latest guidelines and changes, click here.
*Please note there are additional proposed enhancements to the TBESS that are currently subject to State aid approval. These include:
- Extension of the scheme to 31 May 2023
- Reduction of the energy costs threshold from 50% to 30% with effect from 1 September 2022
- Increase in payment amount from 40% to 50% of a business’ eligible costs from 1 March 2023
They can be read in full here.
2. How do I know if I am eligible for the TBESS?
The Revenue Commissioners state that a business will be considered an eligible business “where it is a company, self-employed individual or partnership carrying on a trade or profession the profits of which are chargeable to tax under Case I or Case II of Schedule D by virtue of section 18(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (TCA).”
The full criteria for eligibility can be read on the guidelines issued by Revenue here.
3. How do I apply for the TBESS?
The portal for registration is now open on the Revenue Online Services (ROS).
To apply for the TBESS, claims must be made through Revenue’s Online Services (ROS), with a few steps to be taken:
1. Login or Register for ROS
2. Then register for the TBESS
3. Complete a claim in respect of a claim period
See the TBESS guidelines here for further information.
4. How do I calculate my AUP?
Revenue have stated that to be eligible to make a claim under the TBESS, customers must be able to demonstrate that the Average Unit Price (AUP) has increased by *50% or more as compared to the average unit price of electricity or natural gas in a reference period. Your AUP calculated is typically all your charges (excl-VAT) divided by your usage (KWH) within a billing period.
See section 3 of Revenue’s TBESS Guidelines for further information.
If you are an Electric Ireland customer, you can easily access a report that states your AUP through your Business Online account:
1. Log in to your Business Online account
If you have not registered for Business Online we recommend you do so as it is the quickest way for you to access your AUP
2. Once logged in, click on ‘Reports’ and then select 'Average Unit Price'
3. If you have multiple accounts, please ensure you select the individual account you are applying for
4. Select the month that you require your AUP for – the month selection can be found on the upper right side of the screen
5. Scroll to the bottom of the screen where you will find a table, with a column displaying ‘Average Unit Price’. Here you will see the monthly AUP calculation
6. This table can be easily exported as an excel spreadsheet. Click the download button on the top right of the screen, across from the ‘Average Unit Price’ heading
*Please note that proposed enhancements to the TBESS are currently subject to State aid approval. This includes a reduction of the energy costs threshold from 50% to 30%, with effect from 1 September 2022. Full proposals can be read here.
5. I have to submit previous bills, where can I get these?
You can access previous bills through your Business Online account. Login or register here.
Further details on the steps to download once you’re logged in:
1. Log in to your Business Online account
2. Click ‘Accounts’
3. If you have multiple accounts, navigate to the appropriate account number, and select that account
4. After selecting the account, you will be brought to ‘Account Details’ screen
5. Here you can choose which bill(s) you would like to download
Our Business Online ‘How To’ video also explains how you can do this.
6. Can Electric Ireland help me with my application?
The TBESS is administered by the Revenue Commissioners and not through Electric Ireland. Unfortunately, our call centre staff will be unable to assist you with your application.
We will endeavour to share information and guidance with our customers to help them during this difficult time on our Support Hub.
For further detail on the scheme please visit gov.ie.
You can also find the guidelines on the operation of the Temporary Energy Support Scheme here.
7. How to Login or Register for Business Online?
You can login to Business online here.
Alternatively, you can register here.
Registration is quick and easy and will only take you a couple of minutes. Please have the following to hand:
i.) Account Number
ii.) MPRN
iii) Contact Details
To learn about the full benefits of Business Online, watch our explainer video here.
8. How to Reset My Password for Business Online?
Here's how to reset your password for Business Online by email:
1. Visit businessonline.electricireland.ie.
2. Click "Forgot Password"
3. Type in your email you use for Business Online and click Submit
4. Check your email inbox and click on the link in the email
5. Create a new password
- Did this answer your question?
Thank you for your feedback