I can't afford to top up my meter, what should I do?

We appreciate that these are difficult and uncertain times. If you’re unable to top up your meter for any reason, please get in touch with us so we can discuss your options and find a solution that works for you.

Gas Meter Customers

If topping up a Pay As You Go meter is no longer suitable for you, you can switch to a credit meter. Once you've switched to a credit meter, you'll have a range of different payment options available, such as Level Pay and scheduled payments. Contact us to arrange this.

However, it's important to note that any outstanding debt will still need to be repaid. We can work out a payment plan with you to clear any debt you may have. 

Electricity Meter Customers

If topping up a Pay As You Go meter is no longer suitable for you, you can set up a bill pay account instead. Once your bill pay account is set up, you'll receive a 60 digit code to change the tariff on your meter. Contact us to arrange this. 

Additional Options

• Certain social welfare and state pension recipients may also be entitled to the government's Fuel Allowance. A Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. You can get the Fuel Allowance if you're getting a long-term social welfare payment and are unable to provide for your heating needs from your own resources. The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. See gov.ie for more information.
• Customers can also contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), who provide information and assist customers with putting budget plans in place. MABS is a national, free, independent, confidential, and non-judgmental service for people in debt or at risk of getting into debt. It is funded by the Department of Social Protection. Click here to view the MABS website for further information. The MABS helpline service is 0818 07 2000 and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. Anyone concerned about debt can also meet with one of the MABS Money Advisors on a confidential basis to discuss their concerns and assess their options.

Vulnerable Customers

We offer a Special Services Register for gas and electricity customers who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during the winter months, such as customers who have a disability, or those who are over 66 and living alone. If you wish to register for special services, please fill out our Special Services online registration form. 

Please note: If you register as a Special Services customer with us and keep your Pay As You Go meter, you'll still be liable to self-disconnection in the winter months if you don't keep your meter topped up. If you're worried about self-disconnection as a vulnerable customer, you may wish to consider switching to a credit meter. You can contact us to switch to a credit meter, free of charge. 

We also offer a Priority Services Register for electricity customers who are critically dependent on electrically-powered equipment, which may include life-protecting devices, assistive technologies, to support independent living and medical equipment. If you wish to register for priority services, please fill out our Priority Services online registration form. 

Please note: if you register as a Priority Services customer, you'll need to change to a credit meter to ensure the continuity of your energy supply. You can contact us to switch to a credit meter, free of charge. 

Energy Support Fund

Following engagement with both partners, Bord Gáis Energy established a €1.25 million energy support fund in April to assist customers struggling to meet their payments. In addition, we’re now committing 10% of operational profits to the fund during the energy crisis. We’re also now working with Focus Ireland to widen access to the fund, so that we can help as many customers as possible.

The fund provides targeted help to those customers who need it most. Through their normal assessment channels, St. Vincent de Paul, MABS and Focus Ireland will determine the appropriate supports for customers, including whether a customer is eligible for access to this fund, and they will help customers access this fund to pay their bills.

Whatever the problem, we’re always here to help. Please contact us in confidence for further information and assistance.