Mohan Sinha
16 Oct 2026

DUBLIN, Ireland: PrepayPower has announced a freeze on electricity and gas prices for the winter, protecting its consumers from further increases until at least March 2027, as households across Ireland face rising energy costs.

The company, one of Ireland's largest pay-as-you-go energy suppliers, has around 200,000 consumers. It serves approximately 180,000 electricity consumers and 60,000 gas consumers, with some people holding both accounts.

The announcement follows a similar price freeze introduced ahead of last winter by PrepayPower, its sister company Yuno Energy, and Electric Ireland. However, PrepayPower raised electricity prices by 8.8 percent and gas prices by 10.6 percent in June. Most major energy suppliers have also increased their rates this year.

The company said the latest freeze would apply despite rising wholesale energy costs and concerns about European gas supplies, at a time when many consumers fear further price increases.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office last week showed that prices for energy products, including electricity, gas and other fuels, rose by 15.3 percent in the year to September.

New Protections for Energy Consumers

The announcement comes as the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) introduces stronger protections for energy consumers ahead of winter.

The new measures, which took effect immediately, change repayment arrangements for consumers who have fallen behind on their bills.

Under the revised rules, repayment plans must reflect what consumers can afford. Upfront payments must be optional, not compulsory, and consumers must be given at least 18 months to repay their debts.

The regulator also requires suppliers to explore practical ways to help struggling consumers through their own support services before referring them to organizations such as the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) or the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP).

The new rules build on existing measures designed to protect households facing financial difficulties.

The maximum share of a prepayment meter top-up that can be used to recover old debt will remain at 15 percent throughout the winter. Suppliers must also inform consumers with prepayment meters who are in debt about alternative payment options.

The 200-euro charge for switching from a gas pay-as-you-go meter to a credit meter will remain suspended.

Emergency credit on prepayment electricity meters will also remain at 20 euros, double the previous 10-euro level.

Energy suppliers must place consumers using financial hardship meters on their cheapest available tariff. They must also provide trained staff and dedicated contacts to help consumers who are struggling to pay their bills.

The CRU has maintained a five-month ban on disconnections for consumers who need special services. Consumers receiving critical services will remain fully protected against disconnection.

Energy companies must also promote the vulnerable customer register by text message, email, and on their websites by December 4.

The register is intended to help suppliers identify consumers who may need additional support, particularly during periods of financial hardship.

Despite these measures, the latest CRU figures show many households still struggle with electricity and gas payments.

In July, 14 percent of domestic electricity consumers — 322,234 accounts — were in arrears. The situation was worse for gas consumers, with 27 percent (188,882 accounts) behind on their bills.

The average outstanding balance on an electricity account in arrears was more than 500 euros. For gas consumers, the average amount owed exceeded 200 euros.

The figures highlight the financial pressure facing households as energy costs remain high. While PrepayPower's price freeze protects consumers from further increases from the company until at least March 2027, consumers across the wider market continue to face affordability concerns.

The CRU's updated rules aim to ensure that consumers who fall behind receive repayment arrangements suited to their financial circumstances and have access to support before their situation worsens.