Ireland’s energy regulator has retained additional electricity and gas customer protections for winter 2026/27, emphasising affordable repayments and practical help from suppliers. The CRU announcement and decision were published on 12 October. [1][2]

For a household preparing for winter, it is useful to separate three things: a repayment arrangement, a temporary restriction on disconnection for non-payment, and support associated with vulnerable-customer registration. They do different jobs; none is a general cancellation of energy bills.

Repayments must start with what is manageable

The CRU says repayment plans must reflect ability to pay, with upfront payments optional rather than compulsory and at least 18 months available to repay debt. Suppliers should first seek solutions through their own support arrangements before directing customers elsewhere. [1]

The decision paper shows the extended repayment option continues from the previous winter, with renewed emphasis on affordability. A customer can choose a shorter period. It also requires clarity about the ongoing energy charge alongside the debt repayment. [2]

When discussing a plan, keep those amounts separate: the repayment of an old balance and the cost of new energy use. Ask for the schedule and total amount expected at each payment date in writing, so the arrangement can be understood without reconstructing a phone conversation.

The general winter pause has specific dates

The decision sets the Christmas moratorium on disconnections for non-payment for all domestic customers from 7 December 2026 to 15 January 2027. Registered vulnerable customers have a separate period from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. [2] The CRU announcement also confirms full disconnection protection for critical-services customers. [1]

These periods should not be described as an all-winter guarantee for every household, or as covering every possible reason a supply could be interrupted. Check eligibility and registration with the supplier; a reader should not assume that being concerned about a bill automatically places the account on the register.

Prepayment support is not free ongoing energy

The CRU announcement retains a maximum 15% debt-recovery share of a prepayment top-up and €20 emergency credit. It says suppliers must provide trained staff and dedicated support contacts for customers in difficulty. [1]

Ask the supplier to explain how a top-up is divided and how emergency credit is accounted for. Keep the explanation with the account information. This helps distinguish a temporary credit facility from a reduction in the underlying price or balance.

Contact the supplier early and retain the record

The CRU recommends contacting the supplier promptly when electricity or gas bills become difficult to pay. [1] Use the contact details on an established bill or the supplier’s own website and keep the date, reference number and agreed next step.

If the supplier’s complaint process has been used and the outcome remains unsatisfactory, the CRU offers a free complaint-resolution service. Its guidance recommends gathering bills, correspondence and conversation notes, sending copies and retaining originals. [3]

Start by establishing the account’s position and available support with the supplier. A written record makes the agreed next step easier for other household members to follow.

Source announcements are dated 12 and 13 October 2026 where applicable; the linked current documents were consulted for this report.