30-Second Overview
For the 2022/23 period (1 October 2022 – 30 September 2023), Ireland’s Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy was set at €0 for all domestic and non-domestic electricity customers — the first time in its history that it was reduced to zero. This suspension was due to high wholesale electricity prices, meaning renewable generators didn’t require additional financial support under the scheme.
What is the PSO Levy?
The Public Service Obligation Levy (PSO) is a mandatory government charge applied to electricity customers in Ireland, determined annually by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). It funds:
- Renewable energy generation projects (wind, solar, hydro, biomass)
- Security of supply and indigenous fuel generation
- The integration of new technologies into the electricity grid
The current PSO levy can be viewed by visiting our "Electricity PSO Levy 2025/2026" article.
What are the new PSO levy rates?
The amount of PSO you pay for your business premises is based on your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). From 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023, the PSO levy was:
- Domestic customers: €0.00 per year
- Small business customers: €0.00 per year
- Large energy users: €0.00 for both consumption and capacity elements
While the levy itself was set to zero, electricity bills remained high due to elevated wholesale market prices and other regulated charges.
How Much Did Businesses and Consumers Save?
- A small business with an MIC of less than 30kVA will see the PSO levy drop to €-37.82 from €13.63 per month. This is a reduction of 290% which is equivalent to €475 per annum.
- A large business with an MIC greater than 30kVA will see the PSO levy drop to €-37.82 from €1.63 per kVA per month. This is a reduction of 293%. For example, a business with an MIC setting of 200kVA will see a reduction of €11,486 per annum.
To find out more, click to visit our "PSO Levy for 2022/2023" article.
How to Get the Best Energy Deal?
Amid fluctuating PSO levy rates and volatile wholesale markets, securing the right electricity tariff is crucial. Here’s how Utilityfair helps business customers:
- Analysing your meter type and usage profile
- Comparing fixed, flexible, and tracker tariffs
- Identifying hidden charges and unbundled costs
- Monitoring your contract expiry so you’re never auto-rolled to expensive rates
👉 Get Started Today!
Fill out our enquiry form, click the link below, or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) Levy is a charge applied to all electricity customers in Ireland to support the generation of electricity from sustainable and renewable sources. It is reviewed annually by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), with any changes becoming effective on 1 October each year.
For the period from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023, the CRU set the PSO Levy to zero. This meant that businesses and domestic customers stopped receiving a PSO credit on their bills during this time. As a result, a small business paid an additional €311 per year on energy bills, and a medium/large business paid several thousand more due to the loss of the PSO credit.
Our energy team offers expert guidance to businesses seeking to manage and reduce their energy costs. We can help you compare electricity suppliers, identify the best deals, and ensure that your business is not overpaying.
