What is a debt flag and will it affect my switch to Electric Ireland?

If you decide to switch from your energy supplier and you have arrears with them, which exceed the limit set by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), then the supplier you are leaving will notify your new energy supplier of your request to switch.

This is known as the “debt flagging process”. And it was set up by the CRU to discourage customers from switching energy suppliers without first paying any arrears on their energy bill.

If a debt flag is placed on your account, your request to switch to us may be accepted or rejected.

If it is accepted: We will agree your terms for energy supply with you.

If it is not accepted: We will write to you. You should then contact your existing supplier to address your outstanding arrears.

Once the debt flag is removed from your account, you are free to switch your business to us for your energy supply.

The following debt values and arrears duration apply to business customers:

Switching Electricity Provider

Customer type	Customer category	Debt value & Duration threshold
Small Business	Electricity (low voltage Non MD/DG5)	Excess of €600 for more than 30 days from bill due date
Medium Sized Business	Electricity (LVMD/DG6)	In excess of €1,200 for more than 30 days from bill due date
Large Energy Users	Electricity (DG7-10, TCons)	Not applicable

Switching Gas Provider

Customer type	Customer category	Debt value & Duration threshold
Small Business	Gas (NDM <73MWh)	Excess of €600 for more than 30 days from bill due date
Medium Sized Business	Gas (>73MWh NDM <5.5 GWh)	In excess of €1,200 for more than 30 days from bill due date
Large Energy Users	Gas (DM & LDM)	Not applicable