A friend received the keys to their new home (a second hand house) on Friday 24th February. They moved out of family home so did not already have their name on any energy bills up to that point. They joined Electric Ireland as a new customer on the morning of Saturday 25th February and received the first bill this week with a billing period of 25th Feb to 12th April.
They did not receive a government electricity credit.
Electric Ireland say they're not entitled to one as the previous owner got the third credit and my friend should have received it from their own previous supplier - but as a totally new customer to the market they didn't have one.
Citizens Information website states that "the supplier you were with on 27th February 2023 is responsible for giving you the third credit". But this is under the heading "Switching Suppliers" which doesn't strictly apply.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/utilities/electricity_account_credit.html#lced7e
Should he be eligible for the third credit?