30 Second Overview
The Covid‑19 Supply Suspension Scheme, administered by the CRU and suppliers, allowed eligible SMEs temporarily closed due to Covid‑19 restrictions to waive fixed electricity and gas network charges - including DUOS (standing and capacity) and SPC/exit charges - from 1 May to 31 July 2020, even if no energy was used
What was the Covid Energy Supply Suspension Scheme?
During the heights of the Covid‑19 lockdowns in Spring 2020, small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland faced forced closure and ongoing fixed energy costs.
The Covid‑19 Supply Suspension Scheme, introduced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), waived fixed electricity and gas network charges - including DUOS standing charges for DG5/DG6 meters and SPC/exit charges for non-daily gas meters—between 1 May and 31 July 2020
Who could apply?
Businesses needed to apply through their energy supplier, who would coordinate with ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland, and EirGrid to apply the supply suspension at the affected site(s).
To be eligible for the scheme several conditions should be met including all of the following:
- Enterprise was trading before 13 March 2020.
- Business was non-essential, as designated by government guidelines.
- Premises were closed continuously from 28 March 2020 due to lockdown restrictions.
- Electricity meter category DG5 or DG6, or gas meter classified as non‑daily metered industrial/commercial (NDM I&C)
How much can you save?
Eligible businesses received a suspension of network charges for the covered period:
- Electricity DG5: approx. €23.61 for 90 days (ex VAT).
- Electricity DG6: €220.21 (standing charge) + capacity charge (~€33.33/KVA/year, pro‑rata).
- Gas (non‑daily metered): Up to around €76 (SBU), €400 (MBU), or even €2,580 (large industrial) for 90 days (ex VAT), depending on SPC category.
How UtilityFair Can Help You Save - Even After Covid‑19 Schemes End
While the Covid-19 Supply Suspension Scheme is no longer active, the need to cut unnecessary energy costs hasn’t gone away. Utilityfair helps Irish businesses take control of their electricity and gas bills. Our service is transparent, independent, and tailored for SMEs, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and multi-site operations across Ireland.
👉 Get Started Today
Fill out our enquiry form, click the link below or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert to start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A CRU‑backed scheme offering waiver of fixed network charges for SMEs forced to close due to Covid‑19, active between 1 May and 31 July 2020.
Non‑essential SMEs trading before 13 March 2020, closed continuously from 28 March 2020, with eligible meter types: electric DG5/DG6 or gas NDM I&C.
Typical savings ranged from €76 to over €2,500 (ex VAT), depending on meter category and site usage
No, the scheme has expired and is no longer available. However, if your business was closed during the qualifying period, you may have benefited from savings between €76 and over €2,500. For current energy savings, Utilityfair can help you compare electricity and gas deals tailored to your business needs.
