Energy budget-plan arrears in Ireland

Put the plan confirmation beside the bills for the same period. Note the opening balance, all charges, payments and credits, and the closing balance. Check whether a tariff discount ended, estimated readings changed, or the household's usage increased. A bank statement shows what you paid; it does not explain what was charged.

Ask the supplier to separate current consumption from old arrears in any proposed new monthly amount. Otherwise it can be difficult to tell whether a higher payment will keep up with new bills or merely reduce the old balance temporarily.

Find the wording used when you joined the plan. Was the amount described as an estimate, a payment arrangement or a fixed price? Preserve any promise to review it and any later notification of a change. Record when you first saw the growing balance and when you raised it.

Ask how the initial amount was calculated, what usage information was available and when the account was reviewed. If you were told the payments were sufficient, give the date and context of that conversation. Request a written explanation rather than assuming that every shortfall must be written off.

I joined [plan] on [date] and paid the scheduled amounts. My latest statement shows arrears of [amount]. Please reconcile the balance, explain how the payment amount was calculated and identify when it was reviewed. Please distinguish any billing correction from the proposed arrangement for paying an accurate remaining balance.

You can also ask the supplier to review unclear information or missed follow-up. Keep a proposed goodwill request separate from a claim that a particular charge was wrong. An apology, a revised plan and a balance adjustment are different responses.

Tell the supplier if the proposed payment is not manageable. The CRU's payment-difficulty guidance explains supplier support and the importance of affordability. Bring a realistic account of what you can pay; do not agree to an amount simply to end a difficult phone call.

If the supplier's complaint outcome does not resolve the issue, consider the free CRU complaints route. Keep paying attention to new bills and contact the supplier if circumstances change. This guide cannot promise debt cancellation or a particular repayment term.