What is the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme?

Louise Clarke tells us all about the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme and how to apply.
The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was announced as part of Budget 2023. The scheme was designed to help businesses manage the higher electricity and natural gas bills. Through TBESS, the government is providing up to €10,000 – or €30,000 in some cases – per month to eligible businesses whose energy bills have increased by more than half when compared with the same period last year. The scheme is intended to operate in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023.
What financial support is available?
The scheme will allow eligible businesses to receive a payment of up to 40% of the increase in their electricity and gas bill up to a maximum of €10,000 per month. Businesses that operate from more than one premises, e.g., from several branches and have more than one meter point reference number (MPRN) or gas meter reference number (GMPRN), may qualify for up to €30,000 per month.
Who is eligible for TBESS?
Firstly, the business must be tax compliant. This means they must be up to date with regards to tax registration, tax payments and the filing of tax returns. The business must have a tax clearance certificate for the claim period. In addition to this, to be eligible to qualify for the scheme, a business must be able to show that their electricity or natural gas bills have increased by 50% or more when compared with the same month or billing period last year. The increase is measured on the average unit price and is known as the ‘energy cost threshold’.
How do I apply for the scheme?
TBESS is being administered by Revenue on behalf of the Government. The easiest way to apply is through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). This is a two-step process. Step one is registration and step two is claim. Both of these are accessible through revenues on line system, ROS. You must register via ROS before claims can be submitted. When registering for the scheme you will need to include details of the business and information on the relevant electricity and gas connections.
Time limit for making a claim?
The time limit for making a claim in relation to an electricity or gas bill is 4 months from the end of the claim period to which the electricity or gas bill relates. See the table below for the relevant time limits for making a claim in respect of each claim period:
Claim period | Time limit for making a claim |
September 2022 | 31 January 2023 |
October 2022 | 28 February 2023 |
November 2022 | 31 March 2023 |
December 2022 | 30 April 2023 |
January 2023 | 31 May 2023 |
February 2023 | 30 June 2023 |
For more information on the TBESS, revenue has published guidelines on the operation of the scheme, with examples of the energy cost threshold, the eligible costs, and the amount that can be claimed. You can access this information here: https://www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/documents/tbess-guidelines.pdf
Louise joins Ciarán Carroll on the latest Pig Edge podcast to discuss the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme and other energy cost-saving measures.
Click here for more episodes and information from the Pig Edge podcast.