I don't have a smart meter, can I still get a payment for exporting electricity?

You may be eligible to receive a payment for exporting electricity, depending on your meter type.

If you have a 24-hour meter

If you have a 24-hour meter, you're eligible for a smart meter under the current roll-out. In this instance, you must have a smart meter One exception to this is customers with 3 Phase 24-hour meters.  

When your smart meter is installed, ESB Networks will start taking actual readings for your micro-generated export. We'll receive your metered export quantities from ESBN and we'll use these to calculate your export payment. Where ESBN are unable to provide us with a metered export quantity, they will send us a deemed export quantity. 

Please note that legacy non-smart 24-hour meters (also known as MCC01 meters) are not eligible for microgeneration payments.

If you have a day/night meter

ESBN has started installing smart meters for customers with day/night meters.

  • If your micro-generator was installed prior to 11 September 2023, you'll be entitled to a microgen payment until your smart meter is installed. 

  • If your micro-generator is installed and approved after 11 September 2023, but you don’t have a smart meter, you won’t qualify for a microgen payment until your smart meter is installed.

Other meter types

If you have a different meter type that’s not mentioned above, you’re not eligible for a smart meter under the current ESB-led roll-out. However, you may still be eligible for a deemed export payment.  

Timelines for smart meter exchanges for 3 phase meters are currently being re-planned by ESBN. We'll update our website when more information becomes available.  If you have a 3 phase meter, you’re eligible for a microgen deemed payment. 

  • If you've refused a smart meter 

  • If you're eligible to upgrade to a smart meter and object to a smart meter installation by ESBN, you'll be ineligible for payment for your exported electricity. For more information, visit cru.ie. 

  • If you’d like to receive payments, then you must contact ESBN and have a smart meter installed.

For more information on smart meters, see our Ultimate Guide to Smart Meters.