Meters and readings

• Electricity meter key: you can request a meter key from ESB Networks by
• contacting them directly.
• Call 1800 372 757 

• Gas meter key: you can request a meter key from Gas Networks Ireland here.

Before installing a prepayment meter in your home, we will work with you to ensure this is the best solution based on your circumstances.  The following criteria will apply:

•    You must show that you are having trouble paying account arrears due to financial hardship and consent to the installation.
•    You cannot be critically dependent on electrically powered equipment.
•    A 24-hour tariff must be in operation at the address.
•    You must have easy access to the meter in your home to input top-ups.
•    An authorised outlet should be easily accessible to purchase credit for the meter.
If you do not meet the above criteria, for example you are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment; we will make every effort to find an alternative payment solution for you. 
Some customers are normally protected from having their supply cut off during the winter months.  However, if the credit is not maintained on a prepayment meter, the supply will turn off until a sufficient top up is applied.

*Please note if you live in rented accommodation, we will require permission from your landlord to install a PPM and the team will carry out a few checks to ensure your current meter is compatible for a PPM.

• It allows you to pay for your energy as you use it
• You will not receive a bill
• Emergency credit may be available if you run out
• It allows you to manage arrears while still receiving service

What do I need to do if I have a SMART prepayment meter and I want a credit meter?

My current supplier is Prepay Power

I have left Energia:

Electricity
If you experience any technical problems with your meter, please contact ESBN or Gas Networks Ireland directly.
ESB Networks 24-hour Emergency Line: 1800 372 999.

Gas Networks Ireland 24-hour Emergency Line: 1800 20 50 50

Electric Rejection messages:
“Error” - Top up code has the wrong number of digits
“Accepted” - Top Up code has been accepted by your meter
“Rejected” - Top Up code has been rejected by your meter
“Wrong Tar” - The Price Plan has been updated and the meter is waiting for a 40 digit code to be entered in order to update its records
“Duplicate” - The Top Up code has been entered previously
“Credit Hi” - The meter has received the maximum amount of credit and cannot accept another Top Up code.
“Incorrect” - The Top Up code has been entered incorrectly, or does not relate to that specific meter

Gas
Gas Card Meter Issues
If your PAYG Gas meter is not accepting your card, take it out, wipe it with a clean cloth and try again.
If it still does not work, press the red button A. If it shows 0.00, you will need to return to the shop where you purchased the credit as the card has not been credited correctly.
If Card Fail/Card Not Accepted appears on the display screen, ensure that you are using the correct Gas card. If this continues you need to obtain a new Gas card, which you can buy in your local Payzone outlet. Once you have a new card, please ensure that you dispose of any old cards and keep the new, initialised card, in a safe place - do not leave it in the meter.

PAYG Meter - If you have any queries or problems with the operation of your meter, please contact Gas Networks Ireland, Customer Care Team on 1800 464 464 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm Saturday 9am – 5.30pm or Email [email protected] 

PAYG Gas card - If you have any issues with your gas card, please contact your gas supplier or nearest Payzone outlet. Alternatively, you can log onto: www.payzone.ie

If you smell gas call Gas Networks Ireland 24 Hour Emergency Service on 1800 20 50 50 immediately.

If you have any queries regarding prepayment meters, please get in touch.

• Send us an online enquiry by filling out this form.
• Write to us at Energia, PO Box 12380, Dublin 2
• Email  [email protected]
• Give us a call on 0818 642 642

• Bring your Prepayment Card or PPM number to your nearest Payzone outlet and top up with the amount you require. Look for shops with the Payzone sign or log on to Payzone to find your nearest outlet.
• You can top up any amount from €10 to €100. Just give the shop assistant your card and money and they will process the top-up.
• You will be given a receipt with a 20-digit code. You will need this when topping up your meter at home. Please note some codes may be longer at times due to changes in tariffs.

• Install and test the meter to make sure everything is working properly.
• Show you how to use the meter and explain about your emergency credit.
• Give you your own gas card which you must put into the meter BEFORE you go to Payzone to buy your first credit.
• Provide you with all the information you need on your Pay As You Go gas meter. You should note that Pay As You Go gas meters cannot be installed in some apartments or under stairwells.

Purchasing credit

Below is what most smart meters supplied by ESB Networks will look like.
The digital display screen on your new smart meter shows your current meter reading in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To read the new meter, note the figures on the screen before “kWh” from left to right and include all digits. 
Initially the meter will continue to be read manually by ESB Networks. From 2021 onwards it will be read automatically, significantly reducing the need for estimated bills. 

Your smart meter displays your total electricity usage in kWh. To read it, simply look at the main number shown on the screen and read it from left to right, just like a book. You don't need to press any buttons to see this overall consumption figure.

We also have a step-by-step guide on how to read your smart meter. 

​​​​​You can have a Smart Meter installed and remain on your current non-smart tariff however once you have moved to Energia Smart Energy Plan, it is not possible to move back standard plan.

Our Smart Meter plans have been designed with the customer in mind and offer a range of benefits to give you the best value, service and energy saving support.

• Peak rate: This is applied between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.
• Day rate: This is applied between the hours of 8am and 11pm, excluding the peak hours.
• Night rate: This is applied between the hours of 11pm and 8am.

ESB have already installed over 800,000 Smart Meters across Ireland and the roll-out is being delivered on an area-by-area basis.

You will receive notice from ESB in advance of them coming to your area to completion installation. It is estimated that all standard meters in Ireland will be replaced with a new Smart Meter by 2024.