Important Update: PAYG Debt Recovery Rate Change
PAYG Debt Recovery Rate Change is effective from the 20th of November 2025
PAYG Debt Recovery Rate Change - Effective 20th November 2025
The Debt Recovery Rate for Pay As You Go (PAYG) energy customers will increase from 10% to 15% starting 20th November 2025. This increase is part of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Customer Protection Measures for Winter 2025/2026. This change applies to all energy suppliers, including Electric Ireland, and is mandated by the CRU.
What Is the Debt Recovery Rate?
If you’re a PAYG customer and have outstanding energy debt, a portion of each top-up is automatically used to repay that debt. This is known as the Debt Recovery Rate. From 20th November 2025, 15% of each top-up will go toward repaying your arrears. For example: A €20 top-up will allocate €3 to debt repayment, leaving €17 for usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Debt Recovery Rate increasing?
A: This is part of the CRU’s efforts to help customers reduce their energy debt at a faster rate. The previous 10% rate was found to be too low, keeping customers in arrears for longer.
Q: Is this change specific to Electric Ireland?
A: No. This is a CRU-mandated change that applies to all energy suppliers in Ireland.
Q: How will this affect my top-ups?
A: If you have outstanding debt, 15% of each top-up will go toward repaying it. The remaining 85% will be available for your prepaid energy.
Q: Will this affect all PAYG customers?
A: Only residential PAYG customers with outstanding debt will be affected. If your account has no debt, your full top-up amount will go toward usage.
Q: Does this apply to Smart Prepay customers?
A: Yes. Residential Smart Prepay customers with outstanding debt will also be affected.
Q: Can I opt out of this change?
A: No. The Debt Recovery Rate is a regulatory requirement and is automatically applied to PAYG accounts with debt.
Q: Can I pay off my debt another way to avoid the 15% deduction?
A: You can contact our Customer Service team on 1800 372 372 to make a payment towards your balance. If you are a Smart Prepay customer, you can also make a payment through your online account. However, the 15% Debt Recovery Rate will still apply unless your arrears are fully cleared.
Q: What if I only top up by the minimum amount?
A: Even small top-ups will have 15% allocated to debt repayment. For example, a €10 top-up will contribute €1.50 to your arrears.
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