People and families who depend on lower incomes are hurt the most by high energy prices. BHEAGA gives you clear, independent figures so you know exactly what's reasonable* to pay — and can take back control.
Hundreds of thousands of Irish households are currently behind on their energy bills. Maybe you're trying to deal with both electricity and gas arrears?
Is your electricity or gas account one of those in arrears for more than three months? Maybe you've been struggling to keep up with one or even both of those bills for that long... or longer?
* Source: Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
That decision involves the Ministers for Justice, Finance and Social Protection in consultation with the Central Statistics Office and the Insolvency Service of Ireland — an independent body established under Irish law (Personal Insolvency Act 2012) which prepares and issues guidelines as to what are reasonable* living expenses for people who have debts. These guidelines are also informed by the Minimum Essential Standard of Living research published from within St Vincent de Paul.
Official guidelines from the Insolvency Service of Ireland, established under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012. This Act defines "insolvent" as meaning that somebody who owes money is unable to pay that money in full when it falls due. If you are in arrears on your electricity or gas arrears, then that's you! So, why not use our calculator to find out what's reasonable* to pay to your energy supplier in your family circumstances?
Minimum Essential Standard of Living research published from within St Vincent de Paul, informing what households need to live with dignity.
The latest median annual residential gas bill available from the Central Statistics Office.
Cross-referenced with independent energy price comparison services for current market accuracy.
Select your household type, add any children, and get your personalised figures instantly.
Select the category that applies to you.
Use the counters to add children in the relevant age brackets.
Whether you're a single adult, a couple, or a family with children, BHEAGA calculates your personalised weekly energy allowance based on official Irish data.
Whether you're a single adult, a couple, or a family with children, BHEAGA calculates your personalised weekly energy budget based on official Irish data.
Select whether you're a single adult, couple, one-parent family, or two-parent family.
If you have children, tell us how many in each age group — infant, pre-school, primary, or secondary.
See your weekly electricity and gas allowance instantly, with a full breakdown of how it was calculated.
In Irish, beag means small. Energy companies are big and powerful, while those on lower incomes are small. bheaga.ie is here for the muintir bheaga — the "small people" — helping families struggling with electricity and gas arrears to know exactly what's reasonable* to pay.
If you engage with your supplier and stick to a payment plan you can actually afford, you are protected. Don't just take our word for it.
BHEAGA's price is set at €19.27 as Ireland's government decided to set up the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) to run, manage and distribute electricity countrywide almost 100 years ago in 1927. That fact can't be changed, so the price of our calculator to you will never be changed either.
In financial terms, energy companies are big and powerful, while those on lower incomes are small — or beag in Irish. bheaga.ie is especially here to help those "financially small" people and families — muintir bheaga — currently struggling with electricity and gas arrears, with further higher prices expected in 2026.
Energy debt piles up fast. Between estimated bills, increased prices, tariffs, and unaffordable payment plans offered by suppliers, it's hard to know where you really stand.
What should a household of your size actually spend on electricity and gas/home heating each week?
A single adult's needs are very different from a family with four children. Your energy costs budget should reflect your actual household.
Well, the Minister for Energy for starters...
Minister for Energy Darragh O'Brien speaking on RTÉ's Prime Time.
Yes, the CRU, which is the industry Regulator (Commission for the Regulation of Utilities). The CRU published a Decision Paper on 29th August 2025 which outlined additional customer protection measures for household electricity and gas customers. These measures include the following CRU statements:
A supplier should take account of the customer’s ability to pay when agreeing any repayment arrangement, by credit or prepayment meter and confirm with the customer that arrangements are manageable.
CRU Decision Paper, 29 Aug 2025In assessing the customer’s ability to pay, suppliers must take into account as much information as provided by the customer as possible, including e.g. ...number of dependents in the household...
CRU Decision Paper, 29 Aug 2025Any information, including webpages with information, regarding repayment plans must make clear that a customer can request a repayment plan of at least 18 months in length.
CRU Decision Paper, 29 Aug 2025Lump sums are to be presented as an option rather than an obligation to customers.
CRU Decision Paper, 29 Aug 2025Each supplier is to continue to provide direct contact details of dedicated staff and/or teams to NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations)... or agencies who represent customers. These direct contact details include, at minimum, a direct dedicated phone number and a direct dedicated email address.
CRU Decision Paper, 29 Aug 2025There is. The energy suppliers themselves, through their Energy Engage Code:
Who is an Engaged Customer?
You are an engaged customer if you actively communicate with us directly or through a third-party representative to manage your energy bills. You can work with us to manage your energy bills by: ...following a payment plan.
Here's how to use your rights — and BHEAGA — to get an affordable payment plan in place.
Make the suppliers keep their word.
Try the BHEAGA calculator & get your affordable budget.
Pay €19.27 to get your weekly electricity and/or gas budget emailed to you on BHEAGA headed notepaper.
Our price also includes emailing your Payment Plan Proposal letter and contact information for all the major suppliers.
Send your BHEAGA Energy Budget and your completed Payment Plan Proposal letter to your supplier(s).
Stick to paying the amount in your budget and you’ll have peace of mind.
Remember, BHEAGA is here to help you further if you need us to engage with your supplier(s) on your behalf. See our “Frequently Asked Questions” section for more details.